With over 500 functions, our liver impacts virtually every organ system. Although it is most well-known for its role in detoxification and digestion, it does so much more.
Some vital liver functions include:
- regulating many of the chemicals in the body
- processing all the blood leaving the stomach and intestines
- nutrient break down, balance, and storage
- expelling bile to carry away waste
- production of proteins that regulate metabolism and signaling compounds
- metabolizing and excreting medications and harmful compounds (from the environment and internally)
Another key area regarding the liver, which is often overlooked, is its role in hormonal balance. There is a complex, bi-directional relationship between our liver and our hormones.
Our liver modulates hormonal levels in various ways including:
(1) synthesizing proteins which carry bound hormones throughout the blood (This effects their availability for cellular uptake and regulates their actions.)
(2) estrogen recycling, through its relationship to the gut microbiome
(3) acting as a major site of hormone metabolism
(4) converting thyroid and other hormones into their active and inactive forms
(5) regulating processes that impact hormone levels, such as nutrient storage and blood sugar balance
This means that your liver is one key area to address for any hormonal issue.
In my latest post and video, I review how to recognize various hormonal imbalances. Then, I detail how I help one regain hormonal harmony by addressing liver health using naturopathic and functional medicine.
Topics include:
- The mind-body systemic impact of hormones
- Symptoms of hormone imbalances
- Testing liver and hormone health
- Naturopathic and functional medicine strategies to support liver health to balance hormones (lifestyle, nutrition, nutrients and supplements, herbs, and essential oils)
Click here to learn more on how to balance your hormones by loving on your liver.
Naturopathic Medicine and Holistic Resources for Hormonal, Mood, and Digestive Support
- Free resources and more education on essential oils and mind-body wellness are available to you here.
- Tools for coping with isolation and separation.
- An Integrative Mental Health and Stress Resource Guide.
- My free online essential oils database.
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Disclaimer: This material is for information purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prescribe for any illness. You should check with your doctor regarding implementing any new strategies into your wellness regime. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.
This information is applicable ONLY for therapeutic quality essential oils. This information DOES NOT apply to essential oils that have not been tested for purity and standardized constituents. There is no quality control in the United States, and oils labeled as “100% pure” need only to contain 5% of the actual oil. The rest of the bottle can be filled with fillers and sometimes toxic ingredients that can irritate the skin. The studies are not based solely on a specific brand of an essential oil, unless stated. Please read the full study for more information.
