Understanding Your Liver Health

Your liver is like your body’s personal “detox headquarters.” It filters out waste, breaks down chemicals, balances hormones, and helps turn food into energy. When your liver is happy, your whole system runs more smoothly — from digestion and energy levels to skin clarity and mood.

But because the liver works quietly behind the scenes, many people don’t realize it’s struggling until they start noticing things like fatigue, brain fog, stubborn weight gain, or skin issues. Thankfully, a simple blood panel can give early clues that your liver could use a little extra love.

🩸 What to Look For in Blood Work

When your practitioner reviews your blood work, there are a few key liver-related markers they might mention:

ALT and AST – These are enzymes the liver uses for detoxing. If they’re higher than normal, it can be a sign that your liver is under stress.

Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) – Helps show how well bile is flowing through your liver and gallbladder.

Bilirubin – Tells how well your body is processing and clearing waste from old blood cells.

Albumin and Total Protein – Show how well your liver is making proteins needed for healing, digestion, and immune function.

Even if your results are “normal,” being on the higher or lower edge of the range can sometimes signal that your liver could use support. Think of it like your car’s check-engine light flickering — not broken yet, but worth a tune-up.

🌱 Everyday Ways to Support Liver Health

You don’t need fancy cleanses or harsh detoxes. The liver naturally knows how to clean house — it just needs the right tools and nourishment to do its job well.

1. Eat for your liver:

Load up on leafy greens, cruciferous veggies (like broccoli, cabbage, and kale), beets, and lemon water to support detox pathways.

Reduce processed foods, alcohol, and refined sugar, which create extra work for the liver.

Add fiber-rich foods (flaxseed, chia, veggies, fruits) to help your body move waste out efficiently.

2. Stay hydrated:

Water helps your liver flush out toxins naturally. Aim for at least half your body weight in ounces each day (more if you’re sweating or drinking caffeine).

3. Move your body:

Gentle movement like walking, stretching, or rebounding boosts circulation and lymph flow — helping your liver filter more effectively.

🌼 Herbs and Nutrients for a Happy Liver

Nature offers some beautiful allies for liver balance and protection:

Milk Thistle (Silymarin): A classic liver herb that helps protect liver cells from damage and supports regeneration.

Dandelion Root: Encourages bile flow to help digest fats and clear waste.

Turmeric (Curcumin): A powerful antioxidant that soothes inflammation and supports detox enzymes.

Schisandra Berry: Traditionally used to boost liver function and energy.

Artichoke Leaf: Promotes healthy bile production and may support cholesterol balance.

N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC): A nutrient that helps your body make glutathione — the liver’s master antioxidant.

Alpha-Lipoic Acid: Another antioxidant that helps recycle and protect liver cells.

(Always check for quality supplements and speak with your healthcare provider before adding new herbs, especially if taking medications.)

🌞 The Big Picture

Your liver does so much more than detox — it influences your hormones, digestion, and even your emotions. Supporting it daily with real food, movement, hydration, and natural herbs is one of the most powerful ways to protect your long-term vitality.

When your liver thrives, you feel lighter, clearer, and more balanced — inside and out.