If you have a chronic condition like endometriosis, then your liver is likely sluggish, which means it’s not able to fully complete all its important tasks, including removing toxins, and detoxing estrogen that can feed endo.
Instead these factors circulate back in your blood, clog up your lymphatic system, and have cascading impacts on your thyroid, adrenals and ovaries. You may find that you’re consistently getting cysts on your ovaries.
When your liver is sluggish you feel chronically fatigued, regardless of how much sleep you get. (See what else can cause fatigue with endo here.)
What slows your liver down?
I learned more about the almighty liver and how to support it after reading Anthony William’s book, Liver Rescue. I came away with enlightening information about what can slow your liver down.
The following seven factors contribute to a sluggish liver…
(For a full list of Liver Troublemakers, I highly recommend you pick up a copy of Liver Rescue here.)
#1. Toxins & Heavy Metals
One of your liver’s jobs is to protect you from toxic threats in your blood stream. Your liver uses its power to fend off and dispose of these toxic factors as part of its screening and filtering process.
Toxins then get released to three possible places:
- Your colon where they’re released out your stool;
- Your kidneys where they’re eliminated out through your urine;
- And as a last resort they’re released loose into your blood stream, where they then become free radicals.
Your liver also has the ability to bury the most toxic factors such as solvents and pesticides in its core.
To help avoid extra burden on your liver it’s a good idea to eliminate as many toxins as you can from your environment. Choose natural products as often as possible. Pay attention to what you put on your skin (I love 100% Pure) and the cleaning products you use in your home.
Remember that all those chemicals have to be processed by your liver. If it’s sluggish and unable to fully do it’s job, then those toxins end up back in your blood, absorbed by your organs, and fuel for endo growth.
#2. Pharmaceuticals & over-the-counter medications
Excessive use of pharmaceuticals and other over-the-counter pain relievers like NSAID’s put a burden on your liver.
The good news is there are many natural options to help relieve pain and other symptoms of endo. Check out my free guide with 25 natural pain relief strategies here.
#3. Dehydration
Chronic dehydration puts further strain on your liver. According to William in Liver Rescue, most people are chronically dehydrated and living with “dirty blood”. Without enough hydration your liver struggles to release what it needs to.
Try and start your day with at least 30 ounces of lemon water. This is a great way to hydrate first thing in the morning and release toxins and waste from your liver’s work the night before.
You can also stay hydrated with the foods that you eat. Add in organic fruits and vegetables throughout your day.
William says that animal protein is super dehydrating. So are caffeine sources like coffee, soda or tea. Try and limit intake of these dehydrating factors.
#4. Epstein Barr Virus (EBV)
The Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) loves to live in your liver because it feeds on heavy metals and toxins. EBV releases a viral byproduct that wears out your liver and slows things down.
#5. Excess fat & protein
One of your liver’s primary duties is to process fat. Whenever you eat fat (even healthy fats) your liver releases bile to break it down for your body to use as an energy source.
You don’t want your liver to have to repeatedly raise bile because that takes it away from its other important duties and eventually, over time, it slows your liver down.
So, give your liver a break and avoid overdoing fat and protein.
#6. Adrenaline
When your body or mind is stressed then your adrenals release the hormone adrenaline. Too much adrenaline can overload your liver’s ability to perform its everyday responsibilities. It also serves as fuel for EBV.
Do what you can to reduce stress and remember the power of your breath. Deep breathing stops the stress response and release of adrenaline.
Also it’s a good idea to limit caffeine intake, which raises adrenaline levels.
#7. Alcohol
I think most of us know this one. Alcohol puts a big burden on your liver. It’s not able to perform well when it’s being inundated with it, and it becomes starved of nutrients.
Alcohol can have negative impacts with endometriosis. I’ve certainly felt them! I bet you have too. It’s really best to stay away from it.
On the Positive Side?
In addition to addressing these seven factors that can slow your liver down, it’s also a good idea to add in foods that support your liver and avoid those that don’t.
For more on how to support your liver I invite you to join me for a free Love Your Liver Workshop, which starts August 15, 2019. Find out more and register here.
