By Muneerah Shiraz, CNP, NNCP, MBA

When it comes to balancing hormones, losing weight, easing symptoms of menopause, and avoiding serious health conditions the #1 place to start is your Liver. The liver works non-stop day in and day out performing more than 500 functions necessary for life!

It purifies blood, regulates blood sugar, secretes bile, stores vitamins and minerals and metabolizes fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. It filters toxins, chemicals, pollutants, unhealthy fats, medications, and alcohol. The liver is involved in all stages of hormone production and
elimination and is the body’s main detoxifying organ. A compromised liver affects every organ and system in the body and can be the reason for many health conditions e.g., NAFLD (Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease), Type 2 diabetes, Insulin Resistance, High triglycerides, Autoimmune disease, Thyroid conditions, Heart concerns, Obesity, Skin issues, Food sensitivities and more.

A healthy liver on the other hand results in better energy levels, clear skin, fewer infections, better hormonal health, stronger immunity, weight loss, fewer digestive complaints, and overall better health.

In her eBook ‘Top Ten Liver Cleansing Foods’ Dr. Snyder shares…
“The #1 root cause of hormone imbalance I see in women in their late thirties and beyond is a
sluggish liver, because it slacks off on its duty of cycling out excess toxins and hormones that send
your body into a downward spiral of hormone dysfunction.” Dr. Mariza Snyder is a functional practitioner & women’s hormone expert.

Taking care of the liver is essential to your hormones and it starts by cleaning your diet and pursuing a liver-friendly lifestyle.

Here are 6 ways you can support your Hormones and the Liver:

1. Hydrate- Drink eight glasses of clean, filtered water a day to enable the liver to flush out toxins. Add fresh lemon juice when possible as it is a great cleanser.
2. Enjoy good quality fats and high fiber.  Enjoy fats such as coconut oil, olive oil, ghee, avocado oil, and flaxseed oil.  Increase fiber by eating more raw vegetables, seeds, and complex grains such as brown rice, buckwheat, millet etc. Eat Organic where possible.  Avoid unhealthy foods like fast-food items, processed packaged foods, and processed meats and cheeses.
3. Foods that are particularly beneficial for the liver include:  Organic pasture-raised chicken and eggs, Arugula, Dandelion, Broccoli, Grapefruit, Carrots, Celery, Lemons, Beets, Turmeric, Raw garlic, and Rosemary.  Dandelion root tea, Nettle leaf tea, Peppermint and Green teas.
4. Natural Supplements that are beneficial in improving liver function include: Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Resveratrol, Glutathione, Selenium, Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and NAC (N-Acetyl-Cysteine). Only use these supplements under the direction of a Healthcare practitioner.
5. Herbal support can be found from Milk Thistle, it’s a powerful antioxidant that increases the production of bile, reduces inflammation and fat in the liver, lowers cholesterol and fights liver disease. Another one is Dandelion root which boosts the liver’s ability to quickly eliminate toxins, strengthen the immune system, support blood sugar balance, and relieve indigestion. These Herbs can be consumed as Teas or used as Herbal tinctures under the direction of a Healthcare practitioner or certified Herbalist.
6. Practice Forgiveness—Yes you read that right, in Traditional Chinese Medicine it is believed that emotional troubles can result in liver stagnation and imbalance, especially frequent feelings of Anger and Frustration. A compromised liver is said to block healthy emotional flow, produce frustration and cause anger, weakening its ability to do its daily job. To resolve this, it is important to express yourself, voice your opinions and discuss issues of concern so that the Qi (energy flow) in the body moves smoothly. This can be improved via meditation, Qi Gong, breathwork, journaling or working with an energy healing practitioner. A healthy nourished liver will freely channel the energy in the body, improving health, hormones, and detoxification. It will also result in a happier, positive mind and the ability and willingness to
move forward in life in a resourceful and vibrant way.

About the Author

Muneerah Shiraz is a Holistic Nutritionist, a Licensed Metabolic Balance Coach, and the founder of Wellness Redone.
She helps Women 40+ reset their metabolism so they can enjoy the next chapter of their lives with excellent health and energy.
Muneerah works completely Online and is committed to helping her global clients transform their health by guiding and coaching them to become the best version of themselves. Contact Muneerah at www.wellnessredone.com and @wellnessredone or email at info@wellnessredone.co