Liver Cleansing Foods and Liver Flushing for Optimal Endocrine Function

Liver Regeneration Potential:

Liver congestion can disrupt hormonal balance. The liver can regenerate quickly, typically within one to three months. Research shows it takes up to six weeks for the liver to replenish cells, and it can regain 70-90% of its functions even after 80% is resected.

Hormonal Balance:

The liver helps regulate the secretion of:

• Insulin

• Glucagon

• Cortisol

• Aldosterone

• Thyroid Releasing Hormone (TRH)

• Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

• Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

• Luteinising Hormone (LH)

Liver and Gallstones:

Gallstones can disrupt liver function, leading to hormonal imbalances and high cortisol levels. This can cause stress susceptibility, immune suppression, weight gain, cholesterol issues, and worsening of conditions like PMT, menopausal symptoms, polycystic ovary syndrome, and endometriosis. High cortisol can also lead to reduced immunity and inhibited febrile response.

Hormonal Building Blocks:

The liver filters blood, processes fats and proteins, and produces cholesterol, essential for hormone synthesis, especially adrenal hormones.

Hormone Fluid Balance:

The liver and kidneys degrade excess antidiuretic hormone (ADH) and free aldosterone. The liver synthesises angiotensinogen, which is converted to angiotensin II, playing a role in blood pressure control.

Liver’s Role in Menopause:

During menopause, the liver and adrenal glands produce estrogen. Proper liver function is crucial for managing menopausal symptoms.

Glycogenesis:

The liver helps maintain blood sugar levels by converting glucose to glycogen (glycogenesis). It releases glucose when needed, especially about 1.5 hours after a meal. The liver, alongside kidneys and muscles, also supports glucose release, particularly during starvation.

Thyroid Hormone Synthesis:

The liver regulates thyroid hormones by converting T4 to the more active T3. Approximately 80% of T4 is converted to T3 in the liver and kidneys, with these hormones circulating bound to liver-produced plasma proteins for protection.

Liver Cleansing Foods:

Chlorella, Green grasses such as barley grass and wheat grass, Artichoke, Dandelion greens, Turmeric, Olive oil and pure Flaxseed oil, Bilberry, Kelp, Swiss chard, Dulse, Celery, Carrot beets, Parsnips, Watercress, Black cherry, Pineapples, Raw vegetables and sprouts.

Naturopathic Medicine and Healing with a Daily Liver Flush: (repeat Monday to Friday AM before any other food) Daily liver flushing is great to include whilst following a detox and cleanse.

Juice the following:

1 (building up to 3) cloves of garlic

1 (2.5cm) of peeled fresh ginger

1 fresh, preferably organic, lemon, sliced

1 combination of apple, carrot, or carrot mixed with beetroot (usually 5 to 6 carrots, 2 apples or 2 medium beetroots)

To this combination, add 1 (building up) to 3 tablespoons of organic flaxseed oil or a blend of Essential Fatty Acids such as Udo's choice. (this can be stirred in or liquidised into the juice)

Garlic and ginger have excellent liver-protective qualities - the key is to eat them in their raw state.