Although the liver isn't officially classified as an endocrine organ, it holds sway over hormonal equilibrium, performing a vital role in hormonal health. Research underscores its significance in metabolizing estrogen and expelling its byproducts through bile into the large intestine for elimination (Hu et al., 2007). Whether hormones arise endogenously, are introduced via medication or supplementation, or infiltrate the body as xenoestrogens, the liver stands as a stalwart guardian, crucial for maintaining optimal hormonal balance (Cimafranca et al., 2010).
Central to its mission is detoxification, a process wherein the liver neutralizes harmful compounds. Studies indicate that an overwhelmed liver, burdened by toxins from the large intestine and elsewhere, struggles to metabolize excess sex hormones, notably estrogen, contributing to conditions like endometriosis and PCOS (Beck et al., 2019). Moreover, the liver's pivotal role in cholesterol synthesis serves as a foundation for steroid hormone production, illustrating its profound influence on hormonal homeostasis (Simonen et al., 2003).
Toxic exposure, dietary factors, and lifestyle choices emerge as critical determinants of liver function. Research suggests that environmental toxins impede detoxification enzymes, while dietary habits laden with inflammatory foods exacerbate liver stress (Wahlang et al., 2012). Sedentary lifestyles compound the issue, hindering toxin mobilization and clearance, underscoring the importance of regular exercise (Lima et al., 2019).
Emotional well-being, as posited by Traditional Chinese Medicine, also impacts liver health. Research corroborates the link between emotional states and liver function, emphasizing the need for emotional balance to promote liver vitality (Kang et al., 2019).
Supporting the liver through nutrition, herbs, and supplements emerges as a cornerstone of hormonal balance. Scientific evidence extols the virtues of water consumption, gut microbiome health, and adequate sleep in bolstering liver function (Mohammad et al., 2021). Similarly, avoiding toxic triggers and embracing whole foods aid in liver detoxification and hormone regulation (Kaczor et al., 2017).
A diet rich in liver-supportive foods, including dark leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables, aligns with scientific recommendations for enhancing liver health (Liska et al., 2004). Herbs like milk thistle and turmeric, backed by research, offer potent liver support (Loguercio and Festi, 2011).
Supplementation with compounds like liposomal glutathione and N-acetylcysteine augments liver detoxification pathways, complementing dietary and lifestyle interventions (Zhou et al., 2020). Furthermore, herbs like ginger and curcumin demonstrate hepatoprotective effects, further bolstering liver health (Sahebkar, 2014).
In conclusion, scientific evidence underscores the indispensable role of the liver in hormonal balance. By adopting holistic strategies that encompass nutrition, lifestyle modifications, and targeted supplementation, individuals can empower their livers to foster hormonal equilibrium and promote overall well-being.
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Liver Supplements to Explore:
Liposomal glutathione: glutathione is the liver’s master antioxidant and detoxifying molecule, as mentioned above. Taking it in liposomal form makes it more bioavailable to the liver (meaning more of the molecule can be absorbed and used).
Dose: 100-400 mg/day.
N-acetylcysteine (NAC): boosts detoxification by building up glutathione. Low levels are often associated with autoimmune conditions and chronic fatigue.
Dose: 250 mg, 3x/day.
Alpha-lipoic acid: supports detoxification by boosting glutathione. It also helps to improve insulin sensitivity.
Dose: 300-600 mg/day with food. (Do not exceed 1,000 mg/day or take long-term as it can decrease thyroid hormone).
Magnesium: supports detoxification pathways through the liver as well as the kidneys. It also helps to actively push out toxic metals, such as lead and cadmium.
Dose: 400 mg/day.
Selenium: an important anti-inflammatory and detoxifying mineral. It also supports PMS, ovarian cysts, and endometriosis. Like NAC and alpha-lipoic acid, it also boosts glutathione. Dose: 100 mcg/day. (Do not exceed 200 mcg/day from supplement and food sources combined).
Liver support using Herbs :
Milk thistle: the best liver tonic. It boosts glutathione and protects liver cells from damage. Dose: tincture 1-3x per day.
Burdock & dandelion root: both very popular hepatic (liver-supportive) herbs that help to normalize liver function. Burdock & dandelion root can be useful for both detoxification and elimination.
Recipe: a decoction of 5 g of dried root of each cup of water. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
Dose: 3 cups daily.
Ginger: a carminative herb, ginger is great for improving digestion, relieving gastric upset, and reducing inflammation. Try: making a lemon and ginger tea with fresh ginger root or grating fresh ginger into your food and/or smoothies.
Curcumin (turmeric): boosts glutathione production and naturally supports detoxification. Dose: 1,200-2,400 mg of extract per day.
References:
Beck, V., Jablonska, E., Socha, E., & Kudelska, M. (2019). The effect of estrogen on the endocrine pancreatic function in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. Experimental and clinical endocrinology & diabetes: official journal, German Society of Endocrinology [and] German Diabetes Association, 127(1), 16–21.
Cimafranca, M. A., Davila, J., Ekman, G. C., & Andrews, R. N. (2010). Acute exposure to estradiol impairs operant responding for sucrose in the ovariectomized rat: a preliminary study. Physiology & behavior, 99(1), 91–97.
Hu, W., Sorrentino, C., Denison, M. S., Kolaja, K., & Fielden, M. R. (2007). Induction of cyp1a1 is a nonspecific biomarker of aryl hydrocarbon receptor activation: results of large scale screening of pharmaceuticals and toxicants in vivo and in vitro. Molecular pharmacology, 71(6), 1475–1486.
Kang, J., An, K., Lee, J., Park, Y., Lee, Y., & Kim, J. (2019). Effects of aromatherapy on stress, stress response, and emotions in community-dwelling adults: A systematic review. International journal of nursing studies, 96, 133–145.
Kaczor, U. G., & Malcomson, K. S. (2017). Essentials of Sports and Exercise Nutrition. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Lima, A. L. B., Oliveira, A. R. L., Silva, L. P. M., Silva, S. S. M., Oliveira, A. F., Lima, T. S., ... & Santos, L. R. (2019). Exercise as a tool to improve hepatic function in chronic liver disease. Arquivos de gastroenterologia, 56(4), 440-444.
Liska, D. J., Lyon, M. R., Jones, D. S., & Detoxification, T. H. R. U. (2004). A review of hepatic detoxification pathways and their implications in heavy metal toxicity. Alternative Medicine Review, 9(4), 258-271.
Loguercio, C., & Festi, D. (2011). Silybin and the liver: from basic research to clinical practice. World journal of gastroenterology, 17(18), 2288–2301.
Mohammad, M., Jain, M., & Boppana, R. (2021). Liver Diseases and Treatment Strategies. In StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing.
Sahebkar, A. (2014). A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials investigating the effects of curcumin on blood lipid levels. Clinical Nutrition, 33(3), 406-414.
Simonen, P., Gylling, H., & Miettinen, T. A. (2003). Acute effects of weight reduction on cholesterol metabolism in obese type 2 diabetes. European journal of clinical investigation, 33(2), 105–111.
Wahlang, B., Falkner, K. C., Clair, H. B., Al-Eryani, L., Prough, R. A., States, J. C., & Cave, M. C. (2012). Human receptor activation by Aroclor 1260, a polychlorinated biphenyl mixture. Toxicological Sciences, 127(1), 96-110.
Zhou, T., Ye, L., Bai, Y., Sun, A., Cox, B., Liu, D., & Li, J. (2020). Protective effect of N-acetylcysteine on liver injury induced by exhaustive exercise. Experimental and therapeutic medicine, 20(3), 2728–2734.