Love Your Liver

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As many of you may know, I’m deeply entrenched in the learnings of my Functional Nutrition course, which is a 10 month course that will teach me how to improve the health of… well, anybody. Especially those dealing with chronic health dysfunctions, and who may not be getting the lifestyle and nutrition help that they need, bridging the gap between holistic - just meaning their connective health management - and allopathic medicine.

A couple of weeks ago I gobbled up our liver lesson which was 4 classes all in one day. Because it fascinated me. And I can think back on dozens of clients I’ve worked with who were undoubtedly struggling with symptoms that could have been helped by paying better attention to care for the liver. So I’d like to share some info with you now.

Liver health


The liver has hundred of roles in the body. While the main roles are:

  1. filtering blood

  2. disassembling chemical compounds for elimination

  3. and synthesizing and secreting bile

the liver is also responsible for:

  1. releasing vitamins when the body needs them

  2. manufacturing glycogen, helping to stabilize blood sugar

  3. producing enzymes

  4. manufacturing cholesterol as well as bile

  5. is an important source of heat

Two common conditions in which one may want to consider giving their liver some extra love would be when hormones are irregular, or when cholesterol levels are sub optimal. This organ has so many roles, and should not be overlooked when it comes to symptoms of dysfunction elsewhere in the body.

Here are some ways you can tend to your liver with care:

  1. Reduce your toxic load. Start switching to glass containers vs. plastic, to non-toxic cleaning products and personal care, filter your water and choose organic foods whenever possible.

  2. Eat more fibre. Soluble fiber binds to toxins and helps them move on out. Chia, flax, fruits and vegetables, oats and legumes are great sources.

  3. Turmeric and its active bioflavonoid cur cumin promotes bile flow and acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory. Include the spice in your meals, and/or take it as a supplement.

  4. Consume choline. Choline helps transport triglycerides from the liver and is critical for normal liver metabolism. Eggs and avocados are great sources.

  5. Sprinkle leafy greens on your meals. Greens like dandelion, arugula, parsley and cilantro are great for your liver. Arugula’s my fave - I top almost any meal with it and it’s delicious.

  6. Chlorophyll clears. It helps to remove toxins such as heavy metals from the body. Chlorella, spirulina, matcha, seaweed and leafy greens can give you this boost.

  7. Milk Thistle has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that support the liver. It may help the liver repair itself by growing new cells.

You can’t go wrong with including these tips into your nutrition and lifestyle approach. Remember, the more we support the broader, interconnected system, the less complicated our health can be for the long haul. Invest a little effort for major long-term AND short-term gains.