Your liver is a very busy organ, performing more than 500 functions: It makes blood proteins that aid in clotting, transports oxygen, and supports the immune system; it manufactures bile to help digest food, breaks down saturated fat, produces cholesterol and special proteins to help carry fats through the body, helps the body store excess glucose, and makes and balances glucose as needed. The liver also rids the body of toxic substances in the bloodstream, such as drugs and alcohol. High toxin exposure can burden the liver, causing it to struggle and reducing optimal functionality—this is sometimes referred to as a sluggish liver.
Signs and Symptoms of Poor Liver Health
How do you know if your liver is sluggish? Here are some things to watch out for if you’re concerned about liver health.
- Symptoms such as fatigue or feeling tired
- Elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels
- Dark circles under the eyes
- Hormonal imbalances
- Muscle or joint pain
- Skin problems
- Headaches
- Mood swings
- Brain fog
Approximately 30 million people in the U.S. have some form of liver disease; the most common liver disorder today is non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Fatty liver disease is it exactly what it sounds like: extra fat in the liver that causes inflammation. Most patients with NAFLD are asymptomatic and are typically identified when abnormal liver results are noted on routine laboratory testing. In particular, the liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) are elevated. However, these enzymes may not be elevated in all cases of NAFLD.
NAFLD is associated in people with obesity and type 2 diabetes; twice as many with type 2 diabetes are likely to suffer liver failure. As body fat increases, inflammation builds and lipid metabolism is altered, becoming unhealthy and ultimately leading to insulin resistance—the initial path to type 2 diabetes. There are a number of health issues to consider that can lead to liver disease:
- Obesity
- Insulin resistance
- Type 2 diabetes
- Elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels
- Unhealthy consumption level of alcohol
- Rapid weight loss
- Medication
- Genetics
Most of these factors are lifestyle driven. Diabetes patients should be on the watch for altered liver enzymes when prescribed certain medications, including anti-diabetes medications.
Choose the Right Foods
The primary way to improve or avoid liver disease is by reducing and stabilizing your glucose levels. The following steps can help:
- Eat the right foods (quantity and quality):
It makes a difference where you get your fat, protein, and carbohydrates from and avoid overeating. Consider adding in the following on a regular basis:- Garlic
- Onions
- Avocado
- Citrus (lemon/lime)
- Beets
- Carrots
- Apples
- Green tea
- Get enough fiber: Typically, the American diet does not include a sufficient amount of fiber—start with vegetables, nuts, chia seeds
- Lose weight, no crash diets: Slow and steady is the best way
- Minimize or avoid alcohol
- Drink plenty of water daily
- Burdock root (tea) and milk thistle work synergistically to help the liver’s detox process, while milk thistle protects the liver
You may be thinking that regaining the health of your liver is the same as reversing diabetes…you are correct. Your pancreas and liver work together to balance blood sugar, and both organs also aid in digestion. Research is showing a correlation between liver diseases and chronic pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), which could lead to chronic pancreas issues, fat malabsorption, and other health issues. Years of an unhealthy lifestyle affects your overall health. Want to feel great again? It’s time for a lifestyle change.
Denise A. Pancyrz is a Diabetes Reversal and Holistic Lifestyle Coach, speaker, and best-selling author of The Virgin Diabetic, Reverse the Effects of Type 2 Diabetes, Reduce Medication, and Improve Your Glucose Levels, available on Amazon. Diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, Denise was prescribed four daily insulin shots along with oral medication for diabetes and heart disease. This protocol helped to bring her glucose levels down; however, she did not feel as healthy and vibrant as expected. After changing her protocol by learning to rest and preserve her pancreas, she was able to eliminate all medication and insulin, regaining her energy.
Visit: www.ReverseMyDiabetes.net to book a free consultation. Contact Denise by calling 888.848.1763 or email her at: Denise@ReverseMyDiabetes.net.