The liver is an amazing filtration system for the human body. It converts nutrients into more assimilable forms, filters out toxins from the blood, and stores vitamins, glucose, and iron.
The only human organ that is also a gland, the liver is crucial to the proper functioning of the metabolism, immunity, and the storage of important nutrients that your body needs. Unfortunately, this filtration system is often abused, either directly by taking in substances that our livers can’t handle, or indirectly by harmful toxins in our environment that get into our bodies.
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With the rise in environmental pollution, chemicals in our food, and toxins hiding in our skin care and other toiletry products, it’s no surprise that liver-related health problems are on the rise.
Symptoms of Liver-Related Issues
How do you know if the symptoms you’re experiencing are related to a liver experiencing toxic overload? The following are a list of common symptoms:
- Weight gain, or an inability to lose weight
- Skin problems
- Lack of desire to eat, or feeling sick after eating
- Heartburn (acid reflux)
- Constipation, gas and bloating
- Dark or cloudy urine
- Feelings of sluggishness, or chronic fatigue
- Sensation of “brain fog”
- Headaches
- Irritability or moodiness
- Anxious feelings or depression
- Jaundice (eyes or skin that appear yellowish)
- Rosacea
Risk Factors for Liver Toxicity
Are you at an elevated risk for health problems associated with liver toxicity? Here are some things that may be indicators that you are at a higher risk for impaired liver function:
- Exposure to environmental toxins or industrial chemicals
- Use of chemical-laden products or consumption
- Consumption of processed foods or too much saturated fat
- Drinking in excess
- Family history of liver disease
- Being obese
- Having unprotected sex
- Receiving tattoos or piercings
- Having high triglyceride levels
- Use of some prescription medications
- Use or overuse of certain non-prescription medication, including acetaminophen
- Receiving a blood transfusion before 1992
- Having an autoimmune disease
- Contracting certain viral infections
If you are having any symptoms that you believe may be related to liver toxicity, see your doctor and ask him to test you for possible liver impairment. Ask your doctor about the possibility of trying some kind of natural liver detox regimen. Sometimes your liver problems may be minor enough that by making a few simple lifestyle changes, you may be able to dramatically reduce the toxic load on your liver.
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