Love Your Liver: Why This Vital Organ Deserves More Attention
Gut health continues to dominate the conversation in the health and wellness world—and rightfully so, given how foundational a healthy gut microbiome is to the proper functioning of all bodily systems. I’ve long believed your gut is the “guardian of your health,” playing a crucial role in so many of the body’s key functions, especially hormone health (which, as you know, is also one of my main health focuses). But over the past couple of years, I’ve come to learn just how deeply connected liver health is to both gut and hormone balance. One thing’s for sure: you can’t have a happy gut or stable hormones without a thriving, well-supported liver.
The liver is basically the body’s ultimate multitasker when it comes to gut and hormone health. It’s responsible for detoxifying everything you eat, breathe, and absorb — including excess hormones and toxins that could otherwise wreak havoc on your system. If your liver isn't functioning optimally, your gut and hormones are basically forced to operate in a “toxic” environment, causing undesirable symptoms like sluggish digestion, skin breakouts, painful PMS, and miserable menstrual cycles.
Let’s break this down further:
The Liver’s Impact on Gut Health:
The liver produces bile, which is crucial for digesting fats and for keeping your gut microbiome in check.
Bile helps break down food properly and acts almost like an antimicrobial, preventing an overgrowth of bad bacteria.
Poor bile flow can lead to sluggish digestion, bloating, constipation, and gut dysbiosis (imbalances in gut flora).
The Liver’s Impact on Hormone Health:
The liver processes and breaks down hormones like estrogen.
If the liver is sluggish or overwhelmed, it can’t clear out used hormones efficiently, leading to hormone imbalances (like estrogen dominance, irregular cycles, mood swings, etc.).
A healthy liver = a smoother, more balanced hormonal environment.
So, how do you know if your liver needs some love? And what can you do to support it?
Signs Your Liver Needs Some TLC:
Bloating, slow motility (e.g. constipation), and sluggish digestion
Hormonal imbalances (think PCOS, irregular cycles, painful periods, and mood swings)
Skin struggles (like acne, eczema, rashes, and a dull complexion)
Fatigue and brain fog
Cravings for sugar and caffeine
Weight gain or difficulty losing weight, especially around the belly
Simple Low-Cost Ways to Support Your Liver (that you can do right now!):
Eat bitter foods like arugula, dandelion greens, radicchio, and artichokes (they stimulate bile flow!)
Prioritize high-fiber foods to help bind and eliminate toxins and promote regularity
Stay hydrated with water and electrolytes (your liver needs water and minerals to flush out waste efficiently).
Ditch processed foods, alcohol, and refined sugar — give your liver less junk to filter out. The more of these things you consume, the more stress you’re putting on your liver!
Support detox pathways with foods rich in sulfur like garlic, onions, and cruciferous veggies (broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, kale).
Incorporate gentle movement like walking, yoga, or stretching to keep your lymphatic system (your body's drainage system) moving.
Use lymphatic drainage tools like dry brushes and paddles before and after you shower. You can also give yourself lymphatic massages (all you need are your hands and some essential oil/non-toxic body oil). Here’s a tutorial from queen Gracie Norton.
Manage stress — high cortisol levels can slow down liver function over time.
At the end of the day, everything in the body is connected—and your gut, hormones, and liver are no exception. If you’re serious about optimizing your digestion, balancing your hormones, and feeling your absolute best, it’s essential to show your liver the love and support it deserves. The good news? You don’t need fancy supplements or extreme detoxes to make a real impact. Small, consistent habits like eating nutrient-dense foods, staying hydrated, moving your body, and managing stress can make a huge difference over time.
Remember: a thriving liver lays the foundation for a thriving gut, balanced hormones, clear skin, steady energy, and an overall sense of vitality. Take care of your liver, and the rest of your body will thank you.
Lots of love,
Rach
