Do You Need a Liver Detox?
Your liver is one of the most important organs in the body. Did you know that your liver:
Can regenerate itself: you can donate 50% of your liver and it will regenerate new tissue and remain fully functioning.
It’s big: it weighs around 1.5kgs in adults making it the largest solid internal organ in the body. It can also swell in size when you have an illness or infection.
Detoxifies: our livers break down substances we take in such as alcohol and medications, as well as bacteria, viruses, and other particles.
It’s very busy: the liver is responsible for over 500 processes in the body.
It’s like a battery: the liver breaks down food and converts it to energy, which it stores and can release back to the body when needed. As well as energy, it stores and releases essential vitamins and nutrients.
Signs of Imbalance
If you have regular check-ups with your GP, you’ll likely have blood tests that include liver function markers. Even when these markers are within normal ranges, some people may still experience symptoms such as fatigue or digestive discomfort and choose to explore lifestyle or complementary approaches to support their overall wellbeing.
In holistic health traditions, discussions around liver balance sometimes include symptoms such as:
Fatigue
Abdominal bloating
Indigestion, burping, flatulence
Difficulty sleeping
Digestive disturbances such as diarrhoea or constipation
Bad breath
Allergies
Nausea
Coated tongue
Overheating
Body odour
Weight gain/loss
Slow recovery from colds/viruses
Frequently getting colds/viruses
Mind as Well as Body
In holistic medicine, the liver is often discussed as playing a role in emotional health and wellbeing. Many people we work with are doing a good job of eating well and being mindful of alcohol intake, yet still feel they would benefit from additional support.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, emotional patterns such as frustration or irritability are sometimes associated with liver function.
How to Support Your Liver
Caring for your liver is an ongoing process, not something you can do once a year and expect to feel good the rest of the time. The best way to care for your liver is to make positive changes and stick to them, including:
Diet: Replace processed food with fresh wholefoods, being especially mindful of alcohol and refined sugar consumption. Leafy greens are a simple and nutritious addition to meals — a side salad with olive oil, apple cider vinegar and mustard is an easy healthy shift you can make.
Stress and emotions: Find healthy ways to de-stress and move your body. Seeking professional support and letting others around you know you need help can make a significant difference.
Herbs and Acupuncture: Acupuncture is commonly used within Traditional Chinese Medicine approaches to support overall balance and wellbeing, sometimes alongside herbal medicine. Herbs such as burdock, dandelion, celandine and rue are traditionally used in liver-focused herbal formulas. Always seek professional advice before commencing herbal medicine to ensure it is appropriate for you.
If you would like to explore whether acupuncture or herbal support may be suitable for you, our team at Live Well is happy to discuss your individual situation.
