Fatty Liver, doesn’t have to be a death sentence for your metabolism.
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Fatty liver, also known as hepatic steatosis, is a common condition where fat builds up in the liver. It’s is a leading cause for IBS and major contributing factor to metabolic dysfunction and weight loss resistance. Conventional treatments include losing weight and discontinuing alcohol use. While often characterized as a sort of benign condition, fatty liver disease, if not resolved can lead to more serious complications, including: Liver inflammation, Liver cell damage, Cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), Liver failure, and Liver cancer.
Our liver is responsible for many important functions in the body like digestion, detoxification, blood sugar regulation, immune response and vitamin storage. The liver also produces albumin, a blood protein that helps carry hormones, drugs, and fatty acids throughout the body. Most importantly, our liver filters all of the blood in the body and breaks down poisonous substances, such as alcohol and drugs as well as noxious chemicals found in our daily environment. When it becomes “fatty” or “sluggish” our detoxification processes are impaired. Meaning it will increase your overall toxic burden substantially, increasing your risk of developing serious illnesses and negatively impact your metabolic health which is largely dependent on detoxification. Fat loss is in itself a detoxification process, so when liver function is impaired, we run the risk of developing weight loss resistance. Especially if we have impaired gall bladder function or are missing a gall bladder.
This can cause bile acid malabsorption which leads to an elevation of circulatory bile acids and causes chronic watery diarrhea. As the body struggles to break down fats (necessary for hormone productions), often a person will suffer from digestive discomforts at most meals. All of this creates a cascade of potential nutrient deficiencies and hormone imbalances. Not the least of which is a condition known as estrogen dominance.
So what can we do?
Nutrition lends a most valuable helping hand in the form of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, herbs, botanicals and even digestive enzymes which can greatly reduce fatty liver associated conditions like insulin resistance, weight loss resistance and ibs/diarrhea.
Some great beginner steps are a basic liver cleansing formulas like North American Herb & Spice’s LivaClenz or Biomatrix Support Liver (which couples nicely with their Support Glucose product for those with diabetes and pre-diabetes) with a natural binder like Takesumi Supreme which helps to bind to the toxins. It’s extremely important not to skip the binder as you risk further polluting your body without it.
Milk thistle tea can also be a helpful addition, though a strongly recommend a loose leaf tea like this one as hot water leaches microplastics from tea bags which can exacerbate and already heavy toxic burden. Stainless steel loose leaf tea steepers like these are great for creating the same convenience as a tea bag.
Digestive enzymes such as LipoGold by Enzymedia can help break down fats and relieve associated discomfort.
One powerful tool, perhaps not for the more squeamish, is Coffee Enemas. Coffee enemas can have an obvious and immediate effect on liver health, hormone health and energy, making them an incredible adjunct therapy especially for the alleviation of gallstones. You can check out my free colon cleansing guide! It’s important to first read the instructions carefully and to use only coffee cooled to room temperature. Beginners may consider contacting a colon hydrotherapist for more professional guidance.
Last, but certainly not least, my favorite tool for beginners- castor oil packs! This noninvasive and natural therapy can be helpful just on it’s own. The practice involves simply massaging castor oil onto your right ribcage (over your liver) and covering it up with a flannel or “pack” and placing a heating pack on top. You can start by wearing one for 30 minutes and eventually work up to sleeping with one on!
