Sluggish liver

1 mins to read

The liver performs many functions, from processing nutrients to breaking down wastes and by-products so they can be excreted. It also produces bile For the digestion of fats.

Digestive health

Natural therapists use the term ‘sluggish liver’ to describe a situation in which your liver and gall bladder are not functioning as well as they could be. Based on this philosophy, indications that your liver function may be sub-optimal and may benefit from therapies designed to support the detoxification and excretion of toxins may include:

Intolerance of alcohol and/or fatty foods
Indigestion, constipation and other digestive problems
Headaches
Indigestion
Acne and other skin conditions, such as eczema
High cholesterol and blood lipid levels

Other signs and symptoms may indicate the presence of more serious conditions requiring professional treatment (such as hepatitis or gall stones). These include:

Jaundice (yellow discolouration of the skin and eyes)
Nausea , vomiting and/or diarrhoea
Loss of appetite
Indigestion, bloating and wind
Fatigue
Abdominal Tenderness or pain, which may be generalised or localised under the right ribs
Swelling and hardness of the liver (hepatomegaly)
Dark urine
Unusually light or dark stools
Swollen feet, legs and/or abdomen
Confusion, sleep disturbance, and occasionally mental disturbance
Generalised itching over the whole body
Increased sensitivity to medicines and their effects

If you are suffering from any of the symptoms listed above, it is essential that you see your health care professional to determine the cause of the problem. Professional treatment and prescription medication are necessary for the treatment of severe liver and gall bladder disease such as gallstones, hepatitis, fatty liver or cirrhosis, and permanent changes to your dietary and lifestyle habits may also be required.

In naturopathic medicine, poor eating habits are considered a key cause of sluggish liver function (for example, eating too many foods that are high in fat and/or are heavily processed). Being overweight or obese may also compromise liver function by causing fatty tissue to accumulate in the liver (fatty liver).

Additionally, certain prescription medications and environmental toxins may affect liver function.

Adopt a lifelong healthy eating and exercise plan. If you are overweight, take steps to reach a healthy body weight.
Eating a diet that‘s high in fibre and water supports regular bowel function, and assists your body in eliminating wastes so that they don’t accumulate in the colon. A high fibre diet may also help you lose weight if necessary. Consuming plenty of fruit and vegetables, whole grains and legumes will help you maintain adequate fibre levels.
Avoid foods that are high in fat, and prioritise healthy fat sources such as olive oil, fish, and nuts, seeds and their oils.
Don’t eat junk foods or heavily processed foods.
Use non-toxic cleaning products and avoid exposure to toxic chemicals at home or work.

Adopt a lifelong healthy eating and exercise plan. If you are overweight, take steps to reach a healthy body weight.
Eating a diet that‘s high in fibre and water supports regular bowel function, and assists your body in eliminating wastes so that they don’t accumulate in the colon. A high fibre diet may also help you lose weight if necessary. Consuming plenty of fruit and vegetables, whole grains and legumes will help you maintain adequate fibre levels.
Avoid foods that are high in fat, and prioritise healthy fat sources such as olive oil, fish, and nuts, seeds and their oils.
Don’t eat junk foods or heavily processed foods.
Use non-toxic cleaning products and avoid exposure to toxic chemicals at home or work.