Do You Struggle With Brain fog, Memory loss Or A Short Attention Span
Brain fog, memory loss, and a short attention span are common symptoms triggered by various factors, including stress, lack of sleep, and poor nutrition. However, you may not be aware that the health of your liver can also play a significant role in cognitive function. In this article, I give you reasons to level up your liver health by exploring the link between liver health and brain function. I also include tips for improving liver health to support cognitive function, general health, and well-being.
The liver plays a critical role in overall health, and it has a direct impact on the brain and emotional well-being. One of the liver’s core functions is to remove toxins from the body. So, if the liver is not functioning well, toxins can build up in the bloodstream, leading to cognitive impairment and mood changes.
The Link Between Liver Health and Brain Function
We already know the liver’s primary function is to remove toxins and other harmful substances from the blood and convert them into less damaging compounds we can eliminate from the body. This process is called detoxification.
Your liver also plays a vital role in regulating blood sugar levels and producing essential nutrients, such as glucose and amino acids, necessary for optimum brain function.
Several studies have linked liver dysfunction to cognitive impairment and brain fog. For example, a study published in the Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hepatology (1) found that “patients with liver disease had significantly lower scores on cognitive function tests than healthy individuals.”
Similarly, another study published in the Journal of Hepatology (2) found that “patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) had impaired attention and memory compared to healthy individuals.”
These studies suggest that poor liver health can limit cognitive function and contribute to symptoms such as brain fog and short attention spans, and lapses in memory.
In short, happy livers contribute to positive, productive and impactful behaviours.
Level Up Your Liver Health To Manage Your Hormones
Did you know the liver plays a crucial role in the regulation and metabolism of hormones in the body? It is responsible for processing and eliminating hormones from the bloodstream, including oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.
Poor liver function can lead to hormonal imbalances, which can cause a range of symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, mood changes, and irregular periods. For example, oestrogen dominance, which is a condition where there is an excess of oestrogen relative to progesterone in the body, can occur when the liver is unable to metabolise oestrogen effectively.
Additionally, certain liver diseases, such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), have been linked to hormonal imbalances. For example, a study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism (3) found that “women with NAFLD had higher levels of testosterone and lower levels of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), a protein that binds to sex hormones (making them inactive and unable to exert their effects on the body).”
What's The Impact?
Having lower levels of SHBG can cause a range of symptoms including:
- Irregular menstrual periods or absent periods
- Acne or oily skin
- Increased facial or body hair growth
- Thinning hair on the scalp
- Weight gain, especially around the abdomen
- Lowered libido
Those are just six good reasons to level up your liver health. You can also maintain a healthy liver by eating a balanced diet, taking regular exercise, eliminating recreational drugs, and limiting alcohol intake.
Your brain and your hormones will be profoundly grateful!
Liver Health & Emotions
In NLP & Time Line Therapy® coaching we know that the liver operates in a chicken-and-egg situation with negative emotions. Specifically, we connect sadness, anger, and anxiety to the liver. If you’ve seen the film “Eat, Pray, Love” you’ll now appreciate Ketut’s advice “Liz, smile with your liver!”
Within the scientific field, there is now a growing body of research that suggests a link between poor liver health and emotional well-being. While more research is needed to fully understand the complex relationship between liver function and emotions, here are some emotional symptoms that have been associated with poor liver health:
- Anxiety: Studies have found that individuals with liver disease, such as hepatitis C or cirrhosis, may be at an increased risk for anxiety. In addition, chronic stress, which can contribute to liver disease, can also lead to feelings of anxiety.
- Depression: There is a well-established link between liver disease and depression. Individuals with liver disease have been found to have higher rates of depression compared to the general population. It is thought that the inflammation and metabolic changes associated with liver disease may play a role.
- Irritability: People with liver disease may experience irritability or mood swings. This may be related to the buildup of toxins in the body that can occur when the liver is not functioning properly.
- Fatigue: Chronic fatigue is a common symptom of liver disease, and can contribute to feelings of apathy or disinterest in activities that were once enjoyable.
Take Action To Improve Your Liver Health Now
What can you do right now to level up your liver health? In short, plenty. The first is to make sure you’re drinking enough water and minimising your sugar intake.
Obviously, you want to consider any contra-indications or side effects, especially if you’re taking any medication. Do your research and speak to your doctor or health practitioner before starting any new health regime.
Additionally, excessive consumption of certain foods or supplements may be harmful to the liver, so it is important to consume them in moderation. Again, do your research.
7 Natural Ways To Cleanse Your Liver
Here are 7 herbs, spices, and fresh foods are believed to have liver-cleansing or detoxifying properties.
Here are some herbs, spices, and fresh foods that are commonly believed to support liver health:
- Milk Thistle: The active ingredient in milk thistle, silymarin, has antioxidant properties that may help protect liver cells from damage.
- Turmeric: Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may help protect liver cells.
- Garlic: Garlic contains compounds that may help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the liver.
- Leafy Greens: Leafy greens, such as kale, spinach, and collard greens, are rich in antioxidants and other nutrients that may support liver health. These vegetables may also help reduce inflammation and improve liver function.
- Citrus Fruits: Citrus fruits, such as oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits, are rich in vitamin C, which is an antioxidant that may help protect liver cells from damage.
- Green Tea: The active ingredient in green tea, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), has been shown to help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the liver.
- Dandelion: Dandelion contains compounds that may help improve liver function and promote detoxification.
A Quote To Motivate You
Barbara O’Neill is a well-known natural health educator and speaker who has spoken extensively about the importance of liver health. Her quote below speaks volumes about the importance of loving your liver!
“The liver is one of the most important organs in our body, and its health is essential for our overall well-being. It has over 500 functions, including detoxifying the blood, regulating hormones, and metabolizing fats and carbohydrates. When our liver is healthy, we have more energy, clearer skin, and better digestion. By taking care of our liver through a healthy diet, exercise, and lifestyle habits, we can prevent and even reverse many health problems and enjoy vibrant health.”
References: Level Up Your Liver Health
(1) Singh S, Kataria A, Sharma SK, et al. Assessment of cognitive function in patients with chronic liver disease using standardized psychometric tests. J Clin Exp Hepatol. 2016;6(1):10-16. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4763128/
(2) Kjærgaard, K.; Mikkelsen, A.C.D.; Wernberg, C.W.; Grønkjær, L.L.; Eriksen, P.L.; Damholdt, M.F.; Mookerjee, R.P.; Vilstrup, H.; Lauridsen, M.M.; Thomsen, K.L. Cognitive Dysfunction in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease—Current Knowledge, Mechanisms and Perspectives. J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10, 673. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10040673
(3) Kim D, Yoo ER, Li AA, et al. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is associated with higher overall mortality in the United States. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2019;104(8):3427-3438. https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article/104/8/3427/5484228
(4) Liver Health & Anxiety: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4531346/
(5) Liver Health & Depression: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6797855/
(6) Liver Health & Anger or Irritability: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4088634/
(7) Liver Health & Fatigue: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5700204/
Want To Level Up Your Liver Health With Emotional Release?
If you’d like to free some negative emotions from your liver, you can book in for a 1-2-1 online coaching session here: Coaching & Emotional Release
