𝗜𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 + 𝗳𝗮𝘁 𝗹𝗼𝘀𝘀 𝗴𝗼𝗮𝗹𝘀?

𝗜𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 + 𝗳𝗮𝘁 𝗹𝗼𝘀𝘀 𝗴𝗼𝗮𝗹𝘀?

Everyone knows the liver is essential for detoxification, but do you know the Liver's massive significance in the metabolism, in turn affecting how and where we store fat and of course the ability to produce energy. 

Here are 7 reasons why the health of your liver is essential in order to help you reach the healthiest version of you 

1️⃣ Fat metabolism

The liver is responsible for processing and metabolising dietary fats as well as stored fats in the body. It breaks down triglycerides into fatty acids and glycerol, which are utilized as energy sources by various tissues. This process is crucial for mobilising and utilising fat stores and if it fails to do so the weight has no choice but to stay put. 

2️⃣ Bile production

The liver produces bile, a substance necessary for the digestion and absorption of dietary fats. Bile emulsifies fats, breaking them down into smaller droplets that can be more efficiently acted upon by digestive enzymes in the intestines. Adequate bile production and flow are essential for the effective breakdown and absorption of dietary fats, but when the liver is under stress or is being compromised its ability to produce bile waivers. This results in fats remain undigested in the body to cause harm. 

3️⃣ Gluconeogenesis

The liver plays a key role in maintaining blood glucose levels during times of low carbohydrate intake, cue the Atkins and keto diets and The Body Reset™. The liver can convert certain amino acids, lactate, and glycerol into glucose through a process called gluconeogenesis. This helps prevent the body from breaking down muscle tissue for glucose and promotes the use of stored fats as an energy source. 

This means that when the liver is unable to function correctly due to poor health the body can be forced to breakdown precious lean muscle tissue as an energy source rather than fat alone.

4️⃣ Hormone regulation: The liver is involved in the metabolism and regulation of various hormones, including insulin, glucagon, cortisol, and growth hormone. These hormones play crucial roles in fat storage, fat breakdown, and overall energy balance. An imbalance in these hormones can hinder fat loss efforts and lead to weight gain and make your weight loss and health efforts more difficult and more of a struggle than they need to be, 

5️⃣ Ketogenesis

The liver is involved in the production of ketone bodies during a state of ketosis. Popularity of the keto diet has given ketones a fair bit of airtime .Put simply, ketones are a byproduct of fat metabolism and serve as an alternative energy source, particularly for the brain, during times of low carbohydrate availability. Ketosis can enhance fat loss by promoting the utilisation of stored fats as fuel.

In order to enter ketosis the liver must be in good health to work properly and efficiently. A sick liver can short live this process or add unnecessary side effects to the process. 

6️⃣ Metabolic regulation

The liver acts as a central hub for metabolic regulation, integrating various signals and processes to maintain energy balance. It processes and stores nutrients, such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, and releases them into the bloodstream as needed. This ensures a steady supply of energy to the body and influences the balance between fat storage and fat breakdown.

As you would expect if the liver is unable to work optimally it cannot regulate metabolism efficiently, causing massive disruptions to energy levels manifesting as fatigue, sleepiness and brain fog. 

7️⃣ Detoxification

Detoxification by the liver also includes detoxification of fat. The liver is the primary organ responsible for detoxifying and eliminating toxins from the body. It processes and removes metabolic waste products, environmental toxins, and drugs. When the liver is overloaded with toxins, its metabolic functions can be impaired, including the breakdown of fats. This can hinder fat loss efforts and contribute to weight gain.

When complete detoxification is prevented the liver is forced to store fat... and other toxic metabolites as it literally has no way of getting anything out. 

The liver is responsible for over 500 functions in the body... and many of them include metabolism. So whilst we think of fat loss and energy production we need to include a healthy liver in the fat loss and energy equation. 

𝙎𝙪𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙙𝙤𝙚𝙨𝙣'𝙩 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙖 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙜𝙜𝙡𝙚.

Adopt a few super simple habits to add to your nutritional routine

👉 Hydration using warm lemon water

👉 Dark leafy vegetables that are rich in the super-antioxidant glutathione such as kale, spinach, mustard greens

👉 Cruciferous Veggies such as caulifour broccoli, Brussel sprouts

👉Fatty fish - don't be afraid to use a good quality fish oil supplement to increase your omega 3's

👉 Veggie Juices - celery, beetroot, Lemon (add some ACV to pimp it up a bit)

Teas such as green tea, milk, liquorice, peppermint, lemon and ginger (Twinnings do a fab version)

Supporting liver health through a balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate hydration, and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption can optimise its functions and enhance fat loss efforts.