Are You Making These Menopause Detox Mistakes?

Are You Making These Menopause Detox Mistakes?

Are you struggling with menopause symptoms and looking for ways to relieve them? You can read a more detailed account of menopause signs and symptoms in this post.

In my practice, I have created the SHIFT System, which is a framework that adapts to suit the unique menopause journey of each individual.

The SHIFT System focuses on the root cause of menopause symptoms rather than putting a sticky plaster on the symptoms.

One of the areas we focus on is liver health.

The liver is a vital organ with numerous crucial functions in the body.  

In this post discover the role of the liver for optimal health and whether ‘detoxing’ is necessary.

What Does The Liver Do?

The liver’s multifaceted functions make it a critical organ for overall health and well-being. 

It plays a central role in maintaining metabolic homeostasis and ensuring the proper functioning of various physiological processes throughout the body such as;

• Metabolism of Nutrients
• Detoxification
• Bile Production
• Storage of Vitamins and Minerals
• Blood Clotting
• Regulation of Blood Sugar
• Storage of Glycogen
• Synthesis of Proteins
• Cholesterol Metabolism
• Immune System Support

The liver is also essential for the health of the Thyroid Gland.

Medicating the Thyroid due to Hypothyroidism or Hyperthyroidism is just a sticky plaster if you are not focusing on liver health.

The liver and thyroid are interconnected in several ways, here are some key points regarding the relationship between the liver and the health of the thyroid;

• Thyroid Hormone Conversion:
  • The liver plays a crucial role in converting the inactive form of thyroid hormone (thyroxine or T4) into its active form (triiodothyronine or T3). This conversion is important for the thyroid hormone to exert its effects on various tissues and organs in the body.
• Thyroid Hormone Transport:
  • The liver produces proteins that bind to thyroid hormones in the bloodstream, facilitating their transport to target tissues. One of these proteins is thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG).
• Detoxification and Thyroid Function:
  • The liver is responsible for detoxifying the body, including the elimination of excess hormones, including thyroid hormones. Proper liver function is essential to maintain the balance of thyroid hormones in the body.
• Impact of Liver Disorders on Thyroid Health:
  • Liver disorders, such as cirrhosis or hepatitis, can affect the metabolism of thyroid hormones, leading to alterations in thyroid function tests. In some cases, individuals with liver disease may experience changes in thyroid hormone levels.
• Medication Metabolism:
  • Certain medications used to manage thyroid conditions may be metabolized by the liver. Liver function can impact how efficiently these medications are processed, potentially affecting their efficacy.
• Influence of Thyroid Hormones on Liver Function:
  • Thyroid hormones have an impact on liver function, including the regulation of lipid metabolism. Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) can be associated with elevated cholesterol levels (not getting enough cholesterol in your diet and the liver having to pick up the load), and addressing thyroid dysfunction by improving liver health may help improve lipid profiles.
• Autoimmune Connection:
  • Autoimmune diseases can affect both the thyroid and the liver. For example, autoimmune thyroid conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis may coexist with autoimmune liver conditions such as autoimmune hepatitis.

I like to split humans into two parts.  

The first is the physical body.  The role of the body is to survive.  It doesn’t care how, it doesn’t care if you are full of energy and living your best life or laying in bed watching the world go by, its primary task is survival.

The second part is the spirit or the soul or energy, whatever you want to call it.  This is your true self.  When your soul is happy it provides your inner glow and zest for life.

I feel the need to explain this to show why you are responsible for the optimal health of your liver.  If it is not optimally healthy it will just work to keep you alive.  Only a healthy liver performing all the functions required of it can help the spirit truly thrive.

Menopause and its Impact on Liver Health

Hormonal shifts during the menopause transition can have various effects on different organs and systems in the body, including the liver. 

Here’s how menopause can affect liver function:

• Estrogen Influence:
  • Estrogen receptors are present in the liver, and estrogen plays a role in regulating liver function. As women approach menopause, there is a significant decline in estrogen levels. This hormonal change can influence the liver’s ability to metabolize certain substances.
• Fat Metabolism:
  • Estrogen is known to have a protective effect on fat metabolism. The decrease in estrogen during menopause may contribute to changes in lipid metabolism, potentially leading to an increase in cholesterol levels and alterations in the distribution of body fat.
• Insulin Sensitivity:
  • Estrogen also plays a role in insulin sensitivity. Reduced estrogen levels in menopause may contribute to changes in glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity, which can impact the liver’s regulation of blood sugar levels.
• Inflammation and Oxidative Stress:
  • Menopausal hormonal changes can contribute to increased inflammation and oxidative stress, which may affect liver health. Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress are associated with various liver conditions.
• Bone Health and Vitamin D Metabolism:
  • Estrogen is essential for maintaining bone health, and its decline during menopause is linked to an increased risk of osteoporosis. The liver is involved in the metabolism of vitamin D, which is crucial for calcium absorption and bone health.
• Collagen Production:
  • Estrogen influences collagen production, and a decline in estrogen levels during menopause may affect the liver’s ability to produce collagen. This could have implications for tissue repair and overall liver function.
• Risk of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD):
  • Some studies suggest a potential association between menopause and an increased risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a condition characterized by the accumulation of fat in the liver.

Therefore optimal liver health is even more essential through menopause and beyond.

What is the Best Detox for the Liver?

The medical community is split on the effectiveness of liver cleanses and the market is saturated with liver cleansing products ranging from a reasonably priced supplement to costly programs.

Do you need to cleanse your liver?

The short answer is no, that is the liver’s job, however, have you ever gone on a health kick and reduced your sugar or alcohol intake?  Perhaps you start your day with a glass of warm water with a squeeze of lemon juice and feel refreshed and energised.

I don’t believe we need any special gimmicks to cleanse the liver but we can certainly adjust our lifestyle so that we can support the liver to do its job effectively so that we can thrive rather than just survive.

Can Detox Cause Liver Damage?

In some cases, detox regimens that involve extreme diets, fasting, or excessive consumption of certain supplements may cause harm to the liver.

Detox programs lacking scientific evidence or supervision can potentially lead to nutritional deficiencies and other health issues.

It’s crucial to approach detox with caution.

A detox will release toxins into your bloodstream for elimination. If you have lots of stored toxins you need to take it slow to prevent illness.

If you are taking any medications make sure you take advice on the best approach for your unique situation.

The Do’s for Menopause Detox and Liver Health

There are lots of things you can do to support your liver health.

The important thing is whatever you choose to do needs to fit your lifestyle.  

Here are some ideas;

• Focus on a well-balanced and nutritious dense diet including foods rich in antioxidants.
• Water is one of the best drinks to support liver health. Staying hydrated helps the liver in its natural detoxification processes.
• Lemon water, due to its high vitamin C content, can also be beneficial for the liver.
• Beetroot juice is known to have compounds that may support liver health.
• Take part in regular movement/exercise for overall well-being, as well as specific exercises to improve liver function.
• Incorporate liver-friendly herbs and supplements such as milk thistle, Ginseng, Dandelion, Nettle and Turmeric (Check with your healthcare professional before incorporating herbs if you are using medications).
• Green tea contains antioxidants and may have positive effects on liver function.
• Use Intermittent Fasting to give your whole system a break.
• Notice the changes your body is experiencing, make notes and release any emotions it brings up.

Don’ts for Menopause Detox and Liver Health

If you are serious about improving your liver health the obvious don’ts are alcohol, sugar and processed foods.  

Here are some other factors to consider;

• Don’t carry on with normal life, take some time to slow down and rest while you detox.
• Don’t hit the detox hard and fast, your body will thank you for slow and steady.
• Don’t forget to use techniques such as dry body brushing and Epsom salt baths to support the elimination of toxins from the body.
• Don’t bottle up emotions that may come to the surface.

Additional Tips for Liver and Menopause Well-being

There are additional factors to consider when focusing on liver health such as chronic stress.

Everyday life is stressful but if you don’t find a way to manage the stress in your life it can harm your liver health.

Functions of the liver impacted by chronic stress can include;

Release of Stress Hormones:  When the body perceives stress, it triggers the release of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones can affect various physiological processes, including those related to liver function.

Glycogen Breakdown and Blood Sugar Levels:  Stress hormones stimulate the breakdown of glycogen (stored glucose) in the liver, releasing glucose into the bloodstream. This mechanism is part of the body’s “fight or flight” response and is designed to provide quick energy. However, chronic stress can lead to sustained elevation of blood sugar levels, which may contribute to insulin resistance and other metabolic issues.

Impact on Fat Metabolism:  Stress can influence lipid metabolism, leading to changes in the distribution and storage of fat. Chronic stress may contribute to the accumulation of visceral fat, which is associated with an increased risk of fatty liver disease.

Inflammation and Oxidative Stress:  Chronic stress is linked to increased inflammation and oxidative stress throughout the body, including the liver. Prolonged inflammation can contribute to liver damage and the development of liver diseases.

Immune System Modulation:  Stress can affect the immune system, and the liver is a key organ involved in immune function. Chronic stress may compromise the liver’s ability to effectively respond to infections or other challenges.

Liver Repair and Regeneration:  Stress can interfere with the normal processes of liver repair and regeneration. Prolonged exposure to stress may hinder the liver’s ability to recover from damage or injury.

The road to symptom-free menopause health isn’t linear. Many factors can change on a daily, weekly or longer-term basis.

Tuning into your body, reconnecting to its natural cycles and honouring its needs will allow you to create hormone harmony providing a health span as long as your life span, at least that is the goal.

Conclusion

It’s important to note that individual responses to menopause can vary, and not all women will experience significant changes in liver function. 

Additionally, lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and overall health play a crucial role in mitigating potential negative effects on the liver during menopause.

If you want to talk about your unique menopause experience book a free Wild Well-Being call and take the first step to reclaim your zest for life.

Please share your experience or comments below.