A Happy Menopause Starts with a Healthy Liver.
As women enter perimenopause, they often experience a number of changes in their bodies, including hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings. One thing that many women may not be aware of, however, is the important role that a healthy liver can play in making this transition easier.
The liver is one of the body's most vital organs, responsible for detoxifying harmful substances, producing bile to aid in digestion, and regulating metabolism. During perimenopause transition, the liver's functions become even more important as it helps the body to process hormones and other substances that can cause unwanted symptoms.
One of the key ways that a healthy liver can help women during perimenopause is by supporting the body's hormone balance. As women reach perimenopause, their levels of oestrogen are initially high and fluctuating, and progesterone begins to decline, leading imbalanced hormones and many unwanted symptoms. The liver plays a crucial role in regulating these hormones, ensuring that they are broken down and eliminated from the body properly.
If the liver is not functioning optimally, however, hormones may build up in the body, leading an exacerbation of symptoms. For example, excess oestrogen can cause mood swings, bloating, and breast tenderness, while low levels of testosterone can lead to a loss of libido and energy. By supporting the liver's function, women can help to ensure that their hormone levels are more balanced and that they are better able to cope with the changes of perimenopause.
One of the best ways to support liver health during perimenopause is through a healthy diet. This means consuming plenty of vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats, while limiting processed foods, sugar, and alcohol.
Foods to Support Optimal Liver Function.
Cruciferous vegetables - Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and other cruciferous vegetables contain compounds that help to support the liver's detoxification pathways.
Turmeric - This bright yellow spice has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties that can help to protect the liver.
Garlic - Garlic is known for its antibacterial and anti fungal properties, which can help to reduce the burden on the liver.
Beetroot - Beetroot contains compounds that help to protect the liver from damage and improve its ability to detoxify.
Leafy greens - Spinach, kale, and other leafy greens are rich in antioxidants and other nutrients that can help to support liver health.
Protein- Is important for supporting the liver's detoxification processes. When the liver breaks down toxins and other harmful substances, it converts them into compounds that can be excreted from the body. This process requires a variety of enzymes and proteins, many of which are synthesized in the liver. Choose high-quality sources of protein such as organic grass-fed meats, eggs, low mercury wild fish, organic poultry, beans, nuts, and seeds. For most healthy adults, an optimal daily intake of protein is around 1.2-1.6 grams per kilogram of body weight. This amount needs to be adjusted depending on health status, activity level, as well as wellness goals.
Lifestyle Factors to Support Optimal Liver Function.
Exercise - Regular exercise can help to improve liver function by increasing blood flow and supporting the body's natural detoxification processes.
Hydration - Drinking plenty of water and other fluids can help to flush toxins out of the body and keep the liver functioning properly.
Stress management - Chronic stress can have a negative impact on liver function, so it's important to find healthy ways to manage stress during menopause. This may include practices like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.
Supplemental Support.
Milk thistle, dandelion root, N-acetyl cysteine (NAC). **
Overall, maintaining a healthy liver is an important part of not only managing the symptoms of perimenopause, but in promoting long term health.
**Always discuss with your heath care provider before taking any new supplements
