Happy Gut, Happy Liver
The liver is fascinating, it filters 2000 litres of blood per day. It’s one of the most hardworking organs in the body, tirelessly filtering toxins, metabolizing nutrients, and regulating hormones. It’s the ultimate multitasker, performing over 500 functions to keep us healthy.
But what happens when it becomes sluggish?
A variety issues can begin to creep in such as brain fog, bloating, skin problems, fatigue, hormonal imbalances and weight gain. However, to truly look after your liver you must first heal your gut.
Your Liver’s Detox Pathways
Detoxification in the liver happens in two phases. Phase 1 breaks down toxins into smaller, often more reactive molecules. Phase 2 neutralizes these molecules, making them water-soluble so they can be safely excreted.
This process requires a steady supply of nutrients - B vitamins, antioxidants, and, crucially, proteins (amino acids like glycine, taurine, and glutamine) to keep detox pathways running smoothly. When the liver lacks these essential nutrients or becomes overwhelmed by toxins, detoxification slows, and waste products accumulate.
Genetic Susceptibilities & Liver Detoxification
Moreover, some individuals may have genetic variations that impact their liver’s ability to detoxify efficiently. Certain gene variations, such as those affecting the CYP450 enzymes in Phase 1 detoxification or the GST and MTHFR genes in Phase 2, can slow down the body’s ability to neutralize and eliminate toxins. This is why at Meya Health we personalise our protocols, we understand genetic predispositions can help tailor nutrition and lifestyle choices to better support liver function.
Signs of a Sluggish Liver
✔ Digestive issues such as bloating, constipation, and acid reflux.
✔ Skin problems including acne, eczema, and rashes.
✔ Fatigue and brain fog, especially in the morning.
✔ Hormonal imbalances such as PMS, weight gain, and irregular cycles.
✔ Blood sugar issues, leading to sugar cravings and unstable energy levels.
✔ Detox struggles, including sensitivity to alcohol, headaches, and body odour.
A Note on Poor Sleep
Poor liver function contributes to poor sleep, and poor sleep further weakens liver function. It’s a two-way trap. The liver plays a key role in melatonin metabolism and blood sugar regulation, both essential for restful sleep. Meanwhile, sleep deprivation increases oxidative stress and inflammation, putting additional strain on the liver. This vicious cycle can leave you exhausted, moody, and metabolically sluggish.
Love Your Liver : Start with the Gut
The liver receives all the blood from the gut via the portal vein, meaning everything you absorb - including toxins, undigested food particles, and inflammatory compounds - flows directly to the liver. If your gut is compromised with leaky gut, these substances can accumulate in the liver, forcing it to overwhelm detox pathways, leading to a sluggish liver and systemic inflammation.
The solution?
Support your gut to support your liver:
✔ Eat protein-rich foods to fuel liver detox pathways.
✔ Support gut health with bone broth, fermented foods, and prebiotics.
✔ Reduce/avoid inflammatory foods like gluten, sugar, and processed foods.
✔ Prioritize sleep to allow liver regeneration.
✔ Stay hydrated to flush out toxins.
✔ Mobilise the Gut making sure there are regular bowel movements. Fibre, digestive enzymes, bile production, and stress management are key. Your liver is your body’s ultimate detox powerhouse - give it the care it deserves, and it will return the favour with vibrant health.
✔ A personalised protocol tailored to your unique genetic detoxification profile and nutrient status markers can help restore your liver and gut function, bringing your body back into balance.