Love Your Liver: How it functions, affects your hormones, glucose spikes, and health ✨

Camryn

Mar 8, 2025

3 min read

Hey darling!

I was listening to Morning Microdose podcast and let me tell you, I am in alignment because the Universe clearly placed this episode in front of me for a reason.

I've been grinding away at my group fitness certification and learning about energy systems. When I listened to that podcast, I felt compelled to learn more about the liver and holy heck, the liver does a TON more than detoxification.

This also felt so relevant to me because I have a loved one with a liver autoimmune disease and another with type 1 diabetes! Obviously this knowledge will help everyone, but I wrote this with them in mind.

What Does the Liver Do?

The liver is a vital organ that performs numerous essential functions to maintain the body's overall health and homeostasis. Here’s a summary of its primary functions:

1. Metabolism

Carbohydrate Metabolism: Regulates blood sugar by storing glucose as glycogen (glycogenesis) and releasing it when needed (glycogenolysis or gluconeogenesis). This fact right here was what got me excited because I made the connection to my fitness trainings!
Lipid Metabolism: Produces cholesterol, triglycerides, and lipoproteins and metabolizes fatty acids for energy.
Protein Metabolism: Synthesizes non-essential amino acids and converts ammonia (a byproduct of protein breakdown) into urea for excretion.

2. Detoxification

Filters and detoxifies harmful substances from the blood, including drugs, alcohol, and toxins.
Converts fat-soluble toxins into water-soluble forms for easier excretion through urine or bile.

3. Bile Production

Produces bile, a substance essential for breaking down and absorbing fats and fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K).
Bile also aids in the elimination of waste products like bilirubin.

4. Storage

Stores essential nutrients and vitamins, including glycogen, fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K), and minerals like iron and copper.

5. Blood Filtration and Regulation

Removes old and damaged red blood cells and pathogens from the bloodstream.
Regulates blood clotting by producing clotting factors like fibrinogen and prothrombin.

6. Hormone Regulation

Metabolizes and regulates hormones such as estrogen, testosterone, and thyroid hormones.
Converts inactive forms of hormones to their active states when needed.

7. Immune Function

Contains Kupffer cells, specialized macrophages that destroy bacteria, viruses, and other harmful particles in the blood.

8. Energy Production

Provides energy during fasting by breaking down stored glycogen and fats into glucose or ketones.

9. Cholesterol and Lipoprotein Production

Synthesizes cholesterol and regulates its levels in the blood.
Produces lipoproteins that transport fats and cholesterol throughout the body.

10. Bilirubin Metabolism

Processes bilirubin (a byproduct of red blood cell breakdown) and excretes it in bile.

11. Synthesis of Plasma Proteins

Produces vital proteins like albumin (maintains oncotic pressure and transports substances) and globulins.

12. Ammonia Conversion

Converts ammonia, a toxic byproduct of protein metabolism, into urea for excretion in urine.

The liver’s versatility and vital functions underscore its importance in maintaining health. Protecting the liver through a healthy diet, avoiding excessive alcohol, and minimizing exposure to toxins is crucial.

Signs Your Liver Needs Extra Love

Fatigue or low energy
Digestive issues, like bloating or constipation
Skin problems, such as acne or eczema
Hormonal imbalances
Frequent colds or infections

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it might be time to slow down and honor your liver's needs. More on that in my next post!

Gentle Yoga for Liver Health

Certain yoga poses can stimulate your liver and promote detoxification. Try these:

Twists: Seated or lying twists gently massage the liver and support digestion.
Forward Folds: Help improve circulation and relax your system.
Bridge Pose: Opens up the chest and stimulates the abdominal organs.

Loving Your Liver for Lifelong Health

Taking care of your liver is an act of self-love. When this vital organ is supported, you’ll feel more energized, balanced, and vibrant. Start with small, intentional changes and see how your body responds. You deserve to feel amazing, beautiful soul! ✨

Hey darling!

I was listening to Morning Microdose podcast and let me tell you, I am in alignment because the Universe clearly placed this episode in front of me for a reason.

I've been grinding away at my group fitness certification and learning about energy systems. When I listened to that podcast, I felt compelled to learn more about the liver and holy heck, the liver does a TON more than detoxification.

This also felt so relevant to me because I have a loved one with a liver autoimmune disease and another with type 1 diabetes! Obviously this knowledge will help everyone, but I wrote this with them in mind.

What Does the Liver Do?

The liver is a vital organ that performs numerous essential functions to maintain the body's overall health and homeostasis. Here’s a summary of its primary functions:

1. Metabolism

Carbohydrate Metabolism: Regulates blood sugar by storing glucose as glycogen (glycogenesis) and releasing it when needed (glycogenolysis or gluconeogenesis). This fact right here was what got me excited because I made the connection to my fitness trainings!

Lipid Metabolism: Produces cholesterol, triglycerides, and lipoproteins and metabolizes fatty acids for energy.

Protein Metabolism: Synthesizes non-essential amino acids and converts ammonia (a byproduct of protein breakdown) into urea for excretion.

2. Detoxification

Filters and detoxifies harmful substances from the blood, including drugs, alcohol, and toxins.

Converts fat-soluble toxins into water-soluble forms for easier excretion through urine or bile.

3. Bile Production

Produces bile, a substance essential for breaking down and absorbing fats and fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K).

Bile also aids in the elimination of waste products like bilirubin.

4. Storage

Stores essential nutrients and vitamins, including glycogen, fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K), and minerals like iron and copper.

5. Blood Filtration and Regulation

Removes old and damaged red blood cells and pathogens from the bloodstream.

Regulates blood clotting by producing clotting factors like fibrinogen and prothrombin.

6. Hormone Regulation

Metabolizes and regulates hormones such as estrogen, testosterone, and thyroid hormones.

Converts inactive forms of hormones to their active states when needed.

7. Immune Function

Contains Kupffer cells, specialized macrophages that destroy bacteria, viruses, and other harmful particles in the blood.

8. Energy Production

Provides energy during fasting by breaking down stored glycogen and fats into glucose or ketones.

9. Cholesterol and Lipoprotein Production

Synthesizes cholesterol and regulates its levels in the blood.

Produces lipoproteins that transport fats and cholesterol throughout the body.

10. Bilirubin Metabolism

Processes bilirubin (a byproduct of red blood cell breakdown) and excretes it in bile.

11. Synthesis of Plasma Proteins

Produces vital proteins like albumin (maintains oncotic pressure and transports substances) and globulins.

12. Ammonia Conversion

Converts ammonia, a toxic byproduct of protein metabolism, into urea for excretion in urine.

The liver’s versatility and vital functions underscore its importance in maintaining health. Protecting the liver through a healthy diet, avoiding excessive alcohol, and minimizing exposure to toxins is crucial.

Signs Your Liver Needs Extra Love

Fatigue or low energy

Digestive issues, like bloating or constipation

Skin problems, such as acne or eczema

Hormonal imbalances

Frequent colds or infections

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it might be time to slow down and honor your liver's needs. More on that in my next post!

Gentle Yoga for Liver Health

Certain yoga poses can stimulate your liver and promote detoxification. Try these:

Twists: Seated or lying twists gently massage the liver and support digestion.

Forward Folds: Help improve circulation and relax your system.

Bridge Pose: Opens up the chest and stimulates the abdominal organs.

Loving Your Liver for Lifelong Health

Taking care of your liver is an act of self-love. When this vital organ is supported, you’ll feel more energized, balanced, and vibrant. Start with small, intentional changes and see how your body responds. You deserve to feel amazing, beautiful soul! ✨

Lots of love!

Comments