We are happy to continue our collaboration with MUDr. Tamara Danailová, founder of Mitamedical – a physician who practices functional medicine and a holistic approach to health. This time, she brings a holistic view of health and emphasizes the importance of connecting digestion, the liver and overall lifestyle. In this section, we focus on the liver – an organ key to detoxification, hormone metabolism, nutrient processing and inflammation regulation.
To support the liver, MUDr. Danailova recommends natural steps including diet, exercise, and appropriate supplementation, which includes our Mint Elixir.
LIVER
When it comes to digestive problems, people usually think of the stomach or intestines first. However, in this article, I would like to highlight the importance of another organ – the liver .
The liver is the largest internal organ in the human body and one of the few organs that has the ability to regenerate. It performs more than 500 vital functions , thanks to which it keeps the body in balance.
One of its most important tasks is to filter harmful substances and waste products from the blood . In addition, it is involved in:
-
regulation of blood clotting,
-
defense against infections,
-
production of cholesterol and some hormones,
-
storage of glycogen (sugars), vitamins (A, D, E, K, B12) and minerals (iron, copper),
-
storage of fats and amino acids,
-
the production of bile, which is essential for the digestion of fats.
The connection between the liver and intestines
The liver and intestines are connected by the portal vein, which allows two-way communication between the digestive tract and the liver. This connection allows nutrients, metabolites, and microbial products from the intestines to pass directly to the liver.
However, when the gut is dysbiosis, the liver is overworked and the detoxification process is disrupted. Therefore, it is important to remember that when addressing digestive problems, we should not only focus on the intestinal tract, but also support liver function.
Why is this important?
When the intestinal barrier is compromised, bacterial toxins pass through the intestinal wall into the bloodstream and then into the liver. These substances activate liver cells and cause inflammation, which can lead to liver damage.
As a result, the liver cannot properly:
-
detoxify hormones, harmful substances and enzymes,
-
store vitamins, minerals, fats and amino acids.
Examples of consequences of gut-liver axis imbalance
Histamine intolerance
In intestinal dysbiosis, the production of the enzyme DAO is reduced, and the liver must break down excess histamine. However, if it is overloaded, its ability to break down histamine decreases.
Hypothyroidism
The liver is involved in the activation of thyroid hormones. When it is weakened, the activity of these hormones may be reduced.
Hormonal imbalance
A slowed or overloaded liver cannot effectively inactivate estrogens and cortisol. This can lead to estrogen dominance, which manifests as heavy periods, breast tenderness, mood swings, and migraines.
Iron deficiency
The liver produces the hormone hepcidin, a master regulator of iron homeostasis. Chronic inflammation can disrupt its levels, contributing to the development of anemia.
Vitamin D deficiency
Vitamin D obtained from diet or sunlight is converted in the liver to 25-hydroxyvitamin D, the form measured in the blood. A weakened liver cannot perform this conversion efficiently enough.
Inflating
When enterohepatic circulation is impaired, bile production, which is essential for proper fat digestion, is reduced.
Insulin resistance
When liver cells fail to respond to insulin, they overproduce glucose and store fat, creating a vicious cycle that promotes the development of type 2 diabetes.
Anxiety, nervousness, insomnia
Dopamine, serotonin, and noradrenaline are broken down in the liver. If detoxification is not working properly, these neurotransmitters build up and can cause the symptoms listed above.
The Eastern Medicine Perspective
-
Emotions: irritability, anger, easy explosiveness, difficulty in depersonalizing
-
Color: green
-
Organ hours: 1:00 - 3:00 in the morning
How can we support the liver?
In my practice, I use a liver protocol that patients follow for 4–6 weeks. It focuses on detoxification and supporting the elimination of toxins.
The protocol consists of:
-
dietary adjustments - rich in antioxidants, polyphenols and flavonoids
-
supplementation - amino acids (glycine, N-Acetyl cysteine), vitamin C, zinc, magnesium, vitamin B12, Glutathione, herbal support (milk thistle)
-
support exclude
-
processes – exercise, infrared sauna, sufficient fluid intake.
Why do I supplement the protocol with Elixir Mint?
Mint Elixir is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. Peppermint oil can help protect the liver from oxidative damage. This makes it an excellent aid in supporting the liver during its detoxification process and as a preventative measure all year round.
------
Source: Bellassoued K, Hsouna AB, Athmouni K, et al. Protective effects of Mentha piperita L. leaf essential oil against CCl4 induced hepatic oxidative damage and renal failure in rats. Lipids in Health and Disease. 2018; 17: 9. DOI: 10.1186/s12944-017-0645-9
© The Author(s). 2018 Open Access This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0570178315000469
------
