Healthy liver = healthy hormones
Stress, aging, pesticide exposure, man-made chemicals, too much or too little exercise, or poor nutrition can all affect the delicate balance of hormones. One of the greatest causes of symptoms related to PMS, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, fibrocystic breast disease; and breast, uterine, and ovarian cancer is overexposure to estrogen through xenoestrogens, which are synthetic estrogens in the environment. This is most often referred to as estrogen dominance. Oral contraceptives (birth control pills) and hormone replacement therapy are two major sources of these exogenous estrogens. These hormones are considered “foreign” and the body does not recognize them as identical to its own hormones.
The Essential Role of the Liver
The liver is considered a key player in addressing hormonal imbalances. Many of our hormones, especially estrogen, pass through the liver and are broken down into their respective metabolites. The problem arises when xenoestrogens pass through the liver, as they often create very damaging by-products and harmful estrogen metabolites, which puts a lot of extra stress on the liver and disrupts our normal hormonal pathways.
Environmental Toxins
Other major sources of xenoestrogens are environmental toxins found in pesticides, plastics, household cleaning products, and many of our personal hygiene and cosmetic products. These toxins are structurally similar to estrogen and have the ability to mimic harmful estrogens in the body. Research has shown that “good” and “bad” natural estrogens exist in the body. For example, 16α-hydroxylated estrogen metabolites are stronger and associated with a higher risk of breast cancer compared to 2-hydroxylated estrogen metabolites, which are considered friendly and protective estrogens.
How to Contribute to a Healthy Balance
To help maintain a healthy hormonal balance, eat organic foods, use clean body care products that are free of xenoestrogens, including parabens and sulfates, and ask your natural health store for a natural formula to promote healthy liver detoxification. Liver-supporting ingredients, including milk thistle and curcumin, are essential for supporting these detoxification pathways. Milk thistle is a well-documented botanical extract that contains powerful antioxidants that protect liver cells from free radical damage and promote detoxification pathways. Calcium-d-glucarate, indole-3-carbinol, and sulforaphane help the liver metabolize excess estrogen from the body. Green tea extract has been shown to reduce excessive testosterone levels and control high insulin levels. It is also a powerful antioxidant, as are lycopene and rosemary extract. When detoxifying harmful substances, antioxidants help bind to free radicals and thus protect the body from environmental aggressions.
A Healthy Liver, a Healthy Body
Our liver is one of the most important organs in the body for detoxification. Keeping your liver healthy and supporting its ability to effectively break down hormones is essential for a healthy hormonal balance.
References:
Hudson, T. Women’s Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine. Revised and Updated. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, 2008.
Lord, RS., Bongiovanni, ND, and J. Alexander Bralley. Estrogen Metabolism and the Diet-Cancer Connection: Rational for Assessing the Ratio of Urinary Hydroxylated Estrogen Metabolites. Alternative Medicine Review. Volume 7, Number 2. 2002.
Dr. Marita Schauch, BSc, ND