When our liver is burdened by too many toxins, it shows a myriad of different symptoms. A sluggish liver causes our body's systems to become imbalanced and opens the door wide to disease.

Here are common symptoms if a liver that isn't working as it should:

•  A weakened immune system
•  Very low energy levels; lethargy (sluggishness), especially after meals
•  Digestive problems; gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, bloating, gas and indigestion)
•  High levels of bad cholesterol and triglycerides
•  Heart disease
•  Cellulite
•  Fatty tumors
•  Pain by the lower right rib cage
•  Blood sugar imbalances
•  Mood swings
•  Difficulty concentrating and poor memory
•  Yellowing of the eyes
•  Bad breath and a white coating on the tongue
•  Skin eruptions/rashes
•  Bad body odor
•  Poor tolerance to fatty foods and resultant gall bladder disease/gall stones
•  Inability to lose weight no matter what; tendency to hold weight in the upper abdomen
•  Poor skin and hair
•  Dull and/or frequent headaches
•  Nervous energy in the evening
•  Frequent waking between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m.
•  Grogginess in the morning
•  Skin problems (acne, eczema, etc.)
•  Respiratory conditions (congestion, allergies, hay fever)
•  Pain in muscles and/or joints
•  Reactions to chemicals and drugs
•  Anger/irritability
•  Hot flashes, PMS symptoms

You might notice that these symptoms are very similar to someone with Candida Albicans or an acidic body pH. This is because both of these conditions put a tremendous strain on the liver - the whole body, actually.

So someone with a Candida infection almost definitely has an acidic body pH - and liver dysfunction is a given. Someone with an acidic body pH is a welcome mat for candida, which leads to liver dysfunction. The three conditions are related - intertwined into a circle - you get the idea. And this should be kept in mind when deciding the best course of action for a liver cleanse.

So let's talk about natural liver cleansing methods. There are several substances you can turn to for a natural liver cleansing, but one stands out well above the rest. That's milk thistle herb.

Milk thistle has been researched thoroughly and time and time again it proves to be a powerhouse for protecting, as well as rejuvenating, the liver. How? It's a powerful antioxidant that protects the liver and other organs against free radicals that can lead to damage and disease. It also protects the liver from the damaging effects of prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs.

And what's truly amazing is that this herb also enhances the liver's ability to regenerate itself. Very high doses of milk thistle are safe - generally about 300 mg split up over the course of a day, is recommended. When looking for milk thistle, be sure to get a brand that contains a high percentage of silymarin, a powerful compound from the ripened fruit of the herb.

There are other things that will naturally cleanse the liver. Wheatgrass juice is excellent, as are juices from carrots, apples, lemons, and grapefruits. Parsley, spinach, dandelion, and beets and also effective. My morning green drink always contains a whole lemon, parsley, spinach, an apple, and often times carrot juice.

And don't forget the everyday changes you can make to detoxify the liver:

Eat plenty of raw fruits and vegetables

Drink about 2 liters of filtered water

Use natural cleaning products (remember the grapefruit seed extract cleaner, (GSE) that I make and use?).

Use natural and organic body care products (see environmental working group, EWG.com, to get the latest information on natural body care products)

Eat organic foods and grass-fed, hormone free meat (EatWild.com/products/utah.html is a terrific source and they even have a map so you can find the best sources for the state you live in)

Get enough omega-3 fatty acids (flax and chia seed will take care of this)

Limit refined sweeteners (I'm learning to sweeten things with medjool dates)

Eat plenty of fiber to keep the bowels moving

All of these steps can help keep the liver in tip-top shape. And that ensures good health and a strong immune system - which always go hand in hand.

Sources:
https://www.buzzle.com/articles/sluggish-liver-symptoms.html
https://www.myfrienddebbie.com/article_master.php?id=911
https://www.jessicashealthblog.com/nutrition/wheatgrass-medicine/
https://www.balancedhealthtoday.com/Immune-System.html
https://frugalhacks.com/2008/07/09/10-ways-to-save-on-fruits-vegetables/
https://reusable-green.com/?cat=3
https://www.healthyhighway.com/Products/HH107.htm
https://www.mnn.com/health/fitness-well-being/blogs/at-whole-foods-organic-beauty-products-are-now-the-real-deal
https://www.motherearthnews.com/Relish/How-to-Find-Local-Food-and-Farmers.aspx
https://www.learningtoeatallergyfree.com/2012/02/fun-with-chia-seeds-making-chia-seed.html
https://www.5dollardinners.com/2011/08/no-sugar-no-flour-week-1.html
https://topnews.net.nz/content/217136-fiber-eating-reduces-breast-cancer-chances-claims-researcher