Introduction

This is part one of our multi part series on weight loss.  Each article in this weight loss category will cover a different topic.  Use one or more of these topics to help yourself lose weight.

Liver Health and Weight Loss

The liver is one of the most important organs in the body.  It is involved in the metabolism carbohydrates, proteins and fats.  Therefore, it makes sense that good liver function is an important factor in a healthy weight.  So how can a healthy liver help you lose weight?  A healthy liver can:

1. Burn excess fat by promoting a healthy metabolism ¹
2. Pump excess fat out of the body via the bile salts ¹

Liver Dysfunction Symptoms

Abnormal metabolism of fats ²

• Abnormalities in the level of fats in the blood stream.  For example; elevated LDL cholesterol and reduced HDL cholesterol and elevated triglycerides.
• Arteries blocked with fat, leading to high blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes.
• Build up of fat in other body organs (fatty degeneration of organs).
• Lumps of fat in the skin (lipomas and other fatty tumors).
• Excessive weight gain, which may lead to obesity.
• Inability to lose weight even while dieting.
• Sluggish metabolism.
• Protuberant abdomen (pot belly).
• Cellulite.
• Fatty liver.
• Roll of fat around the upper abdomen - (liver roll).

Click here for a complete list of symptoms associated with liver dysfunction.

Note - It is never a good idea to make a self-diagnosis of any kind.  Always check with your doctor if you are experiencing any of the symptoms above.

Nutrition and Lifestyle for a Healthy Liver

You can improve the health of your liver simply by:

1. Lifestyle - Get plenty of rest.  Drink at least eight 8 oz glasses of water daily.  Exercise in moderation.  Do not drink alcohol or take drugs.
2. Diet - Incorporate plenty of liver friendly foods into a balanced diet.  Click here for a complete list of liver friendly foods.  Eat smaller meals throughout the day, and stop eating if you feel full.
3. Supplements- Take supplements that support healthy liver function.  These might include: milk thistle, dandelion, artichoke, taurine, choline and inositol.

Incorporate the ideas from above into your weight loss program, and you will witness improved results.  The results will not happen overnight, but the results will be lasting, which is something that you can be proud of.

Sources:

1.  Liver Problems are Common.  LiverDoctor.com.  http://www.liverdoctor.com/index.php?page=liver-dysfunction
2. Symptoms Associated with Liver Dysfunction. LiverDoctor.com. http://www.liverdoctor.com/index.php?page=symptoms

This entry was posted on Tuesday, August 19th, 2008 at 9:21 am and is filed under Weight Loss. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.