"The Liver and Women's Health"

The liver plays an important role in women's health because it breaks down excess hormones so that they can be eliminated from the system. Unfortunately, the conventional western lifestyle produces many an overburdened liver due to pollution, poor nutrition, and alcohol use. A congested liver is unable to process the body's natural hormones resulting in imbalances and illness. Add synthetic hormones and more serious problems can develop. Many drug side effects relate directly to their effect on the liver; thus the liver is often monitored in long term drug treatments and the occasional break is suggested to those using fertility drugs for example.

Synthetic hormones are not just found in pills, however, they are injected into cattle and chickens to fatten them up. Meat eaters would be well advised to buy organic and try to eat less meat, since the animal's natural hormones are also in its flesh. Estrogen-like compounds have been found in bleach and plastics. When heated in the microwave, these compounds can leach from plastic containers into the food. Avoiding these and other sources of synthetic hormones is especially important for women with estrogen stimulated disordered like fibroids, endometriosis, and certain cancers.

The liver, like other organs, can be supported and helped to function more effectively. Liver cleansing and detoxification gets dramatic results in correcting menopausal and menstrual problems, infertility, and endometriosis. This is often the first step in Chinese medicine.

Of course there is the option of avoiding stress to the liver in the first place, but people are loath to give up their coffee, wine, and goodies. Therefore, supporting the liver with herbs makes a lot of sense whether a woman is using synthetic hormones or not. Many women's tonics and female formulas contain liver and blood cleansing herbs. These formulations give broader support for the whole system rather than focusing on one or two hormone levels. A woman having menstrual problems, PMS, infertility, or menopausal discomfort could benefit from a light fast or detoxifying program along with herbal liver support.

Intestinal cleansing with bulking fiber and healthy bacterial culture are also quite helpful, since toxins and circulating hormones can be reabsorbed in the intestinal tract. The healthy bacteria protects against yeast overgrowth and also helps to break down excess estrogens and cholesterol in the intestines.

The liver has astounding regenerative potential. Given a little support, it can help ensure reproductive health and a smoother menopause.

SUMMARY

* Detoxifying and supporting the liver can relieve many women's reproductive problems.

* Excess hormones can disrupt normal menstrual cycles and stimulate certain cancers.

* A cleansing fast should include intestinal fiber and healthy bacteria along with a liver tonic.

*A woman should consult with a naturopath or doctor when planning her detoxification program.