More and more, I have people coming to me who are experiencing unexplained weight gain, fatigue, and overall feeling off. They have been told it’s their hormones, it’s their thyroid, it’s their adrenals, the list goes on. Yes, all of these can contribute to these symptoms, but they do not explain the reasons these things would be imbalanced in the body in the first place.
The functional medicine approach is to identify the true root cause. Hormones are very downstream when it comes to physiology and there are many other things that influence them. Thus, addressing hormonal imbalances- from sex hormones to adrenals to thyroid- with supplements is not fixing the problem, it’s still a bandage. We need to go upstream to figure out what is causing these imbalances in the first place.
I always go to the gut and liver function first because they are the most upstream. But let’s talk about the liver.
The liver is a vital organ responsible for processing and detoxifying substances in the body. It is a metabolic organ! A sluggish liver can influence one's ability to lose weight or is likely at the root of unexplained weight gain. The liver plays a critical role in metabolizing and breaking down fats, and when it is not functioning optimally, it can lead to the accumulation of excess fat in the body. This can make it more challenging to lose weight, even with a healthy diet and exercise.
When the liver is not able to metabolize fats effectively, it can lead to insulin resistance, which can make it harder for the body to regulate blood sugar levels. This can result in increased cravings for sugary and high-carbohydrate foods, which can contribute to weight gain.
Additionally, when the liver is not functioning properly, it can lead to the accumulation of toxins in the body, which can interfere with several metabolic processes. These toxins can also interfere with hormone regulation, which can lead to imbalances that can contribute to weight gain. This also leads to hormonal imbalances that can affect various bodily functions and you see symptoms such as fatigue, depression, and mood swings. (Even if your liver markers are "normal"!)
In addition to processing hormones, the liver plays a key role in converting food into energy that the body can use. When the liver is not functioning optimally, it may not be able to convert nutrients into energy as efficiently, also leading to feelings of fatigue and low energy levels.
At this point, you may feel like your body is working against you but the truth is, it is working harder than ever to find some state of balance. All of these things are signs that your body is working FOR you, not against you. But I do understand how frustrating this can feel.
Overall, a healthy liver is essential for maintaining optimal physical and mental health, and a sluggish liver can certainly have an impact on one's ability to lose weight, as well as energy levels, hormonal balance, and even mental well-being. It is important to take steps to support liver health as part of any weight loss efforts. To support a healthy liver, there are several lifestyle modifications involved, including specific diet strategies, sleep, stress management, and exercise. All of which may seem overwhelming when you feel the effects of a sluggish liver! But one step at a time, and with encouragement, it is possible to work through these hurdles to find a sense of health and well-being again.