With all the media buzz around the health risks of excessive alcohol, you might be considering joining the Go Sober for October campaign. While we all know that alcohol impacts our liver, have you ever wondered what that really means for your body?

In our society, there’s always an excuse to ‘have a drink.’ I’ll admit, I’ve lost some self-discipline while enjoying moments of relaxation—whether it’s a casual gin and tonic or a nice meal paired with wine. And let’s not forget how holidays often lead to all the rules going out the window. Before long, the festive season will be upon us, bringing more opportunities to indulge. It’s all about balance—if 80% of the time you’re making healthy choices, you can enjoy those moments. But it’s crucial to know when to slow down, as bad habits can quickly lead to bigger problems.

The detox process explained
Let’s take a closer look at how the liver works and why detoxification is crucial. Think of it as the body’s quality control centre—nothing gets through without inspection. After digestion, the blood carries everything we’ve consumed to the liver, where it filters out toxins like chemicals, additives, and alcohol. Using essential enzymes and antioxidants, the liver converts these harmful substances into non-toxic forms that can be safely eliminated from the body. However, this process also creates free radicals, which can cause damage and inflammation. The antioxidant glutathione is key in neutralizing these free radicals. While the body naturally produces glutathione, you can boost levels with supplements like milk thistle.

Warning signs
Your liver is resilient and can keep going unnoticed, even when under stress. Unfortunately, liver problems often don’t show up on blood tests until 70% of its function is lost. Here are some signs to watch for that may indicate your liver is struggling:

• Sensitivity to strong smells
• Frequent headaches
• Sensitivity to chemicals
• Frequently waking at night around 2-3am
• Itchy skin, rashes, or conditions like acne and psoriasis
• Abdominal discomfort
• Loss of appetite

Track your alcohol intake
It’s important to be aware of how much alcohol you’re consuming each week, as the units can add up quickly. The recommended limit for both men and women is about 14 units per week. If you’re regularly exceeding this, it may be time to reassess. The British Liver Trust offers helpful resources, including a liver health questionnaire you can find at their website.

Kinesiology and Liver Health
In my clinic, I take a unique approach to liver health by incorporating principles from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). In TCM, the liver isn’t just an organ; it’s the body’s energy regulator and emotional center. It helps maintain the smooth flow of Qi (energy), supports detoxification and digestion, and keeps emotions in balance.

Through muscle testing, kinesiology can detect imbalances in liver Qi that may manifest as fatigue, irritability, digestive problems, or emotional strain. By restoring this balance, we can enhance your energy, emotional well-being, and detoxification processes.

We’ll also look at lifestyle tweaks, such as including leafy greens and sour foods like lemon, staying hydrated, practicing gentle movement (yoga, Tai Chi), and ensuring good sleep for optimal liver rejuvenation. These holistic steps help keep your liver—and your overall health—functioning at its best.

If you feel your liver could use some extra support, I’m here to help. Book an appointment with me, and I can create a bespoke blend of Homeobotanical Herbs designed to support your liver health.

Clinic News
Just a little update from me—my clinic is settling in so well here in Emsworth, and I’ve had the pleasure of meeting some lovely new clients. The move has been a great change, and I’ve finally found a nice balance between work and life. We’re really loving all the beautiful walks around here, and saying hello to the sea has become a daily ritual! It’s been such a positive shift, and I’m excited for what’s ahead.

In the meantime, nourish your body, live well, and keep smiling!