If you’ve ever wondered if your liver needs detoxing, there are actually specific signs you can look out for that may indicate you need more liver detox support.

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If you’ve ever wondered if your liver needs detoxing, there are actually specific signs you can look out for that may indicate you need more support. Your liver is a major part of your detoxification system. When it’s not functioning optimally, it can lead to a cascade of consequences. Here’s how you will know if your liver is ready for a detox! 

WHAT ARE DETOX PATHWAYS? 

One of the body’s primary systems is the detoxification system, which is responsible for detoxifying the body from toxins and waste. We detox daily through various drainage pathways. We often think the liver does all the work; however, the liver needs all drainage pathways to function well for it to ultimately remove toxins daily. 

There are seven detox pathways that the body uses to excrete waste, including:

Liver 

The liver is the primary organ for detoxification. It filters toxins and waste from the blood and excretes them through bile and urine.

Skin 

The skin is the body’s largest organ. It is also a main player in detoxification because it allows the body to eliminate toxins through sweat. This is why it is so important to sweat regularly and often.

Bowels 

This one likely goes without saying, but just to cover all our bases: the bowels work to remove waste and toxins through the digestive system. The final stage eliminates toxins through bowel movements and stool. 

Lungs

The lungs are a primary detoxification organ for filtering airborne toxins, such as smoke, pollutants, allergens, and more.

Lymphatic System

The lymphatic system is made up of lymph, vessels, and nodes. Together, they work to move toxins out of tissues. This explains why you might have sore lymph nodes when sick. Sore, swollen lymph nodes are a tell-tale sign that your immune system and detoxification system are hard at work. 

Kidneys 

The kidneys work to remove toxins from the blood through urine. You can consider them to be the body’s natural water filtration system. 

Emotions

Surprisingly, emotions and the detoxification process are closely connected. Feeling and expressing emotions is a vital part of the detoxification system. When stress builds up in the body, it slows the detoxification system. 

In fact, Traditional Chinese Medicine claims that each organ is linked to an emotion. For example, the liver is impacted when your harbor anger and resentment. Alternatively, expressing your emotions (ie. crying, yelling, laughing) can support the lymphatic system and release stress hormones from the body.

Together, the liver, skin, bowels, lungs, lymphatic system, kidneys and emotions, work to support the body’s detoxification processes. Each organ and system plays an important role in filtering and removing waste from the body. 

WHY OPEN AND SUPPORT DETOX PATHWAYS LIKE THE LIVER?

Before encouraging your body to detoxify, it’s critical to ensure that your detox pathways are open and flowing. This means, the key players mentioned above (ie. liver, kidneys, lymphatic system, etc.) are functioning optimally– not slowed or congested. 

Opening detox pathways prepares your body for effective daily detoxification. Alternatively, blocked or congested detox pathways lead to a buildup of toxins, likely causing various imbalances and diseases. 

It’s important to note that opening your detox pathways is very different than performing a “detox protocol.” Ensuring your detox pathways are open and clear is the first step before taking active detoxification measures. If a detox is performed before opening detox pathways, it will likely be unsuccessful, counterproductive, or even contribute to worsening congested detoxification pathways.

Whenever I work with clients to restore their gut, energy, and vitality, I always support drainage and detox pathways before ever doing a more advanced, guided liver detox or gut removal protocol. This ensures the organs are ready for a more intense, targeted removal. Otherwise, it is common to feel worse. 

THE BENEFITS OF OPEN DETOXIFICATION PATHWAYS

When you prioritize open and clear detoxification pathways, you can expect the following benefits:

• Improved daily detoxification (hello, more energy!)
• Reduced oxidative stress and aging
• Less inflammation 
• Improved methylation
• Improved autoimmune conditions
• Successful pathogen removal

The first step to effective detoxification is opening the detox pathways to allow toxins to be removed from the body. 

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE LIVER: HOW DETOXIFICATION WORKS

As we now know, the liver is the body’s largest detoxification organ. It works 24/7 to filter and remove toxins, but needs the right support to function optimally. You can improve liver function and efficiency by supporting your detoxification pathways while reducing your toxin load.

The liver functions in two phases. Phase one is the Activation Phase. It modifies toxins using cytochrome p450 enzymes, making them more water-soluble. During this phase, toxins become free radicals, which is where phase two comes in. 

During phase two, the Elimination Phase, the liver combines the toxins from phase one with other molecules to make them excretable. Then, the body eliminates them via stool, bile, and urine. It is critical that phase two proceed to remove free radicals from the body. 

During phase two, often referred to as the conjugation or elimination phase, the liver takes the reactive toxins produced in phase one and attaches them to specific molecules—such as sulfur, amino acids, or antioxidants—to neutralize them. This biochemical “packaging” process makes the toxins water-soluble, less inflammatory, and easier for the body to excrete through bile, stool, and urine. 

When phase two is supported properly, these harmful compounds are efficiently escorted out of the body, reducing the burden on the immune system and preventing the buildup of free radicals that can damage cells, hormones, and the gut lining. This step is essential for maintaining balanced inflammation, protecting energy production, and keeping detox pathways flowing smoothly. 

Without robust phase one and two activity, toxins can recirculate, leading to sluggish metabolism, skin breakouts, headaches, and increased sensitivities—especially in women.

WHAT BURDENS LIVER DETOX PATHWAYS?

When focusing on opening the detox pathways for optimal detoxification, it’s essential to understand exactly what can hinder your efforts. There are many factors that burden the body’s detoxification pathways, especially the liver. These include:

Medications

Common medications, including over-the-counter and prescription drugs, block detox pathways. This includes NSAIDs, antibiotics, statins, Tylenol, oral contraceptives, and more. This is especially true when used chronically or for extended periods.

Diet and Environment

Our day-to-day environments are filled with toxins, including but not limited to: 

• Food and drinks, such as alcohol, unfiltered water, refined sugar, soda, seed oils, processed foods
• Glyphosate
• Heavy metals
• Food sensitivities
• Air pollutants
• Personal care products
• Cleaning products
• Mold
• Electromagnetic fields (EMFs)
• Plastics and endocrine disruptors

Gut Health 

A dysfunctional gut can also contribute to slow detox pathways. Underlying gastrointestinal infections, chronic constipation, and sluggish bile flow are all top factors.

Gaining an awareness of the ways we burden our liver is the first step to lowering the toxin loading and beginning to clear out detox pathways.

10 SIGNS YOUR LIVER NEEDS DETOXING

The liver isn’t shy in letting us know that it needs a little extra love. Tell-tale signs that your liver needs support, include:

Digestive Distress

Experiencing chronic digestive issues, such as bloating, gas, and constipation, often point to deeper issues within the gut. Gut dysfunctions, like Leaky Gut and Dysbiosis, are signs that your liver likely isn’t detoxing a it should be.

Skin Disruptions

Frequent or chronic skin problems, like acne, psoriasis, eczema, and rashes, are symptoms that the body is having trouble eliminating toxins from the body. Instead, the toxins are bubbling up to the surface and presenting as problematic skin.

Fatigue and Sluggishness

When your liver is acting sluggish, so will you. This level of chronic fatigue is unaffected by how much sleep and rest you get. It can also present as chronic brain fog. 

Stubborn Belly Fat and Weight Loss Resistance

If you’ve been “doing all the right things” to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight, without success, there is likely a root cause. When a congested liver causes toxins to back up in your body, cortisol levels spike. This cascading effect can cause your body to retain excess weight, especially around the abdomen.

Allergies and Histamine Intolerance

Histamines are broken down by enzymes produced by the liver (DAO and HNMT). When the liver doesn’t make enough enzymes, histamine builds up in the body, causing allergy-like reactions. Symptoms of histamine intolerance include headaches, hives, frequent nasal congestion, anxiety, and fatigue. 

Intense Sugar and Carb Cravings

Liver dysfunction contributes to blood sugar dysregulation and insulin resistance– both of which cause intense sugar cravings. In this case, it isn’t just a lack of willpower; there is a physiological reason at play.

Frequent Headaches or Migraines

When toxins build up due to liver congestion, headaches are often a common consequence. A high toxin burden can increase inflammation and dilate blood vessels, both of which are common triggers of headaches. 

Fatty Liver Disease

Experiencing Fatty Liver Disease is an obvious sign that the liver isn’t functioning as it should. This occurs when excess fat builds up in the liver, which is why it’s called fatty liver disease. The disease is closely linked to obesity, insulin resistance, excessive alcohol consumption, and high cholesterol.

Gallbladder Issues or Gallbladder Removal

When you have a dysfunctional liver, or don’t have one altogether, your detoxification system is greatly impacted. The gallbladder assists the liver by breaking down fats and excreting bile. Without it, the liver takes on extra work and responsibility. 

Insomnia and Sleep Disturbances

An overburdened liver is linked to poor sleep, or insomnia, especially between 1 and 3 am. This is likely due to blood sugar imbalances or inflammation caused by a congested liver.

All of these signs and symptoms are linked to a congested liver and/or high toxin load. And, they may signal that an advanced liver detox could be beneficial for your health.

HOW TO SUPPORT LIVER DETOXIFICATION 

Fortunately, there are ways to support a strong, healthy liver and detoxification system. I’ve helped hundreds of women restore gut health, achieve boundless energy, and show up fully again with vitality by guiding them through an advanced liver detoxification protocol. 

In our Abounding 5 Method™, we work with clients on both drainage pathways and advanced liver detoxification. Supporting drainage pathways and elimination happens in phase 3 of the program and advanced liver detoxification in phase 4, because there is a specific order and timing for these that are best utilized. 

As always, I recommend working with a skilled functional medicine practitioner who can guide you safely through a liver detoxification protocol since this should be monitored and personalized. 

With that being said, some simple and effective strategies you can start today that can support and enhance daily liver detoxification include: 

Hydration for Liver Detox Support

Prioritize drinking filtered, remineralized water. You can add fresh lemon juice and Celtic or Redmond’s sea salt for boosted water absorption. Drinking dandelion root tea 3-4 times per week is also a way to increase hydration and support liver function.

Diet for Liver Detox Support

Food is medicine! Animal protein is essential for liver detoxification. Aim to consume 0.5-1g per lb of body weight per day. Bitter herbs also stimulate detoxification, including chicory root, burdock, dandelion, bitter melon, milk thistle, mint, black walnut, cacao, and wormwood. 

Other liver-supporting foods include lemon, lime, citrus peel, ginger, broccoli sprouts, cilantro, turmeric, garlic, onions, leeks, scallions, carrots, beets, dandelion greens, artichoke, endive, cabbage, radishes, arugula, mustard greens, and cooked cruciferous vegetables for gentle detox.

Supplements for Liver Detox Support

Supplementation is an effective approach to supporting your liver function. Some of my favorites include:

• Liver Love tincture by Earthley
• Magnesium (bicarbonate & glycinate) for detox and relaxation
• Phosphatidylcholine by BodyBio for bile flow and cellular health
• B vitamins for methylation and liver detox function
• Schizandra by Supreme Nutrition for daily liver support and drainage 

Additional Liver Support Practices

You can also support your liver and entire detoxification system by adopting the following practices:

• Daily bowel movements 
• 8 hours of sleep per night 
• Sauna therapy (3-4 times per week) 
• Donate blood every 6 months (if iron/ferritin is high–always test first!)
• Red light therapy (5 times per day) 
• Castor oil packs on the upper right abdomen (3-4 times per week)

For even more ways to enhance daily liver detoxification, check out this article here. 

SIGNS YOUR LIVER DETOX SUPPORT IS WORKING

Just like your body tells you when your liver is not working well, it will often also give you signs that it is thriving and strong. Signs and symptoms of a healthy, functioning liver include:

• White, clear eyes 
• Increased energy and vitality
• Less bloating and improved digestion
• Clearer, brighter skin
• Better focus and mental clarity
• Reduced cravings and blood sugar balance
• Improved mood and emotional resilience

All of these signs point to healthy, strong, vital liver function that you want to assess! 

WRAPPING IT ALL UP

Now that you know the 10 signs your liver needs detoxing, you can assess your starting point and room for improvement. The health of your gut directly impacts your liver function, and vice versa. 

If you’re struggling with a congested liver, it can result in fatigue, weight gain, acne, hormonal imbalance, leaky gut, and brain fog. In that case, it might be time to address not only your liver but also a personalized approach to healing your gut. 

If you’re ready to restore gut health and achieve boundless energy so you can show up fully with vitality for what matters most, I would love to help you! My approach is completely personalized with a proven 5-step process that utilizes your unique data through functional lab testing. Join the hundreds of women who have been able to transform their health and life, and let’s work together!

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