The liver is responsible for over 500 biochemical reactions in the body, yet Western medical tests can only diagnose liver distress when the patient is near death!

Traditional Chinese Medicine teaches that symptoms as varied as acid reflux and acne can be signals of liver distress that are relieved by enhancing liver function. These and hundreds of other symptoms point to a breakdown in one of the many functions of this extremely active organ.

The following is a list of just some of the jobs your liver is called on to perform everyday:

• Metabolizes proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, to provide energy and nutrients. If your liver is in distress, you can expect digestive disorders or, possibly, acid reflux.
• Stores vitamins, minerals and sugars. A distressed liver could result in hypoglycemia or diabetes.
• Filters the blood and helps remove harmful chemicals and bacteria.
• Creates bile, which breaks down fats (bile is stored in the gallbladder).
• Seat of cholesterol production and regulation.
• Helps assimilate and store fat-soluble vitamins (A,E,D,K). The liver can store enough vitamin A to supply an adult’s needs for up to four years and enough vitamin D and vitamin B12 to last for four months!
• Stores extra blood, which can be quickly released when needed. A distressed liver can cause excessive menstrual bleeding or tumors.
• Creates serum proteins, which maintain fluid balance.

More Liver functions:
• Helps maintain electrolyte and water balance.
• Creates immune substances, such as gamma globulin.
• Breaks down and eliminates excess hormones.

PMS is often linked to excess estrogen. The liver eliminates excess hormones. Too much estrogen in the body has been linked to:
• Increased risk of gallbladder disease
• Production of clots and inflammation in the blood vessels
• High blood pressure
• Hypoglycemia
• Breast, uterine, liver and vaginal cancer
• Emotional swings
• Food cravings

Excessive testosterone has been linked to:
• Over-aggressiveness
• Extreme mood swings
• Abnormal levels of sexual energy
• Dysfunction of reproductive cycle

The liver also:
• Detoxifies drugs and noxious substances.
• Produces heat for the body. Liver distress can mean you are too hot (yang) or too cold (yin)!
• Liver distress can mean frequent headaches related to tension and stress or from eyestrain.
• Skin problems (including acne and psoriasis), brittle nails, weak tendons, ligaments and muscles could point to liver distress.