Estrogen, Fibroids and the Liver

Estrogen, Fibroids and the Liver

Any hindrance of the detoxification process resulting from poor diet, alcohol, drugs or toxins can cause estrogen dominance. The liver has a two-step detoxification process, which filters hormones and toxins in the bloodstream. In phase I, the liver converts substances into toxic free radicals before they are converted into a water-soluble form in phase II. If phase II isn’t operating up to speed, the toxic free radicals build up in your system. Both phases must be in balance in order for proper elimination of waste to occur via sweat, urine, stool or from the lungs.

The liver produces bile, which aids in elimination of hormones as it carries estrogen, and other waste via dietary fiber out of the body. If fiber isn’t sufficient due to dietary deficiency, the risk of toxic estrogen build up is increased. In addition, if the liver is congested, elimination of toxic estrogen will be impeded. Sometimes it takes several passes through the detoxification process for substances to be metabolized, adding extra stress for the liver. Furthermore, if the liver is overloaded and can’t fully metabolize estrogens and toxins, the body may store them in fat. Fat cells also produce estrogen. This is one reason why estrogen levels go down with weight loss.

Fibroids are definitely affected by excess estrogen. If you have fibroids, you may have more estrogen than is healthy. Estrogen is also connected to poor gut health. Adding to the gut’s significance is the fact that the liver receives blood directly from the intestine via the portal vein.

Conditions Associated with Estrogen Dominance

• Autoimmune diseases: Hashimoto’s, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, etc.
• Thyroid dysfunction
• Endometriosis
• Fibrocystic breasts
• Uterine fibroids
• Gallbladder disease
• Infertility
• Leaky gut
• Obesity
• PCOS
• PMS

Here’s What You Can Do

Estrogen dominance can be corrected. I recommend a liver cleanse to start with. I’ve designed a whole program to help you cleanse your liver. I specifically focus on the liver in week 2 of 30-Day Detox. Also, get the Internal Cleanse Kit with the Free Colon Cleanse Kit. Or, if you just want to do the liver cleanse right now, get the Liver-Gallbladder Rejuvenator with the 30-Day Detox.

In addition, you want to offset factors that one can’t control, such as DNA. Genetics can leave a person more susceptible to excess estrogen, thus increasing the risk of related diseases. Looking at the role of DNA relative to other influencing factors, we want to look at the BRCA gene, known for breast and ovarian cancer risk. In the 1940’s risk of developing breast cancer with the BRCA genes was only 24% whereas the estimated risk is almost 85% today. Though it’s not possible to avoid all the contributing factors a person is exposed to; with awareness, one can minimize exposure while also employing ways to offset it.

Food Factors

• Nutrition plays a major role in hormonal balancing. Keep in mind the detoxification process, also address the following dietary practices that have a negative impact:
• High sugar levels can lead to insulin resistance, pre-diabetes, PCOS and low SHBG levels, all of which are linked to estrogen imbalance.
• High fructose (sugar) leads to leaky gut causing an added burden to the liver.
• Dairy and meats are hormone-rich.
• Gluten impairs estrogen metabolism.
• Saturated animal fats are linked to liver damage and fat storage.
• Low fiber leads to constipation, inhibits hormone excretion.

Environmental Factors

In addition to the list above, there is a host of chemicals known as endocrine disruptors, which disrupt hormonal balance. Phthalates in plastics, i.e. BPAs; herbicides, PCBs and heavy metals are all examples. Many of these contaminates are found in foods, unfiltered drinking water, as well as cosmetics, to name a few. The synthetic hormones used in hormone replacement therapy and contraception should also be addressed, as well as alcohol, cigarettes, and stress. Stress raises cortisol and reduces progesterone thus creating a hormonal imbalance.

RECIPE

Liver Detox Juice Cocktail Serves 1

One of the unique cleansing properties arugula is to counteract the destructive effects of heavy metals, particularly in the liver. A member of the cruciferous vegetable family, it is rich in detoxifying antioxidants.

• 1 cucumber
• 1 handful arugula
• 1/2 cup blueberries
• 1/2 green apple
• 1/4 cup mint
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1-inch chunk ginger root

Cut produce to fit your juicer’s feed tube. Juice and stir.  Enjoy!

From The Juice Lady’s Guide to Fasting