The Liver and It’s Side Kick, The Gallbladder:  Not Just a Cleaning Crew

The idea of the liver as the body’s internal cleaning crew is well known. But that bile acids produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder play a crucial role in the smooth functioning of our reproductive organs is far from being fully appreciated.

And yet the level of bile production can have a direct effect on thyroid function, blood sugar balance, inflammation, the absorption of fat soluble vitamins–and as such, it can have a great deal to do with our baby making and life-long hormone health.

Let’s break it down a bit and look at the ways we can spot trouble in this area and suggest immediate intervention as well as some long term health habits for boosting bile flow as needed and keep your liver and gallbladder in tip-top shape.

The Gallbladder and Bile Acid

The gallbladder is like the liver’s little buddy. It stores bile—a substance that helps digest fats—produced by the liver.

You can think of bile acid as your body’s very own dish soap for fats. When you eat something fatty—like that delicious fertility friendly portion of wild salmon—the gallbladder releases bile into the small intestine to break down the fats you just consumed, so you can digest it properly. If your gallbladder isn’t functioning well, you could have trouble digesting fats, leading to bloating, indigestion, nutrient deficiency (in spite of the clean/nutrient packed foods you consume) and hormone imbalance.

How Exactly Does This Relate to Your Hormones?

By now it’s a well documented fact that fats are closely linked with the production of hormones like estrogen, testosterone, and even stress hormones like cortisol. But if you’re not properly breaking down and absorbing those fats, your body can’t use them to make the hormones you need.  The gallbladder, by helping to digest fats, ensures your body absorbs fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K), which are critical for hormone production. If you’re not absorbing those nutrients, it’s tough for your body to make the hormones you need to keep your endocrine system functioning well enough to support pregnancy.

How do you know that you bile flow is sluggish?

Have you ever felt like you swallowed a balloon after eating? That could be because your bile isn’t doing its job properly. Without enough bile, your body struggles to break down fats. So instead of digesting fat smoothly, you might end up feeling bloated and uncomfortable. You might experience heartburn, weird looking stools (yep, we’re going there) and an all around grumpy stomach.

Quick Troubleshooting Tips

• How about  starting with something quite simple: lemon water! This citrusy powerhouse works wonders to get your digestive juices flowing. The acidity in lemons helps stimulate the liver to produce more bile and get that river moving again. Plus, it’s super refreshing! Just squeeze half a lemon into warm water and sip it before meals. It’s like giving your stomach a little pre-game pep talk.
•  Eat a Little Healthy Fat to Get Things Moving, Here’s the thing: bile loves fat! Healthy fats (think avocado, olive oil, or even a handful of nuts) signal to your body that it’s time to release some bile for digestion. So if you’re feeling a little sluggish, have a small snack with healthy fats to encourage your gallbladder to start pumping out the bile. It’s like giving your bile a reason to get up and dance.
•  Take a Ginger Shot – Ginger is the ultimate cheerleader for your digestive system. It’s been used for centuries to help with nausea, indigestion, and—you guessed it—bile flow! If your stomach’s being fussy, a small ginger shot or even just sipping on some ginger tea can help stimulate bile production and smooth out your digestion.

Top Herbs and Supplements to Keep Your Liver & Gallbladder Happy

The good news is that a number of natural fertility-friendly allies are standing by to support these hard-working organs and keep your liver and gallbladder in top baby-making shape!

Dandelion Root

Yes, that little weed in your yard is actually a liver booster! Dandelion root helps stimulate bile production and aids digestion. Plus, it’s great for detoxing the liver, which keeps everything flowing smoothly.

Artichoke Leaf

Artichoke leaf is like a natural bile promoter. It helps increase bile production and flow, supporting both the liver and gallbladder. Plus, it aids in digestion and has antioxidant properties that protect liver cells.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3’s are your hormone-balancing allies! Found in fish oil and flaxseed, these fatty acids reduce inflammation and support liver health, while also helping your body produce healthy hormones.

A Few Tips to Keep Your Liver & Gallbladder Smiling

Besides herbs and supplements, here are some simple lifestyle tips to keep your liver and gallbladder happy:

• Stay Hydrated: Water helps your liver flush out toxins, so drink up!
• Eat Clean: Choose whole foods and avoid processed junk. Your liver will thank you.
• Exercise Regularly: It boosts circulation and supports liver detoxification.
• Limit Alcohol & Sugars: Both can overload the liver, so enjoy in moderation.

In a Nutshell…

Your liver and gallbladder may not be glamorous, but they are absolutely crucial for your hormone health and overall well-being. Taking care of them with a little love, the right foods, and some supportive herbs and supplements can make a big difference. Keep these organs happy, and your body will thank you with balanced hormones, better digestion, and steady energy as you keep walking in the direction of your desire!

Sources:

Pubmed: Liver X Receptors and female reproduction: when cholesterol meets fertility!

NIH: Newly discovered endocrine functions of the liver

Susun Weed: Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year

Two decades of conversations with holistic practitioners and reports from clients preparing for pregnancy