This post has been adapted from a previous Substack post, with added information and depth.

Struggling with low energy, hormonal imbalances, or skin issues?

Your liver might be to blame.

And, after a long summer (and especially after Labor Day weekend), many people feel heavier, more sluggish, more fatigued, and just simply a little “off”. That’s because the BBQs, cocktails, late nights, travel, and extra stress on the body can all add up, leaving your liver working overtime.

Why The Liver Matters

The liver, often the unsung hero of the body, plays a vital role in overall health.

It’s about the size of a football (!!), tucked under your right ribcage.

It’s one of the hardest-working organs in your body — metabolizing hormones, processing nutrients, filtering toxins, regulating blood sugar, and supporting over 500 vital functions that keep you alive and thriving.

Let me elaborate.

The liver is essential for processing food and drink, breaking them down to extract and store nutrients that your body needs to function properly.
Acting as the body's "cleaning crew", it also filters out toxins from the bloodstream, removing or neutralizing harmful substances so that they can be safely eliminated through urine or stool and do not harm your body so that your body ultimately functions properly.
The liver also manages hormones like insulin, thyroid hormones, and sex hormones (estrogen and testosterone), helping to metabolize, break down, and/or remove excess/obsolete hormones to maintain hormonal balance.
The liver produces and stores vital substances, such as proteins, enzymes, and cholesterol, and creates bile for fat digestion and toxin transport.
Lastly, the liver stores glucose, vitamins, and minerals, releasing them as needed for energy and blood sugar regulation.

But, just like the colon, the liver can become overwhelmed and overburdened by excessive toxins — from poor dietary choices, environmental pollutants and toxins, excessive alcohol consumption, medication or drug use, or even certain medical conditions.

When the liver is stagnant and overloaded with toxins, the liver struggles to do its job and perform its detoxification functions optimally, which can lead to:

A buildup of toxins in the body
The formation of liver and gallbladder stones — tiny, pebble-like hardened deposits that block detox pathways (see below)
Hormonal imbalances
Skin issues (acne, rashes, eczema, psoriasis)
Thyroid problems
Blood sugar dysregulation and insulin resistance
Poor nutrient absorption and storage

These symptoms are unfortunately often overlooked or completely misattributed by mainstream practitioners.

Liver stones, formed when the liver and gallbladder become congested with toxins, fat, and cholesterol, block bile flow, hormone clearance, and detox pathways. Yes, they’re in *your* liver too (most likely). And no, they’re not ‘normal’.

Thanks for reading The Detox with Meghan Swidler! This post is public, so feel free to share it.

Signs Of A Stagnant, Overburdened Liver

Here are some clear warning signs that you may be dealing with a stagnant, sluggish, overburdened liver.

Low energy levels, especially in the morning
Difficulty digesting fatty or rich foods
Hormonal imbalances, mood swings, or irregular cycles
Dry, itchy skin
Acne, dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, or rashes
Frequent headaches or migraines
Feelings of heaviness or sluggishness
Dark circles or puffiness under the eyes
Low libido
Hair loss or thinning
Difficulty losing weight or unexplained weight gain
Brain fog, poor memory, or trouble concentrating
Body odor and bad breath
Joint pain and inflammation

How To Support Your Liver

So, how do you support your liver through diet and lifestyle?

Eat liver-supportive foods — beets, carrots, leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, garlic, turmeric, artichokes, parsley, cilantro, avocados, apples, berries, and plenty of bitter greens.
Drink cold-pressed juices that nourish the liver: beet, cucumber, celery, parsley, lemon, and ginger.
Start your day with lemon water to gently stimulate liver function and bile flow.
Stay hydrated throughout the day with filtered water, herbal teas, or aloe vera juice to support detoxification and bile flow.
Sweat daily — exercise, sauna, steam, or hot baths help release toxins.
Move your lymph with walking, yoga, or rebounding to keep detox pathways flowing.
Support with supplements — NAC, liposomal glutathione, milk thistle, burdock root, or artichoke extract (always consult with a licensed practitioner first).
Use castor oil packs over the liver to improve circulation and support detox pathways.
Incorporate coffee enemas (if appropriate) to stimulate bile flow, clear the liver, and aid detoxification.
Drink tart cherry juice (8 oz/day) — its malic acid helps soften and break down liver and gallbladder stones.
Prioritize sleep — your liver performs its deepest detox work overnight, so aim for 7–9 hours of restorative rest.
Eat mindfully — slow down, chew thoroughly, and avoid distractions so that your liver can process food more efficiently.
Reduce alcohol, processed foods, and toxin exposure (through household products, personal care items, water, air, etc.) to ease the liver’s burden.

The Bottom Line

Liver detox is an incredibly important part of achieving optimal health and vitality — but it must be done very strategically and intentionally, not randomly.

That’s why I guide clients 1:1 through personalized detox coaching programs, and I currently have a few spots open (see below for more information).

Do these symptoms resonate with you, and do you suspect that your liver may be overburdened? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear about what you’re struggling with right now.

And, if you have any other questions or comments, don’t hesitate to ask me any time in my weekly Q&A in my paid subscriber channel. If you’re not a paid subscriber, sign up below.

If you found this helpful and want to support my writing, here’s how you can help:

Tap the heart so that I know it resonated
Leave a thoughtful comment—I read and appreciate every one!
Forward to a friend who might need to hear it
Share it with your community on Substack Notes, Instagram (tag @meghanswidler), or LinkedIn (and tag me there too!)
Upgrade to a paid subscription below to support deeper work like this

Your support helps me continue creating content that empowers, educates, and liberates. I appreciate it more than you know.

Wondering if your liver needs some love?

Take my free Detox Phase Quiz to uncover your physical symptoms you’re currently experiencing and to find out where to start your cleansing journey based on your body’s current needs.

Take My Free Detox Quiz

Then, explore The Cleanses — a series of powerful digital cleanses that will guide you through a transformative detox journey towards optimal health and vitality, step by step. Whether you’re a total beginner or feel ready for deeper cleansing, these programs are designed to help you feel like your radiant, vibrant self again.

This fall, we’re cleansing together:

The Cleanse begins September 8
The Colon Cleanse begins September 15
The Liver Cleanse begins September 22

Join us live in September for a seasonal reset with community support, or begin anytime if you prefer to move at your own pace.

Explore The Cleanses

If you’re ready for a deeply personalized, high-touch experience, I currently have 2-3 spots open for new VIP coaching clients. This is for you if you want a highly customized plan, 1:1 support and guidance, and real accountability to help you heal on every level—physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and energetically. Want to know what it’s like to work with me? Read 50+ client testimonials and see for yourself. I’d love to connect with you.

Book Your Consultation Today

The Detox Weekly — Give Your Liver Some Love