Nunchi Notes 002: What Does the Liver Actually Do? (Besides Deserve a Raise)

Let’s talk about your liver. It doesn’t get as much love as the heart or brain, but it’s quietly doing some of the most important work in your body, day in and day out. No breaks, no PTO, just nonstop effort to keep you feeling good—even when you’re not treating it all that well.

TL;DR

Your liver is not just some background player. It’s a vital part of how you feel every day. And while it doesn’t ask for much, it does appreciate when you give it a break, some hydration, and a little support here and there.

So what does the liver actually do? Short version: a lot. Here’s a quick breakdown of why it deserves a little more credit.

1. Your Body’s Natural Filter

Your liver processes everything you put into your body—food, drinks, supplements, that second glass of wine. It filters out toxins and keeps the stuff your body actually needs. It’s basically your internal cleanup crew, working behind the scenes 24/7.

2. Nutrient Organizer

After your food gets digested, your liver steps in and decides where everything goes. It stores vitamins and minerals, helps regulate blood sugar, and sends nutrients to the parts of your body that need them. Like a personal assistant who actually gets things done.

3. Fat Metabolism Support

Your liver plays a major role in breaking down fats and producing bile, which helps you digest. Without it, even the “healthy fats” from your avocado toast wouldn’t be doing much for you.

4. Energy Management

Your liver stores glucose and releases it when your blood sugar dips, which helps you stay energized between meals. If you’ve ever made it through an afternoon slump without crashing, your liver probably had something to do with it.

5. Detox Powerhouse

This is the big one. Your liver converts harmful substances into waste your body can get rid of—without trendy teas or juice cleanses. It’s built to detox naturally, and it does it well... until it gets overwhelmed.

Why Does This Matter?

Because your liver is doing a ton for you behind the scenes. And while it’s resilient, it’s not bulletproof. Stress, alcohol, processed foods, late nights—they can all add up and make it harder for your liver to do its job.

When your liver’s under pressure, it can show up as bloating, fatigue, skin issues, brain fog, and just that general feeling of being off. Supporting your liver means helping your whole body function better, period.