Most people don't realize just how critical the liver is to the proper functioning of the body. It is estimated that the liver is the body's most important organ, performing nearly 400 different jobs. It functions as a filter for the whole body, cleaning the system of toxins, metabolizing fats, carbohydrates and proteins, controling hormonal balance, and producing immune-boosting factors. When the liver becomes overloaded or "toxic" it can no longer perform as it should and a whole slew of problems can arise. Here are some of the symptoms of a toxic liver:

* Weight gain, especially around the abdomen
* Cellulite
* Abdominal Bloating
* Indigestion
* High Cholesterol
* High Blood Pressure
* Fatigue
* Skin rashes
* Mood Swings
* Depression

It's not only excessive alcohol that can make a liver toxic. Caffeine, sugar, medications, trans fats, and inadequate dietary fiber all contribute to clogging up your body's liver and thus throws everything out of whack. Literally every organ in your body is affected and your weight loss efforts are thwarted. Your liver stops processing fat effectively and instead starts storing it.

The good news is there are things you can do to get your liver functioning properly again. One of the most important things (and for some reason often overlooked) is to drink tons of water each day. Water is necessary to help your liver flush out toxins and waste. The old recommendation of 8, 8oz glasses a day is the bare minimum. You need to add extra when you exercise or drink caffeinated beverages. Speaking of which, you should keep caffeine intake to only ONE cup of coffee a day. That iced tea with lunch has caffeine too so for every glass you have you need to drink that much in water to replace fluids lost. Here are some other things that help regulate the liver:

* Unsweetened Cranberry Juice (the only ingredient should be cranberry juice! No sugar or artificial sweetners)
* Lemons & Limes (squirted into hot or cold water or over food for a little zest)
* Flax Seed Oil
* High Quality Proteins (such as chicken, lean beef, fish and especially eggs)
* Cruciferous Vegetables (cauliflower, broccoli, brussels sprouts, kale, etc)

Staying away from sugar, processed foods, refined carbohydrates, alcohol and caffeine will make your liver happy and in turn will help you keep the pounds away :-)