Excess weight, especially those stubborn pockets of fat which accumulate around our tummy and mid-section, are often symptomatic of an under-functioning, fatty liver.
Our liver is the hardest working organ in the body, continually filtering the bloodstream and breaking down toxic matter for elimination.
A fatty liver is no longer able to handle the deluge of environmental and nutritional toxins it has been assaulted with in today's world.
The widespread use of hormones and drugs to promote livestock growth and to treat disease in animals translates into consumption of the same additives by the end consumer.
Pesticides consumed by the animals exacerbate the toxic residue component.
Even for non-meat-eaters, the chemicals in our water supply, and those sprayed on our grain, fruit and vegetable crops become a potent daily cocktail which ends up in our liver for processing.
We rely on our liver to metabolize foreign substances and remove them from our body.
As the cleanser and filter for the bloodstream, the liver breaks down toxic matter and a healthy, fully functioning liver will filter and remove these toxins from the body system.
Additionally, a healthy liver regulates fat metabolism, pumping excess fat out of the body through bile, and into the gut for release.
However, when the liver's delicate filters become clogged with fatty substances, this vital organ can become a fat warehouse, rather than a fat burner.
How do you know when your liver is fatty? Following are a few general indicators:

• You are overweight, especially around the abdomen and mid-section.
  
• You have difficulty losing weight, no matter your diet and exercise program.
  
• Your immune system is weak, and you are susceptible to infections and communicable diseases.
  
• You have Type 2 diabetes.
  
• You have elevated cholesterol.
  

Fortunately, liver health and function can be restored.
Liver cells are amazingly resilient and can regenerate.
What is required is patience, along with lifestyle changes.
Here are seven vital guidelines for cleansing and restoring a toxic, fatty liver: 1) Increase raw organic fruits and vegetables in the diet, especially fresh raw juices.
This will also increase the soluble fiber in your diet, which will expedite toxic waste removal and eventually burn fat.
2) Avoid deep-fat fried and heavily processed foods, including refined flour and sugar products (pastry, bread, desserts, etc.
).
3) Limit meat consumption to hormone-and steroid-free selections from free-range farms.
4) Avoid trans-fats (including margarine and spreads) and choose expeller-pressed vegetable oils and cold-pressed olive oil.
5) Eliminate artificial sweeteners which bombard the liver with a chemical assault.
Try Stevia, rice syrup, or honey in diminishing amounts as you wean your sweet tooth.
6) Have pure water be your beverage of choice, sipping it throughout the day with the goal of two liters per day.
Work to eliminate all carbonated drinks, and greatly reduce your consumption of alcoholic beverages.
7) Get additional sleep! Contradictory as this may sound to those who believe that only exercise will help burn fat, your body--AND your liver--need restorative rest for proper function.
The first several hours of sleep each night are when your body performs its repair and maintenance.
Get quality sleep, and refrain from eating several hours before you retire, so that your body's resources are not being used for digestion.
Additionally, there are numerous herbal formulas on the market to kick-start the liver cleansing process.
Milk thistle is a key ingredient in these formulas, which also often include burdock root, artichoke, fennel and aloe vera.
Most herbal formulas come in easy-to-take tablet form, and can be an effective supplementation to the above dietary changes Remember, your tummy fat is telltale evidence of what is going on inside your body system.
Correct the internal, and the external will soon reflect a cleansed and revitalized liver, for a healthier and happier YOU!