2025 Issue #33

What perfumes, soap, and even food have in common with your liver

From: Nikki Leary I nikki@rootfornew.com

Hi Reader,

I still remember going to the mall as a kid with my sister. She loved the perfume aisle—rows of shiny bottles promising elegance, confidence, or mystery.

The problem? We didn’t realize you were supposed to use those little paper test strips. So, of course, my sister decided I would be her test strip. By the time we left, I smelled like flowers, fruit, and “old lady perfume” all mixed into one. My mom was not impressed.

Here’s the thing I didn’t know back then (and maybe you didn’t either):
👉 Every single scent we take in is processed by the liver.

And not just perfume.
Your liver is working 24/7 to filter everything — the food you eat, the alcohol you drink, the medications you take, the air you breathe, and even the products you put on your skin.

When your liver is overworked, it starts sending little SOS signals that most people brush off. Things like:

• Your sweat smells stronger than usual
• You feel itchy for no reason
• You’re tired all the time, even after a full night’s sleep
• Skin issues like acne or rashes keep popping up
• Your heels crack and look dry

Sound familiar? Those are signs your liver could use some extra love.

The good news is—you don’t need a drastic “detox” or expensive supplements to support your liver. Small, intentional changes go a long way:

🌱 Eat more beets – they help thin bile and keep things moving through your liver. (And if you don't like beets, you can always try beet supplements!)
🌱 Ditch unnecessary fragrances – swap out heavily scented laundry detergent, dish soap, and body care for natural alternatives. Your liver doesn’t need the extra load.
🌱 Drink plenty of water – simple, but it helps your body flush out what your liver is processing.
🌱 Sip liver-supportive teas – herbs like dandelion root, calendula, and nettle give your liver the gentle boost it needs.

Your liver is doing hard, behind-the-scenes work for you every single day. A little extra support means less fatigue, fewer flare-ups, and more energy for what actually matters in your life.

xo,

If you missed a newsletter and want to catch up, click here to see my health blog and read old issues!

​Unsubscribe · Preferences​

​