Liver Health
Description
Body System
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1. Alpha-Lipoic Acid: Alpha-lipoic acid supports liver health through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, acting as a key cofactor for mitochondrial enzymes. It reduces oxidative stress, enhances insulin sensitivity, and promotes liver cell regeneration, contributing to overall liver function.
2. Selenium: Selenium helps improve liver function by reducing enzymes like AST and ALT, which are markers of liver damage. Adequate selenium levels protect against liver fibrosis and are essential in preventing liver complications, particularly in conditions like cirrhosis.
3. Vitamin B Complex: Vitamin B complex helps prevent lipid disorders and oxidative damage in the liver. Supplementation is especially important due to R-alpha-lipoic acid’s potential to deplete B vitamins, ensuring proper liver metabolism and protection against oxidative stress.
4. Glutathione: Glutathione, the body’s most powerful antioxidant, plays a crucial role in liver detoxification. It neutralizes free radicals and supports detox pathways, protecting liver cells from oxidative stress and damage.
5. N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine [NAC]: NAC is a precursor to glutathione, helping restore depleted levels in the liver. It detoxifies the liver by neutralizing toxins and oxidative damage, making it particularly useful in cases of liver damage, such as acetaminophen overdose.
6. Phosphatidylcholine: Phosphatidylcholine supports liver health by maintaining liver cell membrane integrity and promoting liver regeneration. It also aids in fat metabolism, reducing the risk of fatty liver disease.
7. Zinc: Zinc supports liver enzyme function and has antioxidant properties that protect liver cells from oxidative damage. It is particularly beneficial in alcohol-related liver injury, where it helps prevent further damage and supports recovery.
1. Milk Thistle Extract: Milk thistle’s silymarin reduces oxidative stress and protects liver cells. It exhibits hepatoprotective properties by preventing toxin-induced damage and supporting liver cell regeneration.
2. Quercetin: Quercetin is a potent antioxidant that protects liver cells by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. It supports detoxification processes and helps prevent liver fibrosis, promoting overall liver health.
3. Berberine: Berberine improves liver function in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) by reducing blood glucose and lipid levels. It helps decrease fat accumulation in the liver, promoting overall liver health.
4. Burdock Root Extract: Burdock root contains polyphenols such as quercetin, luteolin, and phenolic acids, which help reduce oxidative stress and limit fatty acid buildup in the liver. These compounds show potential in protecting liver cells and reducing the risk of liver damage.
5. Chicory Extract: Chicory helps protect liver cells by preserving their structural integrity. It supports liver health by modifying cytoskeletal proteins and promoting cell stability.
6. Curcumin: Curcumin, found in turmeric, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that reduce liver inflammation and protect liver cells from toxin-induced damage and oxidative stress.
7. Schisandra Extract: Schisandra is an adaptogen that enhances liver detoxification by increasing enzyme activity, helping the liver process and eliminate toxins more efficiently. It also protects liver cells from oxidative damage.
8. Dandelion Root Extract: Dandelion root, whether taken as an extract or tea, supports liver function by promoting bile production and aiding detoxification. It protects liver cells and enhances toxin removal, often used alongside milk thistle for comprehensive liver support.
9. Grape Seed Extract: Grape seed extract supports liver health by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, enhancing detoxification processes, and promoting the regeneration of liver cells. Its high levels of proanthocyanidins help protect against liver damage and may improve overall liver function.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar supports liver health by promoting fat metabolism, detoxification, and reducing inflammation. It helps regulate blood sugar and cholesterol levels, potentially offering protection against diabetes-related liver damage.
2. Nutritional Yeast: Nutritional yeast, rich in B vitamins, supports liver health by preventing lipid disorders and oxidative damage. It’s particularly useful when supplementing alongside R-Alpha-Lipoic Acid, which can deplete B vitamins.
1. Ayurveda: Ayurveda uses herbs like turmeric and Kutki to support liver function and promote detoxification. These remedies have hepatoprotective properties and aid liver regeneration.
2. Chelation Therapy: Chelation therapy removes heavy metals from the body, reducing the liver’s detoxification burden and lowering the risk of liver damage associated with heavy metal toxicity.
3. Coffee Enema: Coffee enemas are believed to stimulate bile flow and enhance liver detoxification by flushing out toxins. However, this practice remains controversial due to limited scientific evidence in conventional medicine.
4. Ozone IV: Ozone IV therapy reduces oxidative stress and supports liver detoxification by improving oxygen utilization, potentially aiding liver cell regeneration.
5. Vitamin C IV: Vitamin C IV provides powerful antioxidants that reduce oxidative stress and support liver detoxification. High doses enhance the liver's ability to handle toxins and reduce inflammation, promoting overall liver health.
Supplements
Plant Extracts
Natural Compounds
Alternative Treatments
Symptoms & Signs
Causes
Not Applicable
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How Nutrients Function
Antioxidants: Antioxidants protect cells from oxidative stress caused by free radicals, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular ailments. They safeguard DNA integrity, slow down aging processes, and support overall cellular health.
Fruit Extracts: Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, fruit extracts offer numerous health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and immune-boosting properties. They also support digestive health and contribute to overall well-being.
Herbal Extracts: Herbal extracts contain bioactive compounds with various medicinal properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects. They have been used traditionally to support digestion, immunity, and overall health.
Minerals: Minerals are essential for various physiological functions, including bone health, nerve transmission, and enzyme activity. They support overall health by ensuring proper cellular function and metabolic processes.
Other Nutrients: Other nutrients encompass a wide array of essential compounds crucial for various physiological functions. This category includes neurotransmitters and their precursors, which facilitate nerve signaling and are vital for central nervous system function. Additionally, naturally occurring structural components and biological detergents, such as phospholipids and bile salts, play critical roles in tissue repair, fat digestion, and overall bodily function. Phospholipids contribute to cell membrane integrity and fat emulsification, while bile salts are key to digesting and absorbing dietary fats. Hormones and their precursors regulate numerous physiological processes, including metabolism, growth, and reproduction. Furthermore, naturally occurring chemicals and metals play pivotal roles in enzymatic reactions, immune function, and overall health maintenance.
Vitamins: Vitamins are essential micronutrients that play diverse roles in supporting cellular processes, immune function, and overall health. They must be obtained through diet or supplementation to ensure proper bodily function.
Nutrients Explained In Nutritional Guide
Podcast Episodes To Listen To
Educational Videos To Learn From
Functional Lab Tests That You Might Consider
References
Things To Do
The dietary recommendations that support proper liver function include:
a whole-foods-based diet consisting of fresh vegetables, fruits, meat, fish, legumes, whole grains, and healthy fats.
organic, pesticide-, herbicide-, and fungicide-free produce.
opt for a low carbohydrate intake to avoid spikes in blood glucose levels.
high-fiber foods. The consumption of vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains supports bile production.
consume bitter whole foods, such as raddishes, bitter greens [argula, dandelion, nettle], etc. They aid in bile secretion and liver detoxification.
eat sulfur-rich foods, such as garlic, onions, legumes, etc. They have protective effects on the liver.
foods high in antioxidants, such as fresh vegetables and fruits.
foods containing anti-inflammatory compounds, such as turmeric, ginger, garlic, onions, and a range of vegetables and fruits.
incorporate foods rich in vitamins B, C, D, and E.
stay hydrated. Drink good amounts of water to aid the liver in detoxification.
Drink coffee, green teas, and herbal teas.
healthy fats from whole foods, such as fish, seafood, avocados, olives, nuts, seeds, etc.
Furthermore, try the following:
exercise regularly. Physical activity reduces the risk of NAFLD.
quality sleep. Sleep supports liver health and induces detoxification processes.
intermittent fasting, which reduces inflammation and liver enzymes. It has protective effects on the liver.
stress reduction techniques, such as yoga, meditation, and mindfulness. Psychological stress has damaging effects on the liver.
reduce exposure to environmental toxins and heavy metals. Air pollution and chemicals found in household cleaning supplies, body, hair, and skin care products, make-up, and laundry detergents can lead to liver damage. Opt for safe and natural items that carry a reduced risk of toxin contamination.
Install water filters at your home. Invest in air purifiers, especially if you live in an urban area.
Get out of the city and into nature as often as you can.
maintain a healthy weight.
maintain healthy levels of blood glucose and cholesterol.
Things To Avoid
To maintain proper liver health, it's best to avoid the following:
processed, junk, and fast foods. They contain high amounts of trans fats, sugar, refined carbohydrates, flavor enhancers, food additives, and preservatives. All of these substances have damaging effects on the liver and can lead to its damage.
sugar, artificial sweeteners, candy, sugary snacks, desserts, and sweetened beverages. Sugar plays a major role in the development of NAFLD.
high fructose corn syrup. It's one of the worst forms of sugar. It negatively affects liver health and contributes to obesity, diabetes, and NAFLD development.
refined carbohydrates. They increase glucose levels and insulin secretion. This can lead to diabetes and NAFLD development.
trans fats and hydrogenated vegetable oils found in processed and packaged foods. They put a lot of stress on the liver and contribute to liver damage.
binge drinking. Excess alcohol consumption damages the liver.
low-fat products. Foods advertised as low-fat contain higher amounts of carbohydrates, including sugar in its various forms.
excess sodium in your diet. Too much salt, which is added in large amounts to processed foods and soft drinks, can contribute to liver inflammation, water retention, and liver swelling.
eating large meals before bedtime.
dehydration.
Furthermore, avoid the following:
weight gain and becoming obese.
insulin resistance and becoming diabetic.
sedentary lifestyle, which does not promote energy expenditure.
chronic stress. Psychological stress has damaging effects on the liver.
overuse of medications and other drugs.
smoking. The toxins in cigarette smoke are harmful to the whole body, including the liver.