LIVER HEALTH
Description
Body System
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Dietary & Other Supplements
1. R-Alpha-Lipoic Acid: R-Alpha-Lipoic Acid supports liver health through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, acting as a key cofactor for mitochondrial enzymes. It maintains glucose oxidation control and enhances insulin sensitivity, which is crucial for liver cell well-being.
2. Selenium: Selenium deficiency in cirrhosis (liver scarring) may lead to hepatocellular carcinoma. Supplementation improves liver function by reducing AST and ALT levels, crucial enzymes for liver health. Adequate selenium levels are essential for preventing liver complications.
3. Vitamin B Complex: Vitamin B Complex prevents lipid disorders and oxidative damage, but R-alpha-lipoic acid depletes B vitamins, necessitating supplementation. Ensuring sufficient intake is crucial to preventing disruptions in lipid metabolism and oxidative stress.
4. Chicory Extract: Chicory extract modifies liver cytoskeletal (cellular structural elements) proteins, providing protection for hepatocytes (liver cells) and preserving structural integrity.
Plant Extracts
1. Milk Thistle Extract: Silymarin in milk thistle reduces oxidative stress, protecting intact liver cells. It exhibits hepatoprotective properties by preventing cytotoxicity.
2. Berberine: Berberine significantly improves blood lipids and liver function in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). It effectively reduces blood glucose levels in individuals with NAFLD, a condition characterized by the accumulation of fat in the liver unrelated to alcohol consumption.
3. Burdock Root [Arctium Lappa]: Burdock root's polyphenols reduce oxidative stress, limit fatty acids, and diminish preneoplastic lesions (early abnormal changes in cells that may precede the development of cancer), displaying hepatoprotective potential.
4. Nutritional Yeast: As a B vitamin substitute, nutritional yeast inhibits lipid disorders and oxidative damage. Supplementation is crucial due to R-alpha-lipoic acid's potential to deplete B vitamins, ensuring overall liver health.
Natural Compounds
No replicated and convincing research studies are available, and there is no anecdotal evidence supporting the effectiveness of this method.
Complementary & Alternative Treatments
No replicated and convincing research studies are available, and there is no anecdotal evidence supporting the effectiveness of this method.
Symptoms & Signs
Causes
Not Applicable
Books That You May Want To Read
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.
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.
Podcast Episodes To Listen To
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Lectures 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.