Natural Protection for Your Liver
Corinna Richards

The liver has as many as 500 vital functions. It's primary function being the detoxification of the whole body. With the exception of intestinal chylomicrons (minute fat particles that directly enter the lymphatic system from the intestines), all products absorbed during digestion initially pass through the liver. Once there, the liver removes or modifies toxic substances before passing the remains into general circulation. The liver clears compounds from the blood such as drugs; toxins and histamines left over from allergic reactions.

The liver also stores blood and fat-soluble vitamins. Furthermore, it aids food digestion and metabolism by making cholesterol and bile, as well as by converting molecules absorbed from the intestines into various proteins, carbohydrates and fats.

When the liver falters, all other organs, to some extent, fail to function ideally. In most illnesses, health practitioners would do well to assess the status of a patient's liver. If liver function can be improved, the entire system will usually benefit.

According to the American Liver Foundation, liver disease ranks as the third leading disease-related cause of death for Americans ages 25 to 59. Particularly common liver disorders include hepatitis and cirrhosis. Because the liver can still function with up to 80 percent deterioration, symptoms are often vague and may not be noticed until damage is too severe. When symptoms do manifest they may include discoloration of the whites of the eyes, jaundice, pale stools, pain on the right side or under the right shoulder blade, loss of appetite, digestive disturbances, a metallic taste in the mouth, frontal headache, drowsiness after meals, intolerance of fatty foods and energy loss. High blood pressure, anemia and infertility may also arise from poor use of fats or fat-soluble vitamins caused by liver dysfunction and insufficient bile production.

Dietary and environmental toxins are also responsible for a great deal of stress on the liver. The fat intake of many Americans may exceed the liver's ability to metabolize it properly. And because toxins tend to concentrate in animal fats, dietary fat further increases the liver's workload. Many researchers believe that the government recommendation for fat as no more than 30 percent is too high, and that 20 percent is a healthier target. Overuse of drugs, tobacco and alcohol create an additional burden

Supplementing the diet with vitamins C and E and the minerals zinc and selenium can help protect the liver from free radical damage. In addition, the B complex vitamins, particularly choline, may support regeneration. Lecithin, a form of fat composed largely of choline can also contribute to liver healing. Lecithin not only maintains the integrity of liver cells, but also may also help regenerate damaged tissue and normalizes bile function.

Several herbs can help protect and mend the liver. Of these, milk thistle is perhaps best known. Silymarin, a constituent of milk thistle, is a powerful antioxidant, whose properties account for its effectiveness against hepatitis and cirrhosis.

Artichoke is another plant that has healing effects upon the liver. Its leaves contain acids such as cynarin that stimulates the flow of bile. It has been suggested that Artichoke leaves may decrease blood levels of both cholesterol and triglycerides by increasing excretion and decreasing synthesis of cholesterol and lipids. Like milk thistle, artichoke extracts have demonstrated an ability to protect the liver and promote its regeneration.

Dandelion is another nutrient-rich herb, which has a long folk history as a liver tonic. The German Commission E reports that the root and leaves stimulate bile production, thereby diminishing liver congestion. Turmeric from which is derived the active ingredient curcumin, has also been shown to protect the liver by its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, and also increases bile output.

Because the liver is such a complex organ and we are only beginning to learn about its functions and how it can combat disease, incorporating these herbs into your regular diet may help to increase the strength of your liver functions and possibly prevent future disease.

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