The liver is one of the most vital organs in the human body, especially as far as our digestive system is concerned. The liver is responsible for breaking down nutrients so they can be used and distributed throughout the body. The liver also acts as a filter of sorts protecting our body from toxins (like alcohol) and breaking them down into less harmful substances. The liver also plays a vital role in red blood cell health, breaking down of fat in the body, and the storage and production of various nutrients including protein. The liver in every sense contributes to our overall health and well-being. If we treat it right it will return the favor.
So we know that alcohol is bad for the liver, especially in excessive amounts as it can overload the organ as it tries to perform its critical functions so this can lead to liver failure, cirrhosis of the liver, and other complications. What many people don't know is that a very common over the counter pain killer (approved by the FDA) can also cause problems in the liver. Acetaminophen, also going under the name of Tylenol and other common pharmacy brands, can cause cirrhosis in the liver and is recommended by most doctors not to be taken by patients with liver disease. In conjunction with alcohol, the drug can wreak havoc.
So now we now that we understand what not to do to our livers what can we do to treat them right? It turns out there are many natural herbs and substances found right in nature that maintains good liver health, and are even said to show some signs of healing effects on the liver. Let's examine a few below.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a common household spice that is often used in many Indian and other ethnic recipes around the world. In addition to adding a spicy bite to what you're preparing turmeric is also said to be one of the best herbs for promoting liver health. Turmeric is known to help the liver by removing toxins from the liver and body. One study in which rats were fed turmeric on a regular basis found that their bodies disposed of various toxins more easily. In additions to being able to flush toxins out turmeric is also said to help protect the liver from toxins and is even able to help rebuild and regenerate liver cells when damage is done.
Turmeric also plays a role in protecting the liver from cholesterol buildup and aids in the secretion of bile, benefiting overall digestion health.
Lecithin
Lecithin, though the name may sound a bit fancy, is actually an all natural fatty substance extracted mostly from soybeans. Lecithin can also be taken from animal or plant products including eggs, sunflowers, milk, cottonseed, and various marine sources.
Lecithin is not as much a liver healer as it is a liver protector. It somewhat serves as a protector for all the body's cells by forming a protective membrane around them but is especially beneficial to the liver in helping to break down and prevent the build of cholesterol over time. It's also believed that lecithin may even protect the body somewhat from the effects of alcohol.
A few studies found for example that in both rats and baboons (the latter of which possess very similar livers to humans) the introduction of lecithin in their diets prevented the breakdown of the liver, in particular when accompanied by the introduction alcohol.
Lecithin is also a rich source of the vital nutrient Choline, which is known for playing a vital role in overall liver function as well as metabolism and nervous system health.
Kudzu
Kudzu is a climbing vine found mostly in Japan, China, and parts of South and South East Asia as well as Islands of the Pacific. The vine was also introduced to the U.S in the late 1800s and what seemed like a harmless ornamental plant became an out of control noxious weed. The U.S continued to find uses for the vine, however. For example, as a way to enrich and stabilize the quality and prevent the erosion of soil for other crops. In the east, however, they have many medical uses for the plant, a trend that's made its way here in the form of various substances.
Using extract from the kudzu root many in the east were able to use this supplement to treat the effects of alcoholism. The root is said to reduce one's craving for alcohol preventing the drinker from consuming it in excess, thus helping to reduce consumption over time as well reducing the severity of hangovers.
The flowers were often used as a hangover cure. While the extract remains a solid supplement to enhance digestive health and has been used in the treatment of headaches and even severe migraines, it remains in question whether it can truly serve as a valid hangover cure. It has been shown, however, to stimulate the regeneration of liver cells, remove fat from the liver, and aid in the cleansing of toxins like those from alcohol and other liver harming substances. It has also been seen in the livers of rats to strengthen the livers resistance to various liver-damaging toxins.
Please note nothing on this blog has been evaluated by the FDA nor should be construed as medical advice or used in the treatment, prevention, or curing of conditions or diseases. Always ask a qualified doctor before making decisions about your health.
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