How do liver supplements work?
One of your body’s biggest and most crucial organs is the liver. It stores and releases energy from meals in addition to acting as your body’s natural filter. By capturing the “gunk” in your blood, the liver eliminates toxins and wastes from your body. Given how vital this organ is to your health, it should come as no surprise that supplement manufacturers have jumped on the liver detox bandwagon.
Many products with names like “Liver Guard,” “Liver Rescue,” and “Liver Detox” promise to keep your liver healthy while also improving your mood. Are liver health supplements effective? And is a detox for the organ that cleanses your body necessary?
Research has shown that many of the promises on bottles of liver supplements are unfounded. Even though certain studies have discovered advantages from components in supplements like milk thistle and artichoke leaf, these findings were primarily in patients with liver illness. It has not yet been shown if these supplements can enhance liver function in otherwise healthy individuals.
What Performs the Liver?
The following are only a few of the liver’s crucial tasks:
- processing nutrients ingested by the intestines to increase absorption
- balancing the levels of protein, fat, and sugar in the blood
- eradicating outdated red blood cells
- producing necessary molecules to aid in healthy blood clotting
- metabolizing and dissolving drugs and alcohol
- the creation of crucial proteins and cholesterol
- removing harmful substances from the circulation, such as bilirubin and ammonia
- Keeping minerals, iron, and vitamin A in storage
Scientists are aware that the liver has to function at its peak to take care of the body. Many people frequently consider alcohol-induced cirrhosis when they think about liver illness. Contrary to common belief, drunkenness is not the sole factor that leads to cirrhosis, a dangerous medical disease. Several non-alcoholic reasons, such as the following, can cause liver damage and cirrhosis, in reality.
- eating raw shellfish
- Several medicines (including acetaminophen)
- chronic undernourishment
- eating dangerous wild mushrooms and coming into contact with chemicals
- persistent hepatitis B
What is being claimed?
The labels of liver supplements promise to “detoxify,” “regenerate,” and “rescue” your liver. They claim to reverse the negative effects of alcohol, fat, sugar, and any other poisons your liver has had to deal with over time, or after a weekend binge. Websites selling liver supplements state the following about their goods:
- support healthy liver function
- shield damaged liver cells and promote the development of new liver cells
- enhance hepatic blood flow by cleansing the liver
These manufacturers of natural remedies promise that their products will revitalise your liver and restore it to its ideal condition. Additionally, they make the claims that their products will boost your immune system, help you lose weight, and even make you feel happier.
Physiology of the liver
The liver, which weighs around 3 pounds, performs several crucial tasks. Everything you ingest is eventually broken down by your liver. Food is filtered by your liver after it has passed through your circulation and been fully digested by your stomach and intestines. Fat is broken down by the liver to produce energy. Bile, a yellow-green fluid produced by this organ, aids in the breakdown and absorption of fat by your body.
The metabolism of sugar involves this organ as well. It absorbs glucose from your blood and converts it to glycogen for storage. The liver produces glycogen whenever your blood sugar levels drop to keep them stable. Alcohol, drugs, and other poisons are drawn from your blood and sent to your liver. The chemicals are then either cleaned up by your liver or eliminated through your urine or feces.
How to maintain a healthy liver
Whether consuming vitamins will cleanse or protect your liver isn’t supported by solid data. Few lifestyle modifications, however, have been proven to enhance liver health. Here are some pointers to maintaining a healthy liver:
Limit your intake of fat.
Weight gain results from eating a diet high in fried meals, sweets, and quick foods. The likelihood of developing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease rises with obesity or being overweight. A slimmer, healthier liver will result from maintaining a nutritious diet.
Abstain from poisons
As your liver processes the chemicals in some pesticides, cleaning supplies, and aerosols, it may get damaged. If you must utilize these items, provide enough ventilation in the space. Avoid smoking. The liver is harmed by smoking.
When consuming alcohol, use caution.
Alcohol use in large doses harms liver cells and can cause cirrhosis. Limit your daily alcohol consumption to one to two glasses.
Avoid using drugs regularly.
Your liver needs to process and eliminate every substance you take. Drugs like steroids and inhalants that are misused or used chronically can harm this organ irreversibly. The liver can also be harmed by the use of dangerous or illegal substances like heroin. They ought to be prevented.
Don’t combine booze with prescription drugs.
Combining alcohol and certain medicines can exacerbate liver damage. Before taking any prescription drug, carefully read the directions. If the combination is listed as dangerous on the label, stay away from alcohol.
Prevention of hepatitis A, B, and C
Obtain a vaccine: The viral diseases hepatitis A and B affect the liver. Although many youngsters have already had their vaccinations, many adults have not. If you’re concerned, ask your doctor.
Safe sex practises: Both hepatitis B and C can progress into chronic illnesses that could eventually cause liver failure. Body fluids like blood help spread them.
Wash your hands before eating or drinking anything since hepatitis A is transmitted through such contact.
Steps to take next
The best liver tablets in India may promote bile production from the liver, which may reduce cholesterol and aid in fat metabolism. Dandelion prevents fat buildup in the liver, while vitamin E and other plant extracts, which have potent antioxidant properties, shield the liver from free radical damage.
Many bold promises are made about liver supplements. Most of those statements are not currently supported by research. Consult your doctor to ensure that any of these products are safe for you before using them.