Liver Supplements

The quality of life depends on the liver. The liver is one of the largest most important organs in the human body, responsible for maintaining dietary functions and blood sugar levels among other things.

Liver failure is among the top causes of mortality in the United States and has often been linked to dietary immoderation. Alcohol abuse and the continued use of most drugs often lead to irreversible liver damage. The liver along with the kidneys filters the blood and removes toxins such as heavy metals and excessive cholesterol. Since the importance and the fragility of the organ are rarely understood, many people do not realize when they are damaging their livers. However, detoxifying the liver and maintaining its health is a task every individual can manage since it requires basic adjustments in nutrition and at times the use of liver health supplements.

Deficiency of vitamins such as A, D and C can damage the functioning of the liver. A regular multivitamin approved by the FDA is enough to remove problems and restore the balance of the body. It is always advisable to consult a physician before commencing the use of liver health supplements.

The condition “fatty liver” is exactly as it sounds – an excess of fat in the liver cells. Among its many other duties, the liver is responsible for cleaning and filtering the blood to increase circulation, and this buildup of fat impedes its ability to do so. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (also referred to as NAFLD) has become the most common liver ailment in the United States.

Fatty liver is caused by a number of factors, including obesity and high blood sugar, and can cause more serious conditions such as diabetes and cirrhosis. Those who are obese and maintain a sedentary lifestyle are often at a higher risk for both NAFLD and diabetes. While there currently aren’t medical treatments available, you can take steps to protect yourself from this condition by adding a few valuable supplements to your daily nutritional regimen.

Omega-3 fatty acids can provide much-needed health benefits, such as reducing pain and inflammation, and even lowering a person’s risk for developing cardiovascular disease, something that’s important to everyone, but even more so to someone with fatty liver disease.

Each of the following nutrients plays a role in easing the function of a damaged liver.

Vitamins

Vitamins are nutrients that are metabolized by the liver. Vitamins in excess may cause problems in digestion even for normal persons, so patients with liver disease may need to limit vitamin intake. Depending on the severity of liver damage, some patients may require vitamin supplements.

Minerals

Minerals like calcium, sodium, and iron play an important role in the balance and functioning of the human body. Calcium content usually decreases when the liver becomes damaged. So, calcium supplements are beneficial for persons with liver disease. On the other hand, sodium (salt) and iron should be minimized for better functioning of a damaged liver.

Proteins and Amino Acids

Animals and vegetables are two sources of protein. Animal protein sources are also high in fat and can prove harmful for people with cirrhosis. Hence, vegetable protein is more beneficial than animal protein.