What does the liver do?
The liver is the largest gland in the body that performs over 500 functions, the most notable of which include filtration of blood, detoxifying the body of harmful substances in the body such as drugs and alcohol, breaking down old RBCs. The liver is also known for storing vitamins and iron, production of bile to break down and digest fats, and manufacturing sugar from stored sugar when the blood sugar levels fall below the normal range. As the liver plays such a fundamental role in regulating body features and health, it is of utmost importance to take care of this vital organ so that it can continue to perform its function smoothly (Woreta, n.d.).
What causes liver damage?
Certain drugs, excessive alcohol consumption, viruses, obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, and inherited liver diseases can cause liver damage. Over-exposure to certain toxins can damage the liver as well (Alqahtani, n.d.).
What are the best foods and practices to treat liver damage?
1. Opting for a liver and gut-friendly diet that helps in maintaining healthy body composition. Liver-friendly foods to incorporate into your diet include almonds, artichokes, green tea, cruciferous vegetables, lentils, berries, avocadoes, fermented foods, raw spinach, asparagus, kale, dandelion roots, salmon, beets, walnuts, olive oil, turmeric, and garlic (Eckelkamp, 2022). Also remove processed foods and drinks. Prepackaged foods, excess caffeine, and alcohol should also be removed as much as possible. Focus instead on fresh whole foods —including vegetables, wild caught fish, eggs, and oils, such as olive, avocado, or coconut oil.
2. Intermittent fasting is an eating pattern in which you refrain from eating any food item for a given period, usually 16 hours each day or 24 hours once or twice per week. This fasting allows our body and liver the opportunity to repair and clean itself. One of the cool self-cleaning tools utilized during fasting is something called autophagy which literally translates to 'self-eating.'
Adding lemon to water first thing in the morning may also help with liver detoxification. Intermittent fasting is a proven method to assist the liver in its detoxification process (Health, 2016).
3. Milk thistle is a herb that has been shown to be very safe when taken internally, and studies have reported little side effects when taken in large doses. Studies also show that milk thistle may help reduce inflammation and promote cell repair. This may help ease symptoms from liver diseases like jaundice, cirrhosis, fatty liver disease and liver cancer. That being said, a milk thistle liver flush could help get the liver back on track and remove the toxic buildup. Remember to look for a high content of silymarin (one of the main components of the plant’s seeds). Other high-quality liver supplements that have been reviewed as safe for consumption such as glutathione, turmeric, vitamin C, N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), chlorella, activated charcoal, and selenium. Milk thistle side effects, including headache, diarrhea, belly pain, and gas. Can also have, muscle aches, joint pain, and sexual dysfunction have been seen.
How to Take Milk Thistle?
Generally speaking, a milk thistle liver detox dosages vary from person to person with the most common amount administered for a milk thistle liver cleanse is 140 mg to 300 mg, taken two to three times a day. Milk thistle supplements can come in other form forms to include tea bags to brew your own tea. Additional formulations include powder, and liquid extract. You can blend the powder into a smoothie, or add to water.
Always talk to your doctor before you take any herbal supplements.
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The contents of this website are based upon the views of Dr. Walker and his experience. This product is not intended as medical advice nor to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The information is likewise not to replace the advice of a qualified health care provider. The information provided herein is intended as a sharing of general knowledge only and is not intended to be, nor is it, medical advice or a substitute for medical advice. That being said, please consult your healthcare provider before using supplements or providing supplements to children under the age of 18. If you have or suspect you have, a specific medical condition or disease, please consult your healthcare provider.
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