Liver Health

The largest gland in the human body, the liver lies below the diaphragm, in the thoracic region of ht abdomen. The liver has a number of important functions, including storage of glycogen, the body’s primary source of short-term energy; synthesis of plasma protein; detoxification; and production of bile, a compound that aids in the digestion of lipids.

The human body cannot live without the liver and currently, there is no artificial device capable of performing the many functions of this vital organ. Thus, it is important to maintain liver health and prevent the development of diseases such as hepatitis and cirrhosis. Both a sound diet and a wise program of nutritional supplements can protect the liver form harm and help maintain liver health.

Functions of the liver

Although most people don’t’ give the liver much thought, the fact is that without the liver, human life cannot continue. In fact, the liver performs so many important tasks that so far, no artificial device has been able to replace it. The liver:

• Produces and excretes bile.
• Aids in carbohydrate metabolism.
• Synthesizes cholesterol and triglycerides.
• Stores glycogen, vitamin B12, iron, and copper.
• Produces proteins that maintain blood pressure.
• Produces coagulation factors.
• Breaks down hemoglobin.
• Breaks down toxic substances.
• Converts ammonia to urea.

Supplement for liver health

• Alpha-lipoic acid
• Artichoke
• B-complex vitamins
• Carnitine
• Coenzyme Q10
• Curcuminoids
• Dandelion
• Inositol
• Isothiocyanates – Phytochemicals found in cruciferous vegetables. Recommend that eating these vegetables rather than taking supplements.
• Limonene – a hydrocarbon found in lemon oil that promotes liver health.
• Magnesium
• Milk thistle
• N-acetylcysteine (NAC)
• Perillyl alcohol
• Phosphatiodylcholine (Lecithin)
• Quercetin
• Rosemary
• Selenium
• Taurine
• Vitamin B9 (folic acid)
• Vitamin B12 (cobalamin)
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• zinc