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Writer's pictureShannon North

4 Ways to Support Your Liver

The liver is an intelligent central processing system that filers, controls and cleans a liter and a half of blood per minute, all while simultaneously processing over 400 vital biochemical metabolic reactions. The liver (our largest internal organ) is needed for protein synthesis, blood sugar and hormone balance, storage of micro nutrients and production of bile for healthy digestion. According to research published in the Journal of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, a whole food plant-based diet can improve liver function in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and best support the liver detoxification pathways.


Results showed weight loss (especially loss of belly fat), decreased inflammation markers, improved antioxidant intake and increase of gut microbiota beneficial to liver enzymes. Whole plant foods such as cauliflower, broccoli, onions, leafy greens, artichoke, beets and berries all support phase 1 & 2 liver detoxification. Reducing sugar and processed foods are also steps you can take to support your liver and regain clarity. Read below for 4 things you can do to support liver health.



1.Monitor your Medications/Supplements

Some types of medications and supplements can place an extra strain on your liver. Some examples of these include:

  • acetaminophen (Tylenol)

  • nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), and aspirin

  • amoxicillin-clavulanate, an antibiotic

  • statins, which are medications used to treat high cholesterol

  • phenytoin, a type of epilepsy drug

  • azathioprine, an immunosuppressive drug

  • herbal supplements like ephedra, black cohosh and kava


2.More Fiber

Soluble fiber — such as beta-glucan — can help lower cholesterol levels in the blood and reduce the amount of fat stored in the liver. Beta-glucan can be found in oats, barley, nutritional yeast, shitake mushrooms, rye and seaweed. Fiber also prevents the intestines from absorbing fructose too quickly, sending a rush on the liver. The liver uses excess fructose to create fat, a process called lipogenesis. Eventually, people who consume too much fructose can develop nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, a condition in which too much fat is stored in the liver cells.


3. Drink Tea

Recent studies have shown that green tea has both preventive and therapeutic effects on liver disease. Studies have shown that green tea can help in the regulation of lipid metabolism, which reduces the accumulation of fat in the liver. Studies have also shown that green tea contains a large amount of polyphenolic antioxidants that can offer a protective effect. Quercetin, found in sage, green tea and parsley has also shown to allow liver cells to preserve glutathione (needed for tissue building and repair). Roots like dandelion and burdock support liver cell regeneration and help limit fat deposits.


4. Move

Research shows increasing physical activity to 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week, can improve symptoms of fatty lover disease.

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