Your liver is the largest and one of the most important organs in your body. It helps your body absorb nutrients, digest food and flush out toxins, according to the Mayo Clinic. A number of conditions and diseases including cirrhosis, fatty liver and hepatitis can affect your liver. Some liver problems resolve on their own, while others can get progressively worse and cause potentially life-threatening complications. Certain vitamins and herbs may promote liver health and possibly aid in the treatment of liver disease. Talk to your healthcare provider before taking any natural liver treatments.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E supplements may help people who suffer from an obesity-related liver disease called nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. This condition occurs when a buildup of fat causes liver inflammation and scarring. Fatty liver can cause the organ to shut down in severe cases.
A study sponsored by the National Institutes of Health found that 43 percent of 247 adults with advanced fatty liver disease who took 800 IU of vitamin E for a two year period improved liver function. The findings were published online in the “New England Journal of Medicine”.
Betaine
Betaine is a nutrient that assists in the production of carnitine. Carnitine is a nutrient that helps the body turn fat into energy. Betaine may help prevent the accumulation of fatty deposits in the liver. In addition to obesity, fatty liver can result from alcoholism, diabetes and a protein deficiency, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Spinach, broccoli, grains and shellfish are all good sources of betaine.
Further research is needed to confirm the therapeutic effects of betaine on the liver.
Bupleurum
The Chinese herb bupleurum has been used to treat liver disorders including cirrohosis, according to the UMMC. Cirrhosis results from chronic liver disease and causes scarring of the liver. Bupleurum is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties. Consult with your health care provider before using bupleurum for liver support.
Milk Thistle
Milk thistle may be the most recognized herb for overall liver health. Milk thistle is purported to be an herbal remedy for cirrhosis and liver inflammation known as chronic hepatitis, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Milk thistle my also protect the liver against toxins and stimulate cell production and replace old, damaged liver cells. Talk to your health practitioner about taking milk thistle.
Spirulina
Spirulina may help guard against liver damage and cirrhosis in people with chronic hepatitis, according to the Mayo Clinic. A study published in 1999 in the “Journal of Ethnopharmacology” suggest that spirulina may help prevent fatty liver disease. The study was led by P.V. Torres-Duran of the Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, UNAM, Mexico D.F., Mexico.
Cordyceps
A type of mushroom called cordyceps has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to promote liver health. Cordyceps may help improve liver function in people with hepatitis B, according to the UMMC. Hepatitis B causes swelling and irritation of the liver. The hepatitis V virus is spread through bodily fluids such as blood or semen. Ask your doctor about using cordyceps for conditions related to the liver.
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