The liver is the largest organ in your body and is responsible for clearing toxins and waste from your bloodstream. It also supplies your digestive system with bile, a substance that aids in the digestion of foods and absorption of nutrients. However, liver disease contributes to poor vitamin absorption and allows toxins to build up in your body. Certain vitamins may help reduce the effects of liver disease. Talk to your doctor before increasing your vitamin intake to address liver dysfunction. Vitamin therapy should not replace medical treatment for this condition.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K is stored in the fat tissues of your body and is used as needed to help clot blood and support the maintenance of strong bones. Because your body both manufactures and stores vitamin K, deficiencies are common. However, if you have liver disease, you may need additional vitamin K to prevent bleeding in your liver tissues. Liver disease can also interfere with the absorption of this vitamin. Increase your intake of vitamin K by consuming foods such as kale, spinach, avocados, strawberries, broccoli, beef liver and asparagus.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is responsible for the production of healthy organ cells, including those that compose your liver. It boosts your immune system, helping your body to destroy viral and bacterial cells that your liver cannot filter from your bloodstream because of liver disease. This vitamin also provides antioxidant benefits; it may help keep free-radical molecules from attacking organ cells, worsening the effects of liver disease. Fish liver oil, garlic, apricots, yams, spinach, cayenne peppers and alfalfa are abundant sources of vitamin A.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E improves blood circulation in your liver, which may help this organ collect waste and remove it from your body through your kidneys. It may help your liver regenerate, replacing damaged tissue with healthy cells. Vitamin E may improve your body's ability to absorb and use vitamin A. It is also an antioxidant, starving lipids and free radicals of the oxygen they need to damage healthy tissue. Increase your vitamin E consumption by choosing foods such as kale, flax seeds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, eggs and watercress.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamin K
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; James F. Balch, M.D. and Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; 1997
