Your liver is responsible for aiding digestion and cleansing and is located on the right side of your abdominal area. The liver's primary role is filtering toxins from the body, which can be a difficult job in today's world when most people are introduced to environmental toxins daily. When the liver becomes overstressed due to an overload of toxins or poor nutritional support, liver disorders can result. Some liver issues are temporary, while others may be an ongoing problem. Symptoms include yellow skin and eyes, pain on the abdomen where the liver is located, irritated and itchy skin and dark urine color. Remember to consult with your health care provider if you have concerns about your liver and want advice on its treatment.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids can inhibit the propagation of liver cancer cells, according to the results of a 2006 study by the National Cancer Institute, and led by Kyu Lim, Ph.D. The study, presented at a meeting of the American Association for Cancer, found that omega-3 fatty acids cause apoptosis, a term used to refer to programmed cell death. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fatty fishes, such as mackerel, salmon, tuna and herring.
Asparagus
Asparagus extract contains enzymes and phytochemicals that may alleviate symptoms of a hangover caused by the consumption of alcohol, according to a 2009 study by researchers at the Institute of Medical Science and Jeju National University in Korea. The study's results, published in the "Journal of Food Science," found that oxidative stress on the liver caused by chronic alcohol use can be alleviated with the ingestion of extracts of asparagus leaves and shoots. The study's lead researcher, B.Y. Kim, said that further studies may be needed to find additional uses for the extract's protective effect on liver cells.
Milk Thistle
Milk thistle has been used for centuries for the treatment of liver problems. The active compound that protects the liver cells is silymarin, a group of flavonoids that treats liver disorders with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Specifically, the herb is effective fighting the liver damage caused by the use of acetaminophen, a common over-the-counter pain medication. Silymarin may also assist the liver self-repair process, including growing new cells, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Dandelion
In traditional medicine, dandelion roots and leaves have been used to treat liver problems for centuries. Dandelion is effective in treating the liver because it contains nutrients that support the liver function, including vitamin A, the B family of vitamins, vitamin C, iron, potassium and zinc. Dandelion also contains high levels of antioxidants that cleanse toxins from the liver, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Dandelion also helps support the immune response, which is important when an infection is present.
