Your liver is a large and important organ that performs hundreds of functions. The American Liver Foundation states that your liver helps process the food and beverages you consume and removes harmful substances from your blood. There are many possible liver-related problems that may arise, some of which are lifestyle-induced, some of which are caused by other health problems in your body. Ask your family doctor about the safety and efficacy of supplements before using them to improve the health and function of your liver.
Liver Issues
Liver issues, notes MayoClinic.com, may be inherited or arise in response to certain chemicals or viruses that enter your body. In some cases, liver problems self-resolve, while in other cases, your liver issues may linger for a prolonged period and lead to numerous health complications. Health problems that may cause liver damage or dysfunction include alcohol-related liver disease, autoimmune hepatitis, cirrhosis, hemochromatosis, hepatitis A, B and C, liver cancer, Reye syndrome and Wilson's disease.
Liver Supplements
Nutritional supplements are frequently prescribed to help improve the health and function of your liver, although not all supplements historically used for this health purpose may be backed by extensive scientific research. Expert herbalist Ed Smith, author of "Therapeutic Herb Manual," states that fennel, schisandra, artichoke leaf, milk thistle, Oregon grape root and dandelion root are some of the most potent dietary supplements in treating liver problems. Alpha-lipoic acid, inositol hexaphosphate and lecithin granules may also be helpful.
Supplement in Focus
Milk thistle is one of the most well-known and frequently prescribed dietary supplements in the treatment of liver problems. According to National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, milk thistle may be helpful in treating the following liver conditions: chronic hepatitis and liver cirrhosis. This dietary supplement may also treat gallbladder disorders, type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol levels. Silymarin is believed to be the principle biologically active constituent in the milk thistle plant.
Additional Information
Because there are many possible conditions that can affect your liver, always meet with your healthcare provider if you develop liver-related symptoms, such as jaundice, a yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes. Some liver problems may lead to serious health complications and should be addressed by a licensed healthcare professional. Dietary supplements should always be treated with the same caution afforded prescription drugs.
References
- American Liver Foundation: Your Liver
- MayoClinic.com: Liver Problems
- "Therapeutic Herb Manual"; Ed Smith; 2007
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Milk Thistle
