What you eat is fundamental to the health of your organs, including the liver. According to the American Liver Foundation, one in 10 people are affected by liver disease in America, and these numbers are on the rise. As more people are diagnosed with liver disease, many are turning their attention to alternative ways of treating their liver. Special diets and supplements may be useful in supporting healthy liver function. Consult a holistically trained physician before you use any dietary supplements or making major changes to your diet.
Liver Disease
The liver, a very large organ located in your abdomen plays an important role in maintaining the health and effective functioning of your whole body. Your liver secretes bile to help digestion, cleans poisons from your blood and converts the foods you eat into energy. Many types of liver disease can arise including viral or alcoholic hepatitis, fatty liver, cirrhosis, hemochromatosis and even cancer. Yellowing of the skin, caller jaundice may indicate liver dysfunction and should be checked by your doctor.
Diet
A diet supportive of your natural detoxification pathway may be helpful in cases of liver disease or elevated liver enzymes. Antioxidant-rich foods such as dark leafy greens, berries, as well as yellow and red vegetables protect your liver cells from oxidative damage supporting liver function. In his book "Textbook of Natural Medicine," Joseph Pizzorno Jr., N.D., notes that a high-fiber diet focused on plant foods increases elimination of bile acids, drugs and toxic bile substances, supporting your liver's role in detoxification.
Nutritional Supplements
Along with a wholesome antioxidant and fiber rich diet, you may consider the therapeutic benefit of nutritional supplements. High doses of vitamin C may improve jaundice and acute viral hepatitis. The botanical supplements licorice and milk thistle can also help protect your liver from damage. It is important to consult a holistically trained physician before you take any nutritional supplements.
Considerations
Elevated liver enzymes may indicate serious damage to your liver and should be monitored by your doctor. Liver problems should be managed by a medically trained healthcare provider and alternative treatments should not be used in place of treatment prescribed by your doctor. For an individualized complementary treatment plan for your liver, consult a holistically trained practitioner, such as a naturopathic physician.
References
- American Liver Foundation: Debunking Liver Disease Myths
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: herbs at a glance: Dandelion
- MedlinePlus: Milk Thistle
- "Textbook of Natural Medicine"; Joseph E. Pizzorno Jr., N.D. and Michael T. Murray, N.D.; 2006
