The liver is one of the most important organs that we have and has over 500 functions that maintain our overall health and wellness. Whether it’s flushing toxins out of your system. storing nutrients, or regulating the amount of sugar in your bloodstream, the liver plays a large part in keeping you healthy.
Natural liver supplements are great for boosting liver health and function, but with so many supplements out there it can be hard to find the right ones for you or even know what to look for in the first place. That’s why we’ve put together the ultimate guide to natural liver supplements!
Keep reading to find out:
- What the best natural liver supplements are
- How liver supplements work
- What to look for in natural liver supplements
What are the best natural liver supplements and how do they work?
Since avoiding all toxins that can cause damage to your liver is nearly impossible, supporting your liver with nutrient dense supplements is important to keep your liver healthy or prevent further damage.
While there are many natural supplements on the market, not all of them are beneficial for liver function. Here are some of the best natural liver support supplements that you should look out for:
- Milk Thistle
- Artichoke Leaf
- Dandelion Root
Milk Thistle
One of the most sought after natural supplements for liver support, milk thistle is an herbal plant high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients. It can be found in capsule, tablet, and liquid extract form and is most effective when taken by mouth. Used for liver cleanses and regular daily supplements, milk thistle is great for improving liver health.
Aside from liver health, a quality milk thistle supplement can help to promote healthy blood circulation, increase your overall energy levels, and promote heart health. It’s anti-inflammatory properties have been shown to help lower cholesterol and improve heart health in those who dealt with inflammation in heart tissues.
Those who have a history of allergies to plants within the Asteraceae family (ragweed, daisies, marigolds, etc.) may be more susceptible to an allergic reaction. Such allergic reactions may be serious and result in anaphylaxis.
Artichoke Leaf
Artichoke plants have had a variety of medicinal and culinary uses since the time of ancient Rome and Greece. The stem, leaf, and root of this prickly plant are high in nutrients and have been used for such things as reducing heartburn, treating bladder infections, and arthritis.
The leaf in particular is great for liver health. Typically used to detoxify the liver and prevent further damage, the artichoke is also high in cynarin, a chemical compound that helps to stimulate the flow of bile and lower cholesterol.
Artichoke leaf has also been shown to help reduce fat in the liver, prevent further liver damage, and even help with liver regeneration. Artichoke leaf really is one of the most valuable players in improving liver health!
Dandelion Root
While some may see dandelions and think of it only as a pesky weed, the dandelion plant is incredibly high in beneficial nutrients and vitamins. There are many ways in which you can consume dandelion with one of the most popular being dandelion tea.
Dandelion root has been commonly used to treat a variety of medical issues, ranging from high blood pressure and heart failure, to kidney and liver diseases.
Like artichoke, dandelion root helps to increase the flow of bile, allowing the liver to flush out toxins more efficiently. It is also suggested that dandelions may help to protect the liver from hepatic injuries.
It is important to note that dandelions are a mild diuretic and may impact bowel movements.
What to look for and avoid when shopping for natural liver supplements?
There are thousands of natural supplements available on the market and lots of information across the web. When deciding on what supplements work better for you, there are many things that you should keep in mind when looking for different products.
Things to keep in mind when looking for natural supplements:
- Ingredients
- Is the product reliable?
- Check for possible interactions with other medications
Unlike other medicines, dietary supplements are not heavily regulated by the FDA. This means that the risk of picking up substandard or fake products is higher than it is for other medications. If you are looking for specifically natural products, it is important that you read the ingredients carefully and research them if you are unsure.
It is also important to make sure the product is reliable either through verification from a third party regulator or in discussion with your doctor or pharmacist. You can also contact the manufacturer for more information or use the FDA’s fraudulent product database to look up products you’re unsure about.
If you are taking other medications for pre-existing health conditions, it is also important to look for potential interactions between supplements and medications. Some vitamins may have negative interactions with blood-thinning or heart medications or may impact lab results in necessary medical tests.
Whether you’re looking into natural supplements to prevent further liver damage or just to improve your overall liver health, making sure that you’re doing the research needed to find the best quality products is important! Consult your healthcare provider or reach out to the product manufacturers to learn more about products that hold your interest!
Liver supplements, especially natural liver supplements, can greatly improve your life and health when used as intended. Keep an eye out for supplemental products containing milk thistle, artichoke root, or dandelion root, as they are sure to be some of the best quality products on the market!
