Everyone’s favorite filter is essential to our health. Today I’d like to share with you how it works, common stresses, and some supplements that are known to support its healthy function.

The liver is one of the body’s ways to detox you. There are two phases to detoxing. First, enzymes bind to the harmful chemicals like those found in the atmosphere or your workplace and reduce their toxicity. Second, they bind with the toxins to make them water soluble so they’re able to be excreted from the body.

The most common liver stressors you probably already know like alcohol, fatty liver (triggered by obesity) and hepatitis C. However, now more than ever because of pesticides and environmental pollutants we are exposed to unprecedented chemical exposure making our livers work harder than ever.

One common cause liver failure is overdose of Tylenol so make sure you limit your use.

Now that we’ve stated problems let’s talk solutions (my favorite part!). There are several supplements that support healthy liver and today we’re going to go over some common favorites.

N-Acetylcysteine or NAC is a potent antioxidant stocked in hospital emergency rooms to treat acetaminophen overdose. Acetaminophen stops the production of glutathione, an antioxidant required for you to detox. NAC is a precursor to glutathione and can heal the liver if taken soon enough and is a reliable defense against low level toxins.

Milk Thistle is a venerable herb and has been used for thousands of years. Recent research has demonstrated that it is a powerful antioxidant, protects against liver damage, and reduces the toxic effect of drugs and other chemicals. Silymarin is the concentrated extract of milk thistle and the preferred form.

Alpha-Lipoic Acid is used by some doctors to treat patients with cirrhosis of the liver, liver failure, Amanita mushroom poisoning and other liver related disease. Often administered alongside silymarin and selenium. Alpha-lipoic acid functions as a precursor to glutathione, helps maintain normal liver function, and can even help regenerate liver tissue.

Multivitamin, specifically the B-complex vitamins and antioxidants like C and E are needed to support the phase 1 enzymes in your liver while amino acids like NAC and Alpha-Lipoic acid help your liver to create the phase 2 enzymes. Usually it’s a good idea to add the mineral selenium in with your NAC and Alpha-Lipoic acid to help with your livers natural glutathione creation.

Remember this article is for information only. Do not make any changes in your diet or lifestyle without first consulting with your preventive health care provider. We always pray for your prosperity and health, 3 John 2, blessings, Donna.