What Your Liver Is Dying To Tell You

Jayson Kroner

Most of us don’t spend a great deal of time thinking about our liver. But maybe we should. After all, it’s the largest glandular organ in the body, not to mention one of the hardest working.

Located in the upper right portion of the abdominal cavity, the liver is a large, reddish-brown organ that plays an essential role in the metabolism of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. In addition, it synthesizes bile, vitamin A, and blood coagulating compounds. Its responsibilities don’t stop there. The liver also acts as a “nutrient filter” that determines whether or not the substances we subject it to get metabolized, detoxified, stored, or converted.

A dilemma. Like every other organ in the body, the liver can only do so much. Disrupting its homeostasis (natural balance) can significantly affect how effective it performs on the job. Years of processed foods, alcohol, fat, OTC medicines and environmental agents can result in a build-up of toxins that forces the liver to work much harder than it was designed to.

With the liver ultimately answering for everything that enters the body, keeping it healthy is of utmost importance. A diet high in fast food, excessive alcohol and chemical overload should be immediately replaced with one that includes fresh foods, plenty of water and nutrients.

Fortunately, there are plenty of natural supplements available that have been designed to make life much easier on this hard-working organ. Here are a few of the best:

Silymarin (Milk Thistle)

With use that dates back to the middle ages, milk thistle has been used for centuries to cleanse and fortify the liver by expediting the production and flow of bile. It contains three key flavonoids - silybin, silydianin and silychristin. Turmeric serves as an excellent synergist that complements it well.

Lecithin with Phosphatidyl Choline

In addition to the role it plays in cognitive function, this potent combination has been shown to expedite the flow of fat and cholesterol through the liver. This can help prevent excessive fats from building up, making it easier for the liver to eliminate dangerous toxins.

Health Disclaimer. Content provided by NOW Foods. Copyright ©2006-2019. Published with permission. Jayson Kroner is a health and fitness journalist, a certified sports nutritionist, and co-author of the book "7-Syndrome Healing."