What is the Liver and how does it function?

The liver is your largest internal organ and it performs many functions including detoxification of the body. The liver works by both filtering toxins directly and by altering toxins so that they can be removed at other stages of detoxification. The liver filters toxins from about 1 liter of blood every minute. Some of these endotoxins (produced in the body), exotoxins (from outside the body) and wastes are sent to the kidneys or the colon. Other toxins, made up of compounds that are difficult for the liver to filter, must be broken down with enzymes so that they can be removed. A properly functioning liver is vital to health.

What can I do to keep my liver healthy?

Lifestyle changes that help limit or dilute the toxin level in the body are beneficial. Drinking plenty of water, eating a healthy diet, and regular exercise can all help eliminate, prevent the ingestion of, or dilute the concentration of toxins. Eating the proper foods and nutrients gives the liver the tools it needs to stay healthy.

What nutrients does the liver need?

• Milk Thistle - a natural herb, traditionally used to support detoxification functions of the liver. The strong antitoxin activity of the main ingredient in milk thistle (silymarin) is thought to help the liver function.

• L-Methionine - an amino acid that the liver uses to create glutathione. Supplementing with L-methionine can help raise glutathione levels and thus the natural detoxification functions of the liver.

• N-Acetyl-Cystine - the liver also uses NAC to create glutathione. Supplementing with NAC can help raise glutathione levels.

• Alpha Lipoic Acid - is an antioxidant that helps revitalize glutathione and supports the antitoxin activities of the liver.

• Selenium - helps zinc and vitamins (both antioxidants) to function better in their detoxification properties.

• Ayurvcdic Herbs - these herbs have long been used to promote the detoxification capabilities of the liver. Among the most commonly used herbs are Boerhavia Diffusa, Ecipta Alba, Terminalia Belerica, Tinospora Cordifolia, and Picrorhiza Kuroa.