Heal:
Anxiety - High Cholesterol - The Gut - The Heart - The Liver - Inflammation - The Kidneys - The Lymphatic System - The Nervous System - The Pancreas - The Pineal Gland - The Reproductive System - The Thyroid
Anxiety - High Cholesterol - The Gut - The Heart - The Liver - Inflammation - The Kidneys - The Lymphatic System - The Nervous System - The Pancreas - The Pineal Gland - The Reproductive System - The Thyroid
Heal Your Liver
The number of processes the liver can carry out is miraculous. It can create its own amino acids, change sugars to fats, and vice versa. It can create or destroy. (Dr. Morse)
Your liver, which is the body’s detox powerhouse, takes the brunt of all the toxins we encounter in modern life. The liver works hard but it can only do so much in the face of a constant onslaught of pathogens and their byproduct, toxins, high-fat and high-protein foods (whether plant based or animal based), adrenaline and more, so over time it can become mucky, stagnant, fatty and weak. When the liver is overburdened, the entire toxic load of the body rises, causing more illness. (Medical Medium)
Liver Functions
The deep red color of the liver is an external indicator of what it does—process large volumes of blood to control its chemical composition. Most of the liver’s functions, apart from the work carried out by debris-removing Kupffer cells, are performed by hepatocytes, the multitasking cells that are the workhorses of the liver. As blood flows past hepatocytes, they take up nutrients and other substances to be stored, used in metabolic processes, or broken down, and also empty into the blood secretory products and nutrients released from storage. The liver’s only direct role in digestion is the manufacture of bile, which is stored in the gallbladder and released into the duodenum. However, once digestion is complete, it “intercepts” nutrients arriving from the intestines and processes them.
Apart from making bile, controlling the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins from food, and storing minerals and vitamins, the liver also, among other things, creates a range of proteins that circulate in blood plasma; breaks down drugs and other dangerous chemicals from the bloodstream; destroys worn-out red blood cells, recycling the iron inside them; and removes pathogens and debris in the blood.
Bile production
Hepatocytes produce up to 2 pints (1 liter) of this greenish fluid daily. Bile contains a mixture of bile salts, and wastes, such as bilirubin (from the breakdown of hemoglobin), which are excreted with the feces. Bile salts aid fat digestion in the duodenum, after which they are returned to the liver and secreted again in bile.
Hormone production
The body’s chemical messengers, hormones work by changing the activities of target tissues. Once a hormone has exerted its effect it is destroyed; otherwise, it would continue to operate out of control. Many hormones are broken down by liver cells. Their breakdown products are usually excreted by the kidneys in urine.
Protein Synthesis
Liver cells secrete most of the plasma proteins found in blood plasma, using amino acids from digested food or hepatocytes. These proteins include albumin, which helps maintain water balance in the blood; transport proteins, which carry lipids and fat-soluble vitamins; and fibrinogen, for blood-clotting.
Heat Generation
The vast numbers of metabolic processes occurring in hepatocytes generate, as a by-product, a considerable amount of heat. This heat, together with that from working muscles, is distributed around the body by the blood, keeps the body warm, and enables it to maintain a constant temperature.
Detoxification
While ingested or injected drugs may be helpful to the body in the short term, they are harmful if they remain in the bloodstream. The liver plays a vital role in detoxification by breaking down drugs, bacterial toxins, manmade poisons, and pollutants. Hepatocytes detoxify these harmful substances by converting them into safer compounds that can then be excreted. However, over time, excessive detoxification may, as in the case of alcohol, cause fibrous tissue to develop, which stops the liver from working properly.
Processing Nutrients
When nutrients—particularly glucose, fatty acids, and amino acids—flood into the bloodstream following digestion; the liver processes them. Glucose is the body’s main fuel source, and its level in the blood must be kept steady. Liver cells gather glucose; they store it as glycogen if blood glucose levels rise and release it from store if levels drop. They also convert excess glucose to fat. The liver breaks down fatty acids to release energy or stores them as fat. It also manufactures packages called lipoproteins to transport fats to and from body cells. It breaks down excess amino acids, using them to release energy and converting their nitrogen into waste urea, which is excreted in urine.
Storing Vitamins and Minerals
Several vitamins, notably vitamin B12 and the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K, are stockpiled by the liver and released when required. The liver can store up to 2 years’ supply of vitamin A, and 4 months’ worth of vitamins D and B12. Since they are stored, and any excess cannot be excreted, it is important not to overdose on vitamin supplements because the presence of excess fat-soluble vitamins can damage the liver. The liver stores iron, needed to make hemoglobin and copper, which plays a part in many metabolic reactions.
Red Blood Cell Removal
Defunct red blood cells are destroyed by Kupffer cells, which are macrophages that form part of the lining of sinusoids (red cells are also destroyed in the spleen). Iron is retrieved from one part of the blood cells’ hemoglobin molecules, stored by hepatocytes, and reused when required; another part of the hemoglobin molecule is broken down into the bile pigment bilirubin and excreted in bile (see opposite). Kupffer cells also remove bacteria and other debris from blood, and intercept some toxins.
Bile production
Hepatocytes produce up to 2 pints (1 liter) of this greenish fluid daily. Bile contains a mixture of bile salts, and wastes, such as bilirubin (from the breakdown of hemoglobin), which are excreted with the feces. Bile salts aid fat digestion in the duodenum, after which they are returned to the liver and secreted again in bile.
Hormone production
The body’s chemical messengers, hormones work by changing the activities of target tissues. Once a hormone has exerted its effect it is destroyed; otherwise, it would continue to operate out of control. Many hormones are broken down by liver cells. Their breakdown products are usually excreted by the kidneys in urine.
Protein Synthesis
Liver cells secrete most of the plasma proteins found in blood plasma, using amino acids from digested food or hepatocytes. These proteins include albumin, which helps maintain water balance in the blood; transport proteins, which carry lipids and fat-soluble vitamins; and fibrinogen, for blood-clotting.
Heat Generation
The vast numbers of metabolic processes occurring in hepatocytes generate, as a by-product, a considerable amount of heat. This heat, together with that from working muscles, is distributed around the body by the blood, keeps the body warm, and enables it to maintain a constant temperature.
Detoxification
While ingested or injected drugs may be helpful to the body in the short term, they are harmful if they remain in the bloodstream. The liver plays a vital role in detoxification by breaking down drugs, bacterial toxins, manmade poisons, and pollutants. Hepatocytes detoxify these harmful substances by converting them into safer compounds that can then be excreted. However, over time, excessive detoxification may, as in the case of alcohol, cause fibrous tissue to develop, which stops the liver from working properly.
Processing Nutrients
When nutrients—particularly glucose, fatty acids, and amino acids—flood into the bloodstream following digestion; the liver processes them. Glucose is the body’s main fuel source, and its level in the blood must be kept steady. Liver cells gather glucose; they store it as glycogen if blood glucose levels rise and release it from store if levels drop. They also convert excess glucose to fat. The liver breaks down fatty acids to release energy or stores them as fat. It also manufactures packages called lipoproteins to transport fats to and from body cells. It breaks down excess amino acids, using them to release energy and converting their nitrogen into waste urea, which is excreted in urine.
Storing Vitamins and Minerals
Several vitamins, notably vitamin B12 and the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K, are stockpiled by the liver and released when required. The liver can store up to 2 years’ supply of vitamin A, and 4 months’ worth of vitamins D and B12. Since they are stored, and any excess cannot be excreted, it is important not to overdose on vitamin supplements because the presence of excess fat-soluble vitamins can damage the liver. The liver stores iron, needed to make hemoglobin and copper, which plays a part in many metabolic reactions.
Red Blood Cell Removal
Defunct red blood cells are destroyed by Kupffer cells, which are macrophages that form part of the lining of sinusoids (red cells are also destroyed in the spleen). Iron is retrieved from one part of the blood cells’ hemoglobin molecules, stored by hepatocytes, and reused when required; another part of the hemoglobin molecule is broken down into the bile pigment bilirubin and excreted in bile (see opposite). Kupffer cells also remove bacteria and other debris from blood, and intercept some toxins.
Seen in the Iris
Liver / Gallbladder Zone: The health of the liver is reflected in the iris in the liver zone (7:45 right eye). Classic signs of liver weakness seen in this zone include openings in the trabecula (crypts and lacuna), and psora/pigmentation spots.
Pterygium: Another sign of a liver in likely distress is the presence of Pterygium. These are "yellowish thickened cells of opaque gelatinous tissue" (Sharan) appearing in the sclera (white area outside of pupil). Pterygium are usually seen laterally (toward the temple) and medially (toward the nose).
Pupil Flattening Opposite Liver Zone: Pupil flattening (related to the central nervous system) in the liver zone presents another sign of weakness or stress in the liver.
Radii Solaris: Radii Solaris coming from the stomach and bowel area and radiating through the liver can indicate toxicity related to the health of the gut affecting the liver.
Bowel Irregularity: (Pocketing including ballooning or spasticity) adjacent the liver zone are further indications of the interplay between the health of the liver and digestive system.
Pterygium: Another sign of a liver in likely distress is the presence of Pterygium. These are "yellowish thickened cells of opaque gelatinous tissue" (Sharan) appearing in the sclera (white area outside of pupil). Pterygium are usually seen laterally (toward the temple) and medially (toward the nose).
Pupil Flattening Opposite Liver Zone: Pupil flattening (related to the central nervous system) in the liver zone presents another sign of weakness or stress in the liver.
Radii Solaris: Radii Solaris coming from the stomach and bowel area and radiating through the liver can indicate toxicity related to the health of the gut affecting the liver.
Bowel Irregularity: (Pocketing including ballooning or spasticity) adjacent the liver zone are further indications of the interplay between the health of the liver and digestive system.
Symptoms of Liver Toxicity
When the liver or gallbladder becomes toxic, inflamed and full of stones, the following symptoms may appear:
Bloating and Acid-Reflux conditions
Enteritis
Poor digestion
Anemia
Low amino acid utilization
Low hemoglobin and albumin count
Skin toxicity (resulting in dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, and other conditions)
White stools
Liver spots (skin pigmentation changes)
Starvation
Low cholesterol production = low steroid production = more inflammation
Lower resistance to inflammation
Lowers cell wall protection
Gastritis
Nausea after eating
Loss of muscle tissue (low protein utilization)
Low cholesterol levels
Sugar problems (high or low blood sugars)
Bloating and Acid-Reflux conditions
Enteritis
Poor digestion
Anemia
Low amino acid utilization
Low hemoglobin and albumin count
Skin toxicity (resulting in dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, and other conditions)
White stools
Liver spots (skin pigmentation changes)
Starvation
Low cholesterol production = low steroid production = more inflammation
Lower resistance to inflammation
Lowers cell wall protection
Gastritis
Nausea after eating
Loss of muscle tissue (low protein utilization)
Low cholesterol levels
Sugar problems (high or low blood sugars)
What Harms the Liver
Acidosis, alcohol, toxic chemicals, drugs, etc., are all extremely harmful to your liver. Almost all drugs, especially coal tar products like aspirin, severely destroy its tissues. It’s your liver—send it love and be good to it! Your liver is also tied to your mind in ways not yet understood by most people. When the liver is inflamed and impaired in its function, so is your mind. This can create low self-esteem and anger. Remember that your body develops and functions according to how you treat it. Be good to yourself. (Dr. Morse)
Among a multitude of other vital functions, the liver processes drugs, alcohol, and other toxins to remove them from the body. Smoking impairs the ability of the liver to handle these substances. Some research also suggests that smoking can aggravate the course of liver disease caused
by excessive alcohol intake. (David Hoffman, Medical Herbalism)
by excessive alcohol intake. (David Hoffman, Medical Herbalism)
Alcohol: The liver processes over 90 percent of consumed alcohol. The rest exits the body via the kidneys, skin, and lungs. The liver can only process a certain amount of alcohol at a time; the alcohol left unprocessed by the liver circulates through the bloodstream. The alcohol in the blood affects the heart and brain, which is how people become intoxicated. Chronic alcohol abuse causes destruction of liver cells, which results in scarring of the liver (cirrhosis), alcoholic hepatitis and cellular mutation that may lead to liver cancer. These conditions usually progress from fatty liver to alcoholic hepatitis to cirrhosis, although heavy drinkers may develop alcoholic cirrhosis without first developing hepatitis.
Pharmaceuticals & Pain-Relievers: Many medications, including acetaminophen, antibiotics, blood thinners, antidepressants, sedatives, pain medications, and muscle relaxants are harmful to the liver. When taken with alcohol the combination can be dangerous.
Smoking: Smoking can increase the risk of both liver cancer and cirrhosis of the liver. The toxic chemicals in tobacco smoke can cause inflammation and eventual cirrhosis. Smoking also promotes the production of cytokines, chemicals that cause even more inflammation and damage to liver cells. Another concern: In people with hepatitis B or C, smoking can increase the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma, a form of liver cancer.
Chemicals: The liver metabolizes food, nutrients, and toxins before they move into the rest of the body. Everything we consume passes through the liver, including food, drinks, and drugs. The liver deals with airborne poisons, additives in food and water, and any number of toxins that are eaten, drunk, or absorbed through the skin. Especially harmful are airborne chemicals found in perfumes, common chemicals found in personal care products including shampoo, body washes, moisturizers, deodorant, and makeup.
Sugar: Refined sugar and high-fructose corn syrup causes a fatty buildup that can lead to liver disease. Some studies show that sugar can be as damaging to the liver as alcohol, even if you’re not overweight. It’s one more reason to limit foods with added sugars, such as soda, pastries, and candy. One study published in The Journal of Hepatology found that people who drank one or more sugary drink a day had higher markers of fatty liver disease than those who didn’t drink any sugary drinks.
Fat: A diet high in fat, especially saturated fat and fat found in animal products has been shown to increase the work load of the liver cells, immediately altering the health of the liver and increasing the risk of liver disease (see Diet below)
Salt: Fried/fast foods that are high in fat and sugar are extremely harmful for liver health. In addition, consumption of high-salt foods can lead to fluid-buildup and swelling in the liver.
Protein: Protein from animal products produces elevated levels of ammonia in the blood; a high protein diet has also shown likelihood of increased risk of fatty liver disease (see Diet below)
Pharmaceuticals & Pain-Relievers: Many medications, including acetaminophen, antibiotics, blood thinners, antidepressants, sedatives, pain medications, and muscle relaxants are harmful to the liver. When taken with alcohol the combination can be dangerous.
Smoking: Smoking can increase the risk of both liver cancer and cirrhosis of the liver. The toxic chemicals in tobacco smoke can cause inflammation and eventual cirrhosis. Smoking also promotes the production of cytokines, chemicals that cause even more inflammation and damage to liver cells. Another concern: In people with hepatitis B or C, smoking can increase the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma, a form of liver cancer.
Chemicals: The liver metabolizes food, nutrients, and toxins before they move into the rest of the body. Everything we consume passes through the liver, including food, drinks, and drugs. The liver deals with airborne poisons, additives in food and water, and any number of toxins that are eaten, drunk, or absorbed through the skin. Especially harmful are airborne chemicals found in perfumes, common chemicals found in personal care products including shampoo, body washes, moisturizers, deodorant, and makeup.
Sugar: Refined sugar and high-fructose corn syrup causes a fatty buildup that can lead to liver disease. Some studies show that sugar can be as damaging to the liver as alcohol, even if you’re not overweight. It’s one more reason to limit foods with added sugars, such as soda, pastries, and candy. One study published in The Journal of Hepatology found that people who drank one or more sugary drink a day had higher markers of fatty liver disease than those who didn’t drink any sugary drinks.
Fat: A diet high in fat, especially saturated fat and fat found in animal products has been shown to increase the work load of the liver cells, immediately altering the health of the liver and increasing the risk of liver disease (see Diet below)
Salt: Fried/fast foods that are high in fat and sugar are extremely harmful for liver health. In addition, consumption of high-salt foods can lead to fluid-buildup and swelling in the liver.
Protein: Protein from animal products produces elevated levels of ammonia in the blood; a high protein diet has also shown likelihood of increased risk of fatty liver disease (see Diet below)
What Heals the Liver
Botanicals
Liver chemistry is extraordinarily complex, and the role of the liver in human physiology is so fundamental to life that to researchers, the idea that simple plant remedies have something to offer might be laughable. This is unfortunate, because plants such as Taraxacum officinale (dandelion), Silyburn marianurn (milk thistle), Chelone glabra (balmony), and a variety of bitter tonic herbs provide a robust materia medica. Treatment with herbs is appropriate for a range of liver conditions, from disorders requiring only gentle liver stimulation to profound liver disease. As with most claims made by the medical herbalist, pharmacological and clinical research is beginning to provide support for traditional observations and chemical insights into the mechanisms involved.
Bitter-tasting herbs play a special role in preventive medicine. The bitter taste triggers a sensory response in the central nervous system, which sends a message to the gut. The gut in turn releases digestive hormones that lead to a range of effects, including stimulation of appetite and a general stimulation of the flow of digestive juices. Bitters also aid the liver in its detoxification work, increase bile flow, and stimulate gut self-repair mechanisms. (David Hoffman, Medical Herbalism)
Plant Properties and Medicinal Actions of Benefit to the Liver:
The most important plants for liver health are found in Bitters, Alteratives, Hepatics, Anti-Inflammatories, and Liver Tonics:
Bitters are “herbs that, when tasted, promote the flow of digestive juices throughout the body, and stimulate the peristaltic action of the digestive tract. Liver Conditions aided by Bitters: Liver congestion, jaundice, skin eruptions and diseases.”
Bitters commonly used for liver health: Angelica, Blessed Thistle, Dandelion, Gentian, Mugwort, Oregon Grape.
Alteratives are “herbs which cleanse (alter) the blood. Most herbs for blood cleansing support the function of the liver, lymph, spleen, kidneys, and bowels. They take time to do their work, and should be used consistently over a long period of time, promoting the gradual detoxification of the entire bloodstream. This well, in turn, help balance digestion, assimilation, and glandular secretions. Alteratives may be seen as herbs that strengthen the body's natural detoxification process.
Alteratives commonly used to benefit liver health:
Alfalfa, Black Walnut, Bladderwrack, Blessed Thistle, Blue Flag, Burodock, Capsicum, Cascara Sagrada, Chaparral, Chickweed, Cleavers, Dandelion, Devils claw, Garlic, Goldenseal, Gotu Kola, Kelp, Licorice Root, Marshmallow, Nettles, Oregon grape, Pipsissewa, Plantain, Poke, Prickly ash, Red Clover, Red Raspberry, Rhubarb, Saint Johns Wort, Yellow Dock
Hepatics: These are herbs that strengthen, tone, and stimulate the metabolic and secretive functions of the liver.
Commonly used Hepatics: Agrimony, Angelica, Barberry, Bayberry, Blessed Thistle, Blue Flag, Cascara Sagrada, Cleavers, Dandelion, Fennel, Gentian, Hops, Hysop, Liverwort, Milk Thistle, Oregon Grape, Poke, Redroot, Self Heal, Yellow Dock
Conditions aided by Hepatics: hepatitis, jaundice, sluggish liver, indigestion, constipation, skin eruptions, chronic skin diseases
Anti-Inflammatories: Plants with Anti-inflammatory properties can be used to reduce liver inflammation, and are an especially valuable component when taken in combination with other Liver-enhancing herbs.
Anti-Inflammatories used to benefit Liver health include: Chickweed, Turmeric, Garlic, Self Heal
Liver Tonics: These are herbs which increase energy and strength in the body. The effect of tonic herbs is to increase the strength of the muscular and nervous system while improving digestion and assimilation, resulting in a general sense of well being. Tonic herbs are classified by the system for which they have the greatest affinity, and therefore, affect it in the most positive way.
Liver tonics include: Barberry, Buckthorn Bark, Cascara Sagrada, Dandelion, Goldenseal, Oregon Grape, Stoneroot, Yellow Root
(Philip Fritchey, Practical Herbalism)
The most important plants for liver health are found in Bitters, Alteratives, Hepatics, Anti-Inflammatories, and Liver Tonics:
Bitters are “herbs that, when tasted, promote the flow of digestive juices throughout the body, and stimulate the peristaltic action of the digestive tract. Liver Conditions aided by Bitters: Liver congestion, jaundice, skin eruptions and diseases.”
Bitters commonly used for liver health: Angelica, Blessed Thistle, Dandelion, Gentian, Mugwort, Oregon Grape.
Alteratives are “herbs which cleanse (alter) the blood. Most herbs for blood cleansing support the function of the liver, lymph, spleen, kidneys, and bowels. They take time to do their work, and should be used consistently over a long period of time, promoting the gradual detoxification of the entire bloodstream. This well, in turn, help balance digestion, assimilation, and glandular secretions. Alteratives may be seen as herbs that strengthen the body's natural detoxification process.
Alteratives commonly used to benefit liver health:
Alfalfa, Black Walnut, Bladderwrack, Blessed Thistle, Blue Flag, Burodock, Capsicum, Cascara Sagrada, Chaparral, Chickweed, Cleavers, Dandelion, Devils claw, Garlic, Goldenseal, Gotu Kola, Kelp, Licorice Root, Marshmallow, Nettles, Oregon grape, Pipsissewa, Plantain, Poke, Prickly ash, Red Clover, Red Raspberry, Rhubarb, Saint Johns Wort, Yellow Dock
Hepatics: These are herbs that strengthen, tone, and stimulate the metabolic and secretive functions of the liver.
Commonly used Hepatics: Agrimony, Angelica, Barberry, Bayberry, Blessed Thistle, Blue Flag, Cascara Sagrada, Cleavers, Dandelion, Fennel, Gentian, Hops, Hysop, Liverwort, Milk Thistle, Oregon Grape, Poke, Redroot, Self Heal, Yellow Dock
Conditions aided by Hepatics: hepatitis, jaundice, sluggish liver, indigestion, constipation, skin eruptions, chronic skin diseases
Anti-Inflammatories: Plants with Anti-inflammatory properties can be used to reduce liver inflammation, and are an especially valuable component when taken in combination with other Liver-enhancing herbs.
Anti-Inflammatories used to benefit Liver health include: Chickweed, Turmeric, Garlic, Self Heal
Liver Tonics: These are herbs which increase energy and strength in the body. The effect of tonic herbs is to increase the strength of the muscular and nervous system while improving digestion and assimilation, resulting in a general sense of well being. Tonic herbs are classified by the system for which they have the greatest affinity, and therefore, affect it in the most positive way.
Liver tonics include: Barberry, Buckthorn Bark, Cascara Sagrada, Dandelion, Goldenseal, Oregon Grape, Stoneroot, Yellow Root
(Philip Fritchey, Practical Herbalism)
Some of the above-mentioned plants are found in more than one category and as such benefit the liver in a variety of ways. These "Star" Liver Plants are some of the more widely used and popular herbs found on the market:
Milk Thistle - Hepatoprotective (Liver Protector); Contains Silymarin, a substance capable of regenerating liver cells damaged by toxins and relieving liver tissue inflammation; An excellent remedy for hepatitis and liver failure; Tones, strengthens, detoxifies, and protects the liver; Aids in the regeneration of the liver and pancreas; Increases the production and flow of bile; Increases formation of new liver cells.
Milk thistle may benefit people with cirrhosis of the liver, according to a report published in 2001. (Saller R, Meier R, Brignoli R.) Analyzing five clinical trials (with a total of 602 cirrhosis patients, researchers determined that treatment with milk thistle could lead to a significant reduction in liver-related mortality.
Dandelion - Thought to be one of the "bitter herbs" mentioned in the bible, dandelion has been used world-wide for centuries to relieve liver distress; strengthening the liver and stimulates the flow of bile which helps with the digestion of fats. Nicholas Culpeper, 18th century herbalist states, "It is one of opening and cleansing quality, and, therefore, very effectual for the obstruction of the liver, gall, and spleen. It opens the passages of the urine, both in young and old, powerfully cleanses, and doth afterwards heal them." (Fritchey, Pracctical Herbalism)
Turmeric - Preliminary research indicates that turmeric may be useful in the treatment of hepatitis B and hepatitis C. In a 2009 study on liver cells, for instance, scientists discovered that turmeric extract helped stop the hepatitis B virus from replicating.(Kim HJ, Yoo HS, Kim JC) A test-tube study published in 2010, meanwhile, demonstrated that turmeric extract might help suppress the replication of the hepatitis C virus.(Kim K, Kim KH, Kim HY, Cho HK, Sakamoto N, Cheong J.)
Barberry/Oregon Grape Root/Goldenseal - Barberry, Oregon Grape Root, and Goldenseal all have one thing in common - Berberine. Studies have found that berberine reduces the density of serum cholesterol and triglycerides in the liver by increasing the production of a receptor in the liver that bonds with cholesterol and fat and facilitates their excretion. In doing this, it prevents fatty liver disease. Berberine has also been shown to improve the function of liver enzymes.
Milk Thistle - Hepatoprotective (Liver Protector); Contains Silymarin, a substance capable of regenerating liver cells damaged by toxins and relieving liver tissue inflammation; An excellent remedy for hepatitis and liver failure; Tones, strengthens, detoxifies, and protects the liver; Aids in the regeneration of the liver and pancreas; Increases the production and flow of bile; Increases formation of new liver cells.
Milk thistle may benefit people with cirrhosis of the liver, according to a report published in 2001. (Saller R, Meier R, Brignoli R.) Analyzing five clinical trials (with a total of 602 cirrhosis patients, researchers determined that treatment with milk thistle could lead to a significant reduction in liver-related mortality.
Dandelion - Thought to be one of the "bitter herbs" mentioned in the bible, dandelion has been used world-wide for centuries to relieve liver distress; strengthening the liver and stimulates the flow of bile which helps with the digestion of fats. Nicholas Culpeper, 18th century herbalist states, "It is one of opening and cleansing quality, and, therefore, very effectual for the obstruction of the liver, gall, and spleen. It opens the passages of the urine, both in young and old, powerfully cleanses, and doth afterwards heal them." (Fritchey, Pracctical Herbalism)
Turmeric - Preliminary research indicates that turmeric may be useful in the treatment of hepatitis B and hepatitis C. In a 2009 study on liver cells, for instance, scientists discovered that turmeric extract helped stop the hepatitis B virus from replicating.(Kim HJ, Yoo HS, Kim JC) A test-tube study published in 2010, meanwhile, demonstrated that turmeric extract might help suppress the replication of the hepatitis C virus.(Kim K, Kim KH, Kim HY, Cho HK, Sakamoto N, Cheong J.)
Barberry/Oregon Grape Root/Goldenseal - Barberry, Oregon Grape Root, and Goldenseal all have one thing in common - Berberine. Studies have found that berberine reduces the density of serum cholesterol and triglycerides in the liver by increasing the production of a receptor in the liver that bonds with cholesterol and fat and facilitates their excretion. In doing this, it prevents fatty liver disease. Berberine has also been shown to improve the function of liver enzymes.
Detox
The liver in in terms of any problems with it whether cells are being damaged and it's called cancer or whatever - livers are real easy to clean up and regenerate but you've got to clean up your GI tract to do it and get your kidneys filtering. (Dr. Morse)
Purification protocol for healing the liver addresses the entire digestive system, restoring alkalinity to the process of digestion is key and achieved through a proper alkaline diet of live foods. As the skin and organs of elimination become backed up, so does the liver. Parasite infestation must also be addressed as the liver tends to host an array of parasites (flukes and tapeworms) when in distress. Parasite infestation is secondary to the source of the problem, however, which is the vitality of the liver itself.
Always critical to any detoxification is the health of the kidneys, their ability to filter toxins from the blood, and the lymphatic system's ability to remove cellular waste.
Always critical to any detoxification is the health of the kidneys, their ability to filter toxins from the blood, and the lymphatic system's ability to remove cellular waste.
Diet
There are carbohydrates, certain critical carbohydrates like in a sweet potato. Sweet potatoes got sugar in there. Is that bad for us, a sweet potato? I can tell you a list of good dozen things a sweet potato does to keep us alive longer. So sweet potato is one version. Fruit is another version. Honey, honey is a medicine. It’s not just sugar. You want the raw honey! These sugars have to find their way into the liver. The liver desperately needs these. This is one of the jobs. I’ll tell you why. It has to have this sugar to save your pancreas, to stop diabetes because what happens is it holds on to glucose so that when you don’t eat, you don’t stress your pancreas. (Medical Medium)
Green leaves are the best for liver health. There is the saying in traditional Chinese medicine: “the dark-green colored falls into liver meridian.” A flavone glucoside named as saponarin has been extracted from young green barley leaves. This flavonoid gives the typical green color to the leaves and demonstrates powerful antioxidant potencies with therapeutic effects on various cancers and inflammations. (3)
Avoid High Fat (especially trans-fats, foods fried in oil, and fat found in animal products), High Protein Diet
One study suggests that a diet high in animal protein may increase the risk of fatty liver disease, especially for people who are elderly and overweight: Among overweight individuals, (3,400 people surveyed) those who ate the most calories from protein were 37% more likely to have fatty liver disease, compared to those with similar BMIs who ate the least.
Not all protein appears to be equal. Those who ate the most calories specifically from animal protein had a 50% increased risk of fatty liver disease. When the researchers adjusted for health conditions like diabetes and high cholesterol, only the link to animal protein (and not vegetable protein or total protein) remained significant. (1)
Another study confirms high protein consumption leads to elevated levels of blood ammonia levels: After proteolysis (the breakdown of proteins or peptides into amino acids by the action of enzymes), the majority of released amino acids from dietary protein are transported to the liver for gluconeogenesis or to peripheral tissues where they are used for protein synthesis and eventually catabolized, producing ammonia as a byproduct. High ammonia levels in the brain are a major contributor to the decreased neural function that occurs in several pathological conditions such as hepatic encephalopathy when liver urea cycle function is compromised.
Results from control simulations yielded steady state blood ammonia levels within normal physiological limits. Increasing dietary protein intake by 72% resulted in a 59% increase in blood ammonia levels. Simulations of liver cirrhosis increased blood ammonia levels by 41 to 130% depending upon the level of dietary protein intake.
This study concludes: Data from the model suggest decreasing protein consumption may be one simple strategy to decrease blood ammonia levels and minimize the risk of developing hepatic encephalopathy for many liver disease patients.(4)
Studies concerning fat consumption related to liver health shows long-term intake of a high-fat diet, even in the absence of overweight/obesity or increase in classical blood risk biomarkers, promotes a molecular environment leading to hepatic lipid accumulation and increasing the risk of suffering from hepatic diseases. (2)
Another study concerning saturated fat and liver health reveals: Eating a high-fat meal disrupts liver function. Researchers found that the high levels of saturated fat found in such rich foods immediately alter the work of the liver, possibly setting the body up for serious disease down the line.
"The effects mimic the abnormalities seen in people with severe metabolic disease," said study co-author Dr. Michael Roden, referring to conditions like fatty liver disease and cirrhosis.
"Our findings paint the picture of the earliest changes in liver metabolism leading to fatty liver diseases and liver cirrhosis in the context of obesity and type 2 diabetes," said Roden. He's scientific director of the German Diabetes Center at Heinrich Heine University in Dusseldorf.
How long these metabolic alterations last after people indulge in a rich meal isn't clear.
The liver plays a crucial role in processing the fats and carbohydrates people eat.
In some cases when fatty foods are repeatedly eaten to excess, fats accumulate and cause a condition known as nonalcoholic fatty liver.
This condition has ballooned along with the U.S. obesity epidemic, and is thought to affect as many as 25 percent of people in the United States. It can lead to cirrhosis, a serious condition characterized by scarring of the liver.
Dr. Hannele Yki-Jarvinen is professor of medicine at the University of Helsinki in Finland. "We know diets high in saturated fat make the liver fatty," she said.
"Saturated fats such as in butter, fatty cheeses and coconut oil are thus the worst thing to eat from the liver perspective," said Yki-Jarvinen, co-author of a commentary accompanying the new study. (5)
One study suggests that a diet high in animal protein may increase the risk of fatty liver disease, especially for people who are elderly and overweight: Among overweight individuals, (3,400 people surveyed) those who ate the most calories from protein were 37% more likely to have fatty liver disease, compared to those with similar BMIs who ate the least.
Not all protein appears to be equal. Those who ate the most calories specifically from animal protein had a 50% increased risk of fatty liver disease. When the researchers adjusted for health conditions like diabetes and high cholesterol, only the link to animal protein (and not vegetable protein or total protein) remained significant. (1)
Another study confirms high protein consumption leads to elevated levels of blood ammonia levels: After proteolysis (the breakdown of proteins or peptides into amino acids by the action of enzymes), the majority of released amino acids from dietary protein are transported to the liver for gluconeogenesis or to peripheral tissues where they are used for protein synthesis and eventually catabolized, producing ammonia as a byproduct. High ammonia levels in the brain are a major contributor to the decreased neural function that occurs in several pathological conditions such as hepatic encephalopathy when liver urea cycle function is compromised.
Results from control simulations yielded steady state blood ammonia levels within normal physiological limits. Increasing dietary protein intake by 72% resulted in a 59% increase in blood ammonia levels. Simulations of liver cirrhosis increased blood ammonia levels by 41 to 130% depending upon the level of dietary protein intake.
This study concludes: Data from the model suggest decreasing protein consumption may be one simple strategy to decrease blood ammonia levels and minimize the risk of developing hepatic encephalopathy for many liver disease patients.(4)
Studies concerning fat consumption related to liver health shows long-term intake of a high-fat diet, even in the absence of overweight/obesity or increase in classical blood risk biomarkers, promotes a molecular environment leading to hepatic lipid accumulation and increasing the risk of suffering from hepatic diseases. (2)
Another study concerning saturated fat and liver health reveals: Eating a high-fat meal disrupts liver function. Researchers found that the high levels of saturated fat found in such rich foods immediately alter the work of the liver, possibly setting the body up for serious disease down the line.
"The effects mimic the abnormalities seen in people with severe metabolic disease," said study co-author Dr. Michael Roden, referring to conditions like fatty liver disease and cirrhosis.
"Our findings paint the picture of the earliest changes in liver metabolism leading to fatty liver diseases and liver cirrhosis in the context of obesity and type 2 diabetes," said Roden. He's scientific director of the German Diabetes Center at Heinrich Heine University in Dusseldorf.
How long these metabolic alterations last after people indulge in a rich meal isn't clear.
The liver plays a crucial role in processing the fats and carbohydrates people eat.
In some cases when fatty foods are repeatedly eaten to excess, fats accumulate and cause a condition known as nonalcoholic fatty liver.
This condition has ballooned along with the U.S. obesity epidemic, and is thought to affect as many as 25 percent of people in the United States. It can lead to cirrhosis, a serious condition characterized by scarring of the liver.
Dr. Hannele Yki-Jarvinen is professor of medicine at the University of Helsinki in Finland. "We know diets high in saturated fat make the liver fatty," she said.
"Saturated fats such as in butter, fatty cheeses and coconut oil are thus the worst thing to eat from the liver perspective," said Yki-Jarvinen, co-author of a commentary accompanying the new study. (5)
While certain fruits and vegetables have been studied (and highlighted below) it is safe to say a diet of live fruits and vegetables are essential to liver health.
Hepatoprotective plants contain substances with antioxidant activities. Plant sources of antioxidants are essential nutrients, such as vitamins and trace elements, and some nonessential substances. Plant-based antioxidants have preventive and therapeutic effects on various liver diseases including alcoholic liver disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, fibroproliferative liver disease, viral hepatitis, and liver cancer. (3)
Liver Energy
Liver Energy – To Transform
In its role as director of chemical processing and transformation, digestion, isolation and storage of potential harmful substances; what the body cannot use and what it may use in the future, our livers take the hit even when they are weak, they hold onto what they know the rest of the body can’t handle.
In this role the liver makes the ultimate sacrifice, constantly, for the whole body system. How do we treat our livers, how do we Live?
While the kidneys are the body’s filters of emotions, which are of the water, the liver filters fiery emotions such as anger and frustration.
The liver has the capacity to take abuse. After all, of all organs, the liver can regenerate itself! It’s magic, right? Alcohol, prescription drugs, fried food, excess fat, protein, chemical food additives – these substances are processed and transformed by the loyal, alchemical liver. We drink too much, smoke too much, eat too much, fine, the liver will help us out. But this energy of disregard and self-depreciation takes its toll…eventually.
The liver can be at only 20% capacity and still maintain some level of function. It is like the ever-forgiving parent, friend, or partner – you made a mistake, but it’s okay. Until…it’s not okay. Our livers can replace damaged cells, (especially with a little help from our herbal allies) but at a certain point, too many liver cells have been lost.
Especially relevant to the health of liver energy is inherited toxicity from the past in the form of defunct patterns and emotions, unsaid words and family karma/history. Without the ability to express (throat chakra) emotions of anger, frustration, and thus futility (no hope for anyone to see or hear your truth) can get lodged in the liver. From a higher perspective what you volunteer to transform in the name of your family karma (which is your own karma) which is not real but we’re playing that game – but in the end it all serves you, as do challenges you take on and successfully maneuver become the inherent strengths you inherit and pass on
But forgiveness reigns supreme. You can instantly alter the energy and vitality of your liver with a shift in life-choices around diet and lifestyle, and you can regain the liver's trust with respect, appreciation, and love.
In its role as director of chemical processing and transformation, digestion, isolation and storage of potential harmful substances; what the body cannot use and what it may use in the future, our livers take the hit even when they are weak, they hold onto what they know the rest of the body can’t handle.
In this role the liver makes the ultimate sacrifice, constantly, for the whole body system. How do we treat our livers, how do we Live?
While the kidneys are the body’s filters of emotions, which are of the water, the liver filters fiery emotions such as anger and frustration.
The liver has the capacity to take abuse. After all, of all organs, the liver can regenerate itself! It’s magic, right? Alcohol, prescription drugs, fried food, excess fat, protein, chemical food additives – these substances are processed and transformed by the loyal, alchemical liver. We drink too much, smoke too much, eat too much, fine, the liver will help us out. But this energy of disregard and self-depreciation takes its toll…eventually.
The liver can be at only 20% capacity and still maintain some level of function. It is like the ever-forgiving parent, friend, or partner – you made a mistake, but it’s okay. Until…it’s not okay. Our livers can replace damaged cells, (especially with a little help from our herbal allies) but at a certain point, too many liver cells have been lost.
Especially relevant to the health of liver energy is inherited toxicity from the past in the form of defunct patterns and emotions, unsaid words and family karma/history. Without the ability to express (throat chakra) emotions of anger, frustration, and thus futility (no hope for anyone to see or hear your truth) can get lodged in the liver. From a higher perspective what you volunteer to transform in the name of your family karma (which is your own karma) which is not real but we’re playing that game – but in the end it all serves you, as do challenges you take on and successfully maneuver become the inherent strengths you inherit and pass on
But forgiveness reigns supreme. You can instantly alter the energy and vitality of your liver with a shift in life-choices around diet and lifestyle, and you can regain the liver's trust with respect, appreciation, and love.
Resources & Recommended
Additional Sources Cited:
Lin SC, Chung TC, Lin CC, et al. Hepatoprotective effects of Arctium lappa on carbon tetrachloride- and acetaminophen-induced liver damage
Kim K, Kim KH, Kim HY, Cho HK, Sakamoto N, Cheong J. Curcumin inhibits hepatitis C virus replication via suppressing the Akt-SREBP-1 pathway.
(Saller R, Meier R, Brignoli R. The use of silymarin in the treatment of liver diseases. Drugs. 2001), https://www.journal-of-hepatology.eu/article/S0168-8278(15)00240-8/abstract
(1) Amanda MacMillan https://time.com/4758402/protein-fatty-liver-disease/
(2) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27089994/2016 Aug, "Isocaloric high-fat feeding directs hepatic metabolism to handling of nutrient imbalance promoting liver fat deposition" R Díaz-Rúa 1 , E M van Schothorst 2 , J Keijer 2 , A Palou 1 , P Oliver 1
(3) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4499388/ Plants Consumption and Liver Health, Yong-Song Guan 1 , 2 , * and Qing He 1 , 2
(4) 2019 Jul 31, Effects of a high protein diet and liver disease in an in silico model of human ammonia metabolism, Jeddidiah W. D., https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6670211/
(5) Randy Dotinga, HealthDay Reporter Jan. 24, 2017, https://consumer.healthday.com/diseases-and-conditions-information-37/liver-disease-news-447/even-one-high-fat-meal-can-harm-your-liver-study-finds-718960.html
Lin SC, Chung TC, Lin CC, et al. Hepatoprotective effects of Arctium lappa on carbon tetrachloride- and acetaminophen-induced liver damage
Kim K, Kim KH, Kim HY, Cho HK, Sakamoto N, Cheong J. Curcumin inhibits hepatitis C virus replication via suppressing the Akt-SREBP-1 pathway.
(Saller R, Meier R, Brignoli R. The use of silymarin in the treatment of liver diseases. Drugs. 2001), https://www.journal-of-hepatology.eu/article/S0168-8278(15)00240-8/abstract
(1) Amanda MacMillan https://time.com/4758402/protein-fatty-liver-disease/
(2) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27089994/2016 Aug, "Isocaloric high-fat feeding directs hepatic metabolism to handling of nutrient imbalance promoting liver fat deposition" R Díaz-Rúa 1 , E M van Schothorst 2 , J Keijer 2 , A Palou 1 , P Oliver 1
(3) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4499388/ Plants Consumption and Liver Health, Yong-Song Guan 1 , 2 , * and Qing He 1 , 2
(4) 2019 Jul 31, Effects of a high protein diet and liver disease in an in silico model of human ammonia metabolism, Jeddidiah W. D., https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6670211/
(5) Randy Dotinga, HealthDay Reporter Jan. 24, 2017, https://consumer.healthday.com/diseases-and-conditions-information-37/liver-disease-news-447/even-one-high-fat-meal-can-harm-your-liver-study-finds-718960.html