10 Best Liver Support Supplements of 2024
However, stress, pollution, and unhealthy habits take a toll on liver health over time. In today's fast-paced world, it's not always possible to consume a well-balanced diet that will provide you with all of the essential nutrients your liver needs to function optimally.
Although our bodies are naturally equipped with built-in detoxification systems—primarily our liver and kidneys but also our digestive system, lungs, and skin—there are plenty of ways we can support these pathways to do their jobs better.
Fortunately, many plant-based compounds, herbs, vitamins, and minerals can facilitate these natural detoxification processes.
Best Supplements for Liver Health
1. Milk Thistle: 1MD LiverMD
Increasingly more milk thistle research is being conducted, and studies consistently show that silymarin, a bioactive flavonoid complex derived from the seeds of milk thistles, can positively affect various physiological functions.
Milk thistle is one the most popular liver supplements for treating and repairing the liver thanks to its amazing seeds, which contain a flavonoid called silymarin.
Evidence published in Annals of Medicine (2022) suggests that silymarin has potent antioxidant properties that can neutralize ROS, which protects from liver damage, enhances detoxification processes, and promotes overall liver function.Silymarin is an important antioxidant and protects the liver by optimizing liver function and detoxification. It also repairs damage to the liver cells caused by disease, alcohol, and drugs. Silymarin works by acting like a gatekeeper, protecting the liver from toxins and free radicals.
It binds to the outside of the liver cell and them off free radicals by blocking their entry to the liver cell. It also scavenges toxins that have already found their way into the cell.
One of the most important functions of milk thistle is its ability to increase your body’s production of glutathione, the “mother of all antioxidants”. The highest concentration of glutathione is in the liver.
Milk thistle also helps to prevent the depletion of glutathione. The antioxidant activity of this important compound is believed to be ten times more potent than Vitamin E.
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1MD LiverMD is intended to support your liver's natural detoxification process, reduce common oxidative stress, and restore your liver's antioxidant capacity.
With the help of enhanced bioavailability technology, this potent formula ensures maximum liver health and optimal absorption.
This potent combination has the potential to boost various aspects of vitality while supporting and optimizing liver health. The carefully chosen ingredients of 1MD LiverMD work together to support liver strength and health.
- Improved nutrient absorption so that you can maximize the nutritional value
- Enhanced bioavailability of the ingredients.
- Improve your body metabolism and protect against environmental toxins.
- Supports for body’s antioxidant and detoxification functions.
Siliphos Milk Thistle Extract, TocoGaia Vitamin E Extract, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Zinc, Selenium.
2. Turmeric: NatureWise Organic Turmeric Curcumin
A well-known anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, the polyphenols in turmeric root are also shown to be beneficial in reducing the risk of fatty liver disease caused by stress.
Turmeric’s potent antioxidant properties also help to defend the liver from harmful free radicals, and may even help to reduce the risk of cancer-causing cells forming in the body.
A 2022 meta-analysis showed that curcumin significantly reduced liver enzyme levels in patients with NAFLD (Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease).
3. N-Acetyl L-Cysteine (NAC): Nutricost N-Acetyl L-Cysteine (NAC)
NAC boosts glutathione, the highest amount of which is in the liver. This is why NAC is under investigation for its potential to protect the liver from inflammation, drug poisoning, and serious liver diseases.If the liver is damaged, inflammation and oxidative stress always rise. There is some evidence that NAC may protect the liver by reducing inflammation and increasing antioxidant reserves.
NAC reduced liver damage in 86% of all cases, according to a study of 69 patients. It could protect the liver from factors such as excessive alcohol and environmental pollutants [2015].
A 2010 study — in which it was noted that the antioxidant resveratrol has been found to enhance replication of the hepatitis C virus and hence is not a suitable supplement for those with hepatitis C — suggests NAC may be a better alternative for this and other chronic liver diseases.
NAC injections helped increase liver function better than glutathione in one study of 75 patients with Hepatitis B [2008].
4. Beetroot: Healths Harmony USDA Organic Beet Root Powder
A root vegetable known for its bright purple color and exceptional nutritional content, beetroot is not only an excellent source of fiber but also folic acid, manganese, and potassium. Beetroot is grown around the world and is now used in many liver supplements as a nutritive tonic and detoxifier.
For the liver, the high fiber content of beetroot is an important part of the detoxification process as it helps to move waste through the digestive tract.
One of the fibers in beetroot is pectin, which is considered to stimulate the cleansing action of the liver and assist in the removal of toxins.
Beetroot juice is also used as a treatment for a range of chronic illnesses associated with oxidative stress and inflammation.
Beetroot contains important antioxidant compounds such as betalain pigments which have been found to scavenge free radicals and reduce inflammation throughout the body.
5. Ginger: Vimerson Health Liver Health
Known all over the world for its anti-inflammatory properties, ginger is vital to liver health.
Ginger’s therapeutic constituents such as gingerol and shogaol have been found to inhibit pro-inflammatory chemicals in the body such as prostaglandins and cytokines.
Inflammation plays a major role in the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Some studies have shown that in patients with NAFLD, the inflammatory cytokine TNF-a is an important feature in both insulin resistance and liver fibrosis.
TNF-a also increases fatty acids oxidation. However, ginger supplementation has been found to significantly reduce levels of TNF-a in the body, subsequently reducing the risk of developing NAFLD.
Researchers using randomized controlled clinical trials have found evidence that ginger supplementation can increase the effectiveness of lifestyle interventions such as a healthy diet and exercise on treating NAFLD.
- Artichoke Extract Liver Health Formula for Liver Detox & Liver Cleanse
- Liver Support Supplement with Milk Thistle, Turmeric, Ginger, Dandelion, Zinc etc
- 60 pills
6. Omega 3: Nordic Naturals Omega-3
Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats found in foods such as oily fish and some nuts and seeds. They’re known to have benefits for heart health, and are often recommended for people with NAFLD (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease).
7. Dandelion: Vimerson Health Liver Health
Dandelions are rich in antioxidants, which help protect the liver against free radical damage and the inflammation that follows. In addition, it supports the production of bile, which aids in the efficient digestion of fats and their expulsion from the body. Look for formulas which contain dandelion root rather than an extract of the entire plant, as the root has a higher concentration of liver-cleansing compounds.
- Liver Cleanse Detox & Repair
- Artichoke Extract Liver Health
Formula for Liver Detox & Liver Cleanse
- Liver Support
Supplement with Milk Thistle, Turmeric, Ginger, Dandelion, Zinc etc
-
60 pills
8. Probiotics
Likely because of their role in improving the health of the gut microbiota, research shows that probiotics (supplements of friendly bacteria) can help improve various facets of fatty liver disease and liver function.9. Thiamine (vitamin B1) supplementation
Either way, a thiamine deficiency may eventually cause symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss, emotional disturbances and nausea. Chronic deficiency may lead to complications such as beriberi and Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome.
10. Coffee
Coffee may boost antioxidant levels in your liver and lower the risk of liver disease (source).But don't just drink coffee indiscriminately — high caffeine intake can cause headaches, panic attacks and anxiety. Palpitations, sleep problems and tremors may also develop. Listen to your body, and moderate your intake.
Liver Detoxification 101
The liver is the body’s primary source of detoxification, a process involving two phases that process and eliminate harmful compounds.The phase I detoxification pathway is the first line of defense against toxins that enter the body, mainly using a group of enzymes called the cytochrome P450 family that convert fat-soluble toxins into water-soluble intermediary compounds through oxidation.
Although this mechanism does begin the process of breaking down harmful toxins, it also introduces free radicals, which can cause oxidative damage.
Therefore, we want to increase antioxidant intake to protect the liver from further damage.
Phase II of the detoxification process involves taking those potentially harmful intermediary compounds and conjugating them into other compounds, leading to excretion through urine, bile, or stool.
This phase requires amino acids, sulfur, glutathione, and some vitamins and minerals that can enhance this process and act as cofactors, including vitamins B6 and B12, selenium, molybdenum, folate, and magnesium.
Incompletion of either phase can lead to toxic compounds accumulating in the fatty tissues, brain, or nervous system.
One key factor that regulates the detoxification and antioxidant pathways is the transcription factor Nrf2, which can be activated by polyphenolic compounds, such as ginger, resveratrol, turmeric, berries, and rosemary.
Best Supplements for Liver Health FAQs
1. What are 4 warning signs of a damaged liver?
Liver disease doesn't always cause noticeable signs and symptoms. If signs and symptoms of liver disease do occur, they may include:
- Skin and eyes that appear yellowish (jaundice)
- Abdominal pain and swelling
- Swelling in the legs and ankles
- Itchy skin
- Dark urine color
- Pale stool color
- Chronic fatigue
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Tendency to bruise easily
2. Foods to avoid with fatty liver
- Poultry, except for lean white meat.
- Full-fat cheese.
- Yogurt, except low-fat.
- Red meat.
- Baked goods and fried foods made with palm or coconut oils.
- Sugary items like candy, regular soda, and other foods with added sugars including high-fructose corn syrup.
3. Vitamins to avoid with fatty liver
4. Who Should Not Take Liver Supplements?
Many ingredients in liver supplements have not been well studied in all populations, so they are typically not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding people.Milk thistle may also cause an allergic reaction in people sensitive to the Asteraceae (Ragweed) plant family and may lower blood sugar in people with diabetes.
If you’re unsure about taking a liver support supplement, ask your doctor first.
5. Do Liver Supplements Actually Work?
It depends. If you have a liver disease (including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease/hepatic steatosis, hepatitis, chronic liver disease, or elevated liver enzymes), you may find more success with liver supplements than people with healthy livers. Some research has shown that the ingredients commonly found in liver supplements benefit people (or animals) with these conditions. If you are deficient in certain vitamins, drink alcohol often, or take medications, liver supplements may be able to help facilitate your body’s natural detoxification processes.6. What supplements can help with fatty liver and cirrhosis?
7. How Can I Restore My Liver Fast?
Fortunately, the liver is an organ that can repair itself relatively quickly. If you want to help restore your liver health, you can stop drinking alcohol, drink lots of water, consume a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, limit over-the-counter medications like Advil and Tylenol, exercise, and possibly take a liver support supplement.8. What Actually Is a Fatty Liver?
As the name suggests, a fatty liver is when excess fat (lipid) becomes deposited in the liver. This is a potentially worrying health issue because over time the excess fat can lead to inflammation, liver cell damage, and even permanent liver scarring.Fatty liver is also associated with a doubling in risk of developing type 2 diabetes, irrespective of obesity and other risk factors. However, you can take steps to treat it and reduce all these risks.
- Alcoholic fatty liver disease, also called alcoholic steatohepatitis, caused by consuming alcohol in excessive amounts, usually over several years.
- Non-Alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is not related to excess alcohol intake. NAFLD is also called hepatic steatosis.
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