The liver, alongside the kidneys are our main defence against toxins that can enter the body. The toxins that enter the body can be present in our environment, as in chemicals found in pollution, small amounts potentially found in foods that have been exposed to certain pesticides, consumption of alcohol and long term prescription or non-prescription drug use can also be hepatotoxic (toxic to the liver).
Fortunately, as long as our liver is healthy and functioning it can handle most toxins we are exposed to and even when damaged can often recover with proper nutrition and supplementation. To make something clear, products that offer to detoxify the body do not directly remove toxins; therefore, they do not detoxify as often claimed. However, certain nutrients and supplements can help support liver health and help protect the liver against damage/help it recover.
Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid (TUDCA) is a bile acid, available in supplement form that has been used as a treatment for liver damage in a clinical setting, proving to be effective in promoting recovery of the liver and in the prevention of certain conditions such as in cholestasis, when bile acids build up in the liver causing degeneration.
Milk Thistle is the most common liver protection supplement that is available on its own or as part of many liver support products. Milk Thistle has been shown to help in the regeneration of liver cells after damage, which is achieved by increasing the production of new structural protein in the liver, creating new, healthy liver tissue.
Glutathione, although not strictly liver support, helps to produce antioxidants that help protect the body against oxidative stress that can potentially be caused by environmental pollutants and other forms of physical stress. It can be taken in supplement form but breaks down quickly, however using a precursor such as L-cysteine can be more effective at increasing glutathione levels, so can sources rich in L-cysteine such as whey protein. For added antioxidant effects a diet rich in, or supplementation with Vitamins C and E can also boost our oxidant defences.
Resveratrol is a compound found in red wine and has been touted as having many wide-reaching health benefits, its effective use as liver support is still under question, however it has shown potential benefits as an anti-toxin and protects against heart disease and insulin resistance in diabetes.
The liver is very important for not just detoxifying, but also as a nutrient store, providing bile acid for the digestive system, the breakdown and transport of fats around the body, removing bacteria and producing immune defences, it is a vital organ so it is very important to look after it.
The main strategy to prevent stressing and damaging the liver is to have a balanced diet, to stay adequately hydrated and to limit exposure to environmental toxins such as pollution and avoiding long term use of liver toxic medication or supplementation where possible. However, if you are looking for some extra support for your liver, then products such as CTD Sports Liver Armor contain many of the above ingredients in effective doses to help protect against damage and help with repair.
