Re: Liver cleanse, detox, support supplement

There is no alternative to the liver-flush and in general herbs and supplements are unlikely to assist very much unless the action of the medicine matches the condition. Even then it is difficult to find the correct dosage which varies considerably from person to person. This is not to say that herbs a function use in respects of liver detoxification and healing because there is strong anecdotal and some scientific evidence support their benefits.

Dandelion.

Dandelion root has been used for liver and bile complaints for centuries. The therapeutic properties of dandelion are due in part to its bitter substances taraxacin and inulin. The bitters stimulate the digestive glands and the liver and activate the flow of bile. Two studies, one dating back to 1938, have demonstrated that dandelion successfully treats hepatitis, liver swelling, jaundice and indigestion in those with inadequate bile secretion.

Turmeric

The most active component in Turmeric is curcumin and it is useful for treating liver and gallbladder problems, relieving liver damage, and for stimulating the production of bile. Curcumin has good antioxidant activity, comparing well with vitamin C. It is interesting to note that curcumin has good anti-inflammatory activity that is comparable to steroidal and non-steroidal drugs.

Ginger

Ginger's nausea reducing actions have been attributed to its ability to increase digestive fluids, plus absorb and neutralise toxins and stomach acid. Ginger has been shown to increase bile secretion, as well as increase the action and tone of the bowels. Limited studies have suggested ginger may reduce morning sickness, as well as nausea after surgery. Ginger has a protective effect on the liver and the stomach, making this rhizome a good spice for people with liver or digestive problems. It is a helpful medicinal food for diabetics; ginger activates pancreatic and intestinal enzymes. Ginger also helps lower lipids, such as cholesterol and triglycerides, in the blood.

Artichoke

The artichoke also has anti-cholesterol and cholagogue Action. The choleretic, cholekinetic, diuretic and significant serum lipid lowering properties of artichoke have been substantiated in animal and clinical studies. Artichoke increases the rate of bile flow by 20 -40%. It is also very effective in eliminating dyspeptic symptoms, including pain, nausea, retching, meteorism (flatulent distension of the abdomen with gas in the alimentary canal).

Milk Thistle

Milk thistle's is best known for its use as a liver protectant and decongestant, which can be traced back to the Greeks around 50 AD. In 1968, a group of German scientists discovered the active flavonoid complex silymarin, which provides milk thistle's medicinal benefits. Since then, hundreds of studies have been done on silymarin, and it is approved in the German Commission E Monographs (the most accurate information available on the safety and efficacy of herbs) as a supportive treatment for inflammatory liver conditions such as cirrhosis, hepatitis, and fatty infiltration caused by alcohol and other toxins.

Silymarin is used to:

• Regenerate liver cells damaged by alcohol or drugs
• De-congest the liver (A liver decongestant stimulates bile flow through the liver and gallbladder, thus reducing stagnation and preventing gallstone formation and bile-induced liver damage.)
• Increase the survival rate of patients with cirrhosis
• Complement the treatment of viral hepatitis
• Protect against industrial poisons, such as carbon tetracholoride (a colourless gas that leaks into air, water and soil near manufacturing and waste sites)
• Protect the liver against pharmaceuticals that stress the liver, such as acetaminophen and tetracycline
• Antidote and prevent poisoning from the death cap mushroom, Amanita phalloides.

Silymarin scavenges for free radicals that can damage cells exposed to toxins. Silymarin has been said to be at least ten times more potent in antioxidant activity than vitamin E.10-12. It increases glutathione in the liver by more than 35% in healthy subjects and by more than 50% in rats.Glutathione is responsible for detoxifying a wide range of hormones, drugs, and chemicals. High levels of glutathione in the liver increases its capacity for detoxification. Silymarin also increases the level of the important antioxidant enzyme super-oxide dismutase in cell cultures.It stimulates protein synthesis in the liver, which results in an increase in the production of new liver cells to replace the damaged ones.Silymarin inhibits the synthesis of leukotrienes (mediators of inflammation, which can result in psoriasis, among other things).

Studies have proved Silymarin to be successful in treating alcohol-related liver disease. In one study, researchers assessed the benefits of milk thistle extract on 170 patients, 91 of them alcoholics with liver cirrhosis. Subjects received 140 mg. silymarin three times a day for 41 months. The four-year survival rate was 58 percent in the silymarin group and 39 percent in the placebo group. The reduced death rate among those taking silymarin was most pronounced in the alcoholic cirrhosis subgroup. There were no side effects from silymarin.This study is significant for several reasons. Since there were no side effects, the results support the idea that long-term treatment is beneficial and not likely to be harmful. These results also indicate that silymarin may be particularly effective for patients with alcohol-induced liver damage.

Beets

I would like to make mention nutritional benefits are beets. The best way to start is with beets is to use home-grown or organically grown because they contain more of the potent substances. Beets and beet tops are the richest source of betaine, a natural liver detoxifier and bile thinner. They can be used chopped or shredded raw beets combined with a little raw flax oil and lemon juice daily. It's easy to include whole beets in our diet. They can be baked, roasted, grated raw in salad, or juiced with other vegetables. There are many naturally occurring liver friendly vegetables and herbs and that is why it is importance to eat a natural varied diet. Tweet