The liver requires adequate levels of vitamins, minerals and sulfur containing amino acids to accomplish its work. Specific foods which help protect the liver from damage and enhance its function include high sulfur foods such as garlic, onions, eggs and legumes; high water soluble fiber foods like pears, apples, oats and legumes; the cabbage family, and specific liver foods like artichoke, beets, carrots, and spices including tumeric and cinnamon. Lipotropic factors like choline, betaine and methionine improve liver function through the improvement of the flow of bile and fats.

Of course, to decrease the work the liver has to do, avoid exposure to toxins such as food additives, solvents, pesticides, herbicides, other toxic chemicals, alcohol and medications including over the counter pain relievers.

Herb of choice-
Milk Thistle-documented ability to protect the liver from damage due to its powerful antioxidant, silymarin. Animal studies have demonstrated its ability to protect the liver from very toxic chemicals. Silymarin is even able to protect the liver from the toxin of the poisonous amanita mushroom. Silymarin is even effective in the treatment of a number of liver diseases including cirrhosis, fatty liver, and hepatitis.
Standardized extract (70-80% silymarin)- 100-200 mg three times a day.

Other herbs- Dandelion, Burdock, Ginger, schisandra, licorice

* The information presented in this web site is intended to inform and educate. It is not intended replace a qualified medical practitioner to diagnose or treat medical conditions.