March 12, 2010
Tylenol Most Common Cause of Liver Failure
Acetaminophen poisoning is now the most common cause of acute liver failure in the United States. Attempted suicides account for many cases, but almost half are the result of unintentional overdose.
Unintentional Overdose Worse Than Intentional
Some 36 percent of Americans take acetaminophen at least once a month, making it the most widely used pain reliever in the United States. Taking more than the recommended dose, however, can lead to fatal liver injury.
And those who had unintentionally taken overdoses usually have even worse outcomes than those who has done so intentionally, since unintentional overdoses are usually not recognized as such immediately.
Cases Nearly Doubled Over Five Years
Researchers examined the case histories of almost 700 liver-failure patients over a six-year period. They found that:
- Cases of acute liver failure blamed on acetaminophen use rose sharply from 28 percent in 1998 to 51 percent five years later.
- More patients overdosed unintentionally on acetaminophen (48 percent) than did so intentionally (44 percent)
- Sixty-three percent who accidentally overdosed used a prescription acetaminophen compound while 38 percent had been taking two acetaminophen meds at the same time.
- Some patients had been taking less than 4 grams of acetaminophen daily before their livers failed.
As Little as 7.5 Grams Per Day
The data suggests that consistent use of as little as 7.5 grams of acetaminophen a day may be hazardous. Rather than resulting in chronic illness, acetaminophen injury has a threshold of safety that, when exceeded, can have immediate and devastating results.
Hepatology December 2005; 42(6): 1364-1372EurekAlert November 29, 2005
Dr. Mercola’s Comment:You probably already knew that acute liver failure is one of the more health-harming side effects of acetaminophen. Experts believe acetaminophen causes its damage by depleting your body of glutathione. If you keep your glutathione levels up, the damage from acetaminophen may be largely preventable.
Even conventional medicine recognizes this, as anyone who overdoses on it receives large doses of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) in the emergency room. NAC is a precursor of glutathione and helps restore this necessary and important bionutrient when Tylenol suppresses it.
Pain is an important “clue” that your body provides you and it is typically seeking to warn you to correct the underlying disorder. So the best and foremost action you can take is to seek to identify the cause of your pain.
If you are unable to address the cause immediately, such as an accident, then you will certainly want to consider using the amazing tool of EFT. Last month I ran a story of how you can use it for burns and muscle injuries. But you could use it for just about any type of pain.
Tylenol is effective fordiscomfort due to inflammatory and non-inflammatory pain. If you want to treat any inflammatory pain without harming your health, you’ll want to review my recent piece on seven safe and effective treatments, none of which have anything to do with a drug but are useful for inflammatory-type pain:
Ginger: This herb is anti-inflammatory and offers pain relief and stomach-settling properties. Fresh ginger works well steeped in boiling water as a tea or grated into vegetable juice.
Boswellia: This herb contains specific active anti-inflammatory ingredients, referred to as boswellic acids that animal studies have shown significantly reduce inflammation. This is one of my personal favorites as I have seen it work well with many of my rheumatoid arthritis patients
Fish Oils: The omega-3 fats EPA and DHA found in fish oil have been found, by many animal and clinical studies, to have anti-inflammatory properties that reduce joint inflammation and promote joint lubrication.
Those of you who read the newsletter regularly know that I’m a fan of Carlson’s brand fish oil and cod liver oil as I have seen clear and often substantial improvements in my patients who use it. It has shown particularly positive benefits in those with rheumatoid arthritis.
Bromelain: This enzyme, found in pineapples, is a natural anti-inflammatory. It can be taken in supplement form, but eating fresh pineapple may also be helpful.
Cetyl Myristoleate (CMO): This oil, found in fish and dairy butter, acts as a “joint lubricant” and an anti-inflammatory. The delicious raw butter we carry from organic pastures contains “Wulzen anti-stiffness factor.” This factor has been found to be highly effective in reversing arthritis and protects against calcification of joints.
Evening Primrose, Black Currant and Borage Oils: These contain the essential fatty acid gamma linolenic acid (GLA), which is useful for treating arthritic pain. I personally prefer the use of GLA supplements from evening primrose oil, but borage oil contains a higher concentration of GLA, which means you need fewer capsules, and it tends to be less expensive.
Cayenne Cream: Also called capsaicin cream, this spice comes from dried hot peppers. It alleviates pain by depleting the body’s supply of substance P, a chemical component of nerve cells that transmits pain signals to the brain.
About the author:
This article is reprinted from Mercola.com, the world’s #1 most visited and trusted natural/alternative health website. For a limited time only, you can take the FREE “Metabolic Type Test” to help you learn the right foods for your particular body type so you can achieve optimal fitness & health. Just go to http://www.mercola.com/forms/mt_test.htm right now to take this quick test!
Filed under Liver Articles by admin
February 22, 2010
Symptoms And Problems From Cirrhosis Of The Liver
As mentioned in the name it is a chronic disease which affects the liver disabling it from its functions. Here the disease affects the normal cells in the liver which leads to scarring of the same. This condition leaves the liver with an abnormal and scarred liver tissue. The liver is the largest organ in our body with many functions. As the cells in the liver are injured or scarred an inflammation occurs which chokes the flow of blood through this organ.
The liver has the function of producing proteins and enzymes. It also helps in fighting infections, cleaning blood, helps in digesting food and a storage for energy which can be used any time. It is a life-threatening disease which has taken many lives and left them with high and dry with heft hospital bills. The damage is caused by the toxins, metabolic problems, chronic viral hepatitis or any other causes.
Some of the causes for having this disease is the excess consumption of alcohol or we can say abuse of alcohol, through chronic viral hepatitis (hepatitis B, C or D), autoimmune hepatitis which destructs the liver cells, drugs or toxins and infections, blockage of bile ducts which damages the liver tissue, through inheritance of diseases like hemochromatosis , Wilson’s disease, protoporphyria, so one should get proper check up done to diagnose as there has been cases where without the thorough check up it wont be detected.
Some of the changes in your routine can make a lot of a difference to avoid such a deadly disease. Eat healthy, stay healthy, have a good health regime to ward off all the possibilities of such diseases. Avoid alcohol completely which mainly is the reason for being affected by such disease. Stay away from drugs and get a complete check up done on you to be on the safer side.
About the author:
Kevin Pederson has been managing a number of natural home remedies websites which have information on home based natural cures and remedies for common problems as well as for cirrhosis of the liver .
Filed under Liver Articles by admin
January 29, 2010
Liver Detox Supplements
The liver is involved in thousands of biochemical mechanisms making it second only to the brain in importance and complexity. Natural health practitioners are also acutely aware of the detrimental effects on the liver of modern living, with its chemicals, excessive fat intake, pesticides, hormones, and stress. This suggests that we as a culture are in need of liver support. You should consider liver support supplementation if you:
* Have a history of a Fatty Liver
* Consume Alcohol
* Consume Tobacco Products
* Have been taking Medications/Drugs
* Are exposed to Environmental Toxins or Chemicals or Second Hand Smoke
* Have a history of Liver or Gall Bladder Problems
Dandelion
Dandelion root enhances bile flow, thus improving conditions such as liver congestion, bile duct inflammation, hepatitis, gallstones, and jaundice. Dandelion increases bile flow by affecting the liver directly to cause an increase in bile production and flow to the gallbladder, and exerting a direct effect on the gallbladder by causing a contraction and release of stored bile. Dandelion’s hepatic tonic effect may be attributable to the high choline content.
Milk Thistle
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) has been used since Greco-Roman times as an herbal remedy for a variety of ailments, particularly liver problems. Several scientific studies suggest that active substances in milk thistle (particularly silymarin) protect the liver from damage caused by viruses, toxins, alcohol, and certain drugs such as acetaminophen (a common over the counter medication used for headaches and pain; acetaminophen, also called paracetamol, can cause liver damage if taken in large quantities or by people who drink alcohol regularly.)
Many professional herbalists recommend milk thistle extract for the prevention and/or treatment of various liver disorders including viral hepatitis, fatty liver associated with long term alcohol use, and liver damage from drugs and industrial toxins such as carbon tetrachloride.
About the author:
Chester is a health nutrition consultant and is the owner of AstroNutrition – a provider of premium health nutrition and sports supplements.
Filed under Liver Articles by admin
January 21, 2010
Milk Thistle…For a Healthy Liver
We live in a toxic world, no one can dispute that. But it’s our liver that takes a great majority of the burden. And the stresses to the liver are caused by more than just the chemical pollutants in the air. There are those in our food, in the pharmaceutical drugs that we take and even second hand smoke.
But the liver has more to do than just filter poisons out of our body. In order for us to remain healthy our liver also performs (but is not limited to) the following functions:
Blood detoxification and purification Metabolism of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates Bile production and excretion Enzyme activation Excretion of bilirubin, cholesterol, hormones, and drugs
Care of the liver is key to TOTAL BODY HEALTH!
One way that we can assist the liver and our health is by taking Milk Thistle, also known by its botanical name, silybum marianum, or by its 3 main active compounds collectively known as silymarin.
Milk Thistle is an herb with an ability to defend and rebuild the liver. It is considered by many to be the best product for liver detoxification, protection and regeneration. Its active compounds silymarin is ten times more potent as an antioxidant, than Vitamin E. This makes this powerful antioxidant helpful in preventing free radical damage throughout the body, but especially in the liver, stomach, and intestines.
This cleansing and fortifying herb assists the liver in in part, by preventing the reduction of glutathione. In fact studies show that Milk Thistle actually increases glutathione levels significantly and it is the glutathione, an amino-acid like compound that is critical to neutralizing toxins.
There are now 137 scientific studies on pubmed, heralding the benefits of Milk Thistle. For additional information on this beneficial herb, you may want to go to pubmed and check it out yourself.
When purchasing Milk Thistle, it is important that you choose a standardized product which contains a minimum of 70% to 80% silymarin in each dose. This would ensure that a significant amount would reach the bloodstream and eventually reach the liver, giving you the full therapeutic benefits.
So if you are feeling sluggish, or suspect your liver needs a bit of help, you might take a look at an amazing herb called Milk Thistle!
Milk Thistle, a welcomed addition to TRUE HEALTHY LIVING!
About the author:
Due to personal health issues we have been researching health & fitness for the last five years. The information we have obtained has helped us and our family members get off pharmaceutical drugs and regain a level of health we had never known. Please visit us at http://www.truehealthyliving.blogspot.com
Filed under Liver Articles by admin
January 14, 2010
Liver Injury: Speed Is Of Essence
The liver is the largest solid organ in the body occupying almost the whole of the upper abdomen and is thus very vulnerable to any injury inflicted on the abdomen or the lower part of the right chest.
Liver is a vital organ, very important for the maintenance of life. It is involved in a large number of functions like the production of essential serum proteins, digestion, metabolism, blood-clotting mechanism, detoxification and excretion of many drugs and waste products. One cannot dispense with the liver as is possible in the case of one lung or one kidney, the stomach or a segment of the intestine, uterus or testis, etc. But, then, liver also has a great regeneration power. If even a four-fifth of the liver is removed the remaining part quickly grows in size and compensates for the loss, and maintains the life without much problem.
It has now been conclusively proved that all liver injuries, including bullet injuries, do not require surgical intervention. The natural physiological process of the human body can stop bleeding and, therefore, a select group of patients can be successfully managed with non-operative supportive management. But, then, this should be attempted only in good hospitals and that also by experienced surgeons.
The majority of liver injury cases require emergency surgical management, and the patients who seem to be bleeding profusely (they remain in a state of shock in spite of blood transfusions) should be directly wheeled to the operation theatre without any prior investigation or elaborate preparation, as speed is of the essence. An experienced surgeon with expertise in the management of abdominal trauma, good operation theatre facilities, plenty of blood (preferably fresh blood and not the stored blood) along with plasma and other blood components, a good anesthetic team with ICU facilities are the prerequisites for a good outcome.
The availability of a cardio-vascular surgeon inside the operation theatre is helpful not only for the control of the superior part of the IVC in the chest but also for the repair of the traumatized veins.
In case there is uncontrollable bleeding from the liver or the veins (as seen in grade III to V injuries) more advanced techniques have to be used. Vascular isolation of the liver may be required.
The bottom line in handling liver injury cases is the extent of injury sustained by the patient, the time gap between the incident leading to the injury and the operation and the expertise available in the hospital. In complex liver injury cases, the results have been very poor all over the world.
About the Author:
Lucy Nicholas also writes on Acne. More information http://www.natural-acne-treatments-reviews.com/
Read more articles by: Lucy Nicholas
Filed under Liver Articles by admin
January 8, 2010
Nourishing the Liver
The liver is one of the most important organs in the body. Whilst the liver can be damaged it is amazingly regenerative. To regain and maintain good liver health is reasonably easy if the liver is not too badly damaged. Follow these guidelines to nourish and protect your liver.
The liver is one of the most important organs in the body. Commonly referred to as a “filter,” the liver is actually more subtle and sophisticated than a passive filter. Every drop of blood in your body moves through your liver every hour of every day you are alive – not to be filtered, but to be restored.
Think of the liver as a recycling center. As the blood moves through the intricate network of cells that make up the liver, it is carefully examined. Metabolic by-products, hormones, cholesterol, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, bacteria, viral particles, and all the chemical detritus of living that are in the blood are judged: some are allowed to stay, others dismantled for recycling, and some tagged for removal.
The liver stores very little. It produces bile, which is stored in the gall bladder. With the kidneys, it creates vitamins A and D, and stores those fat soluble products. And, of course, the liver caches unused energy from food in the form of sugar.
Chemicals, however, do not build up in the liver, despite what you may have read. The liver sends unneeded water-soluble chemicals, such as ammonia, to the kidneys to be excreted. (To get a sense of how quickly this happens, eat some asparagus, which contains a harmful natural chemical, and notice the smell of your urine, and how quickly you have to “go.”) The liver incarcerates oil-soluble chemicals by locking them up in fat cells, or sending them to be excreted in breast milk, ejaculations, ovulations, and tears. (Chemicals are not excreted by sweating.)
The liver can be damaged. Alcohol can kill liver cells. Viruses, especially hepatitis viruses, can destroy liver cells. And cancer can take over the liver and quickly render it dysfunctional.
But the liver is amazingly regenerative. Cellular turnover is quite fast. Every cell in a healthy liver is replaced every forty days. Only substances that can keep up with the ever-changing liver are preserved (such as vitamins and sugars); chemical toxins are made homeless.
To regain and maintain good liver health is reasonably easy if the liver is not too badly damaged. I follow these guidelines to nourish and protect my liver:
Avoid liver cleanses. Herbal and other products and regimes which claim to cleanse the liver can damage and destroy cells. The liver cannot be dirty; and it does not need to be cleansed.
Eat well and regularly. Fasting reduces liver efficiency quickly.
Eat cooked food. Raw food may contain bacterial, viral, and enzymatic substances that create more work for, and may even cause an infection in, the liver. Fruits and vegetables need to be well cooked; steaming may not be enough to kill pathogens.
Eat enough fat. But not vegetable oils, which can cause inflammation and increase chemical sensitivities and auto-immune problems. Instead, I use olive oil, butter, and full-fat dairy products. I believe that diets containing 30-35% non-vegetable fats promote both liver and heart health. An article in Science News, May 28, 2005, observes: “In the absence dietary fat [there is] a marked decline in the metabolism of glucose, fatty acids, and cholesterol.”
Avoid ingesting chemicals. Remember that chemicals are stored in fat and excreted in milk, eggs, and sperm. To avoid chemicals in your food, focus your organic expenditures on organic butter, oil, cheese, full-fat milk, eggs, meat, nuts, seeds, beans, and grains. The amount of agricultural chemicals in one pound of non-organic butter is equivalent to eating non-organic produce for ten years. With the exception of apricots, cherries, peaches, strawberries, melons, cucumbers, green beans, and bell peppers – the most heavily “dosed” produce – I often buy locally-grown non-organic produce since the cost is usually far less.
Get angry. The liver is the storehouse of unexpressed rage. And, yes, we are all angry about “life as it is” as one of my teachers puts it. My mentor, Elizabeth Kubler Ross, favored a Manhattan phone book and a rubber radiator hose as a way to “wake up and work out” anger. A rolled-up newspaper and a cushion, a tennis racket and a bed, or even boxing gloves and a “heavy bag” will also work. Don’t wait until you are angry. Make it a part of your routine, just like brushing your teeth. Set aside at least thirty minutes a week to bring your anger to the surface. You will be shocked at the rapid benefits this brings your liver and your health.
Avoid essential oils. Even natural essential oils can impair liver function. Look for them hidden in natural and organic products such as soaps, toothpaste, mouthwash, skin lotions, deodorants and antiperspirants, and candles. And avoid antibacterial soaps, too.
Use herbs that nourish the liver. Simple remedies such as dandelion, yellow dock, chicory, milk thistle, and nettle aid the liver and are safe to use. But many herbal remedies, especially those taken in capsules, are hard on the liver and need to be avoided or used with great care and caution when liver function is not strong.
Avoid herbs that are rich in alkaloids and other natural chemicals that stress the liver: including golden seal, senna, celandine, chaparral, lobelia, licorice, valerian, rhubarb root, cayenne, and poke root. Some sensitive people may find aromatic herbs such as peppermint, lemon balm, rosemary, thyme, and lavender upsetting to their livers.
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is probably the simplest, safest, most effective, and least expensive liver-nourishing herb known. All parts of the plant are medicinal: root, leaves, stalks, and flowers. Tincture of the root is most often used, but root vinegars, flower wine, cooked leaves, and stalk tea may be substituted. The greatest effect comes from eating or taking a dandelion remedy three times a day, but even once a day is useful. For more information on making and taking dandelion remedies, please see my book Healing Wise. The usual dose of the tincture is 10-30 drops diluted in some water and taken before meals. There is no known overdose.
Yellow dock (Rumex crispus and other species) is another common weed widely used to improve liver functioning. The root is generally tinctured and taken in 20-30 drop doses with meals; but the leaves or seeds can be put up in apple cider vinegar, and 2-3 tablespoonfuls taken on salad, cooked greens, or in water. Yellow dock, like dandelion is simple and safe to use. There is no known overdose. It is a highly effective agent for promoting bowel regularity.
Chicory (Cichorium intybus) flashes her brilliant blue flowers for months along roadsides here in the northeast. In the fall, we dig her roots to make a liver-strengthening tincture. The dose is usually 20-40 drops three times a day in some water. There is no known overdose. Some folks do drink chicory root tea, but it is very bitter. Roasted chicory roots are used as a coffee substitute; opinion is divided as to whether this preparation still has medicinal qualities.
Milk thistle seed (Psylibum marianum or Carduus marianum) is the most famous liver tonic in the United States. It is widely recommended for anyone dealing with liver problems, whether it be jaundice, hepatitis, or multiple chemical sensitivities. It is not a wild plant, but it is relatively easy to grow from seed, and the seeds are available and not too expensive. A dose of the tincture is 1-2 dropperfuls 2-4 times a day. There is no known overdose.
To tincture seeds that you buy, simply fill a jar one-third full of milk thistle seed. Then fill the jar to the top with 100 proof vodka (no, 80 proof won’t work). Shake daily for a week, then sit back and wait for five more weeks. After six or more weeks, your tincture is ready to use. Leave the seeds in the vodka for as long as you wish, even after you start using your tincture.
Milk thistle is most properly thought of as a liver protector. It functions best when taken before the liver encounters alcohol, chemicals, poisons, or other stressors. Those with chemical sensitivities find it helpful to take a large dose of milk thistle seed tincture before venturing into difficult environments.
Nettle, also known as stinging nettle (Urtica dioica), is one of my favorite herbal remedies for everyone. I pour a quart of boiling water over an ounce of dried nettle (that’s about one full cup) in a canning jar, screw a tight lid on the jar, and let it steep for at least four hours.
The resulting brew, which is dark and rich, nourishes the kidneys and adrenals as well as the liver. Allergic reactions of all kinds, including sensitivities to natural and man-made chemicals, may have as much to do with the adrenals as with the liver. I drink 2-4 cups of nettle infusion daily for optimum health. There is no known overdose.
Look for results from these Wise Woman ways within a month of beginning regular use. No need to use all the herbs mentioned. Consistent use of even one of them, along with anger work and a good diet, can bring results that border on the miraculous.
Herbal medicine is people’s medicine. It is here for all of us: simple, safe, and free. You don’t have to be an herbalist to understand and use the herbs I have discussed. You can buy or make your own remedies, as you wish. Your children will be delighted to join you in exploring the green blessings that grow all around you.
Susun Weed
PO Box 64
Woodstock, NY 12498
Fax: 1-845-246-8081
Visit Susun Weed at: www.susunweed.com;and www.ashtreepublishing.com
For permission to reprint this article
, contact us at: susunweed@herbshealing.com
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Vibrant, passionate, and involved, Susun Weed has garnered an international reputation for her groundbreaking lectures, teachings, and writings on health and nutrition. She challenges conventional medical approaches with humor, insight, and her vast encyclopedic knowledge of herbal medicine. Unabashedly pro-woman, her animated and enthusiastic lectures are engaging and often profoundly provocative
Filed under Liver Articles by admin
January 4, 2010
Symptoms And Problems: Cirrhosis Of The Liver
As mentioned in the name it is a chronic disease which affects the liver disabling it from its functions. Here the disease affects the normal cells in the liver which leads to scarring of the same. This condition leaves the liver with an abnormal and scarred liver tissue. The liver is the largest organ in our body with many functions. As the cells in the liver are injured or scarred an inflammation occurs which chokes the flow of blood through this organ.
The liver has the function of producing proteins and enzymes. It also helps in fighting infections, cleaning blood, helps in digesting food and a storage for energy which can be used any time. It is a life-threatening disease which has taken many lives and left them with high and dry with heft hospital bills. The damage is caused by the toxins, metabolic problems, chronic viral hepatitis or any other causes.
Some of the causes for having this disease is the excess consumption of alcohol or we can say abuse of alcohol, through chronic viral hepatitis (hepatitis B, C or D), autoimmune hepatitis which destructs the liver cells, drugs or toxins and infections, blockage of bile ducts which damages the liver tissue, through inheritance of diseases like hemochromatosis , Wilson’s disease, protoporphyria, so one should get proper check up done to diagnose as there has been cases where without the thorough check up it wont be detected.
Some of the changes in your routine can make a lot of a difference to avoid such a deadly disease. Eat healthy, stay healthy, have a good health regime to ward off all the possibilities of such diseases. Avoid alcohol completely which mainly is the reason for being affected by such disease. Stay away from drugs and get a complete check up done on you to be on the safer side.
About the author:
Kevin Pederson has been managing a number of natural home remedies websites, that carry useful information on home based natural cures for various diseases including cirrhosis of the liver
Filed under Liver Articles by admin
January 1, 2010
Liver Detox Diet
The liver is an amazing organ. Tasked with removing toxins from the body, the liver acts as a natural filter. However, with today’s poor, overly processed dietary habits and overindulgence, it is easy for your liver to become overwhelmed and “clogged”.
The liver filters the toxins from the bloodstream, chemically changing them into harmless substances that can be excreted easily. As one of the largest and most important organs in the body, the liver’s efficiency is vital to overall health.
If the liver is unable to remove all of the harmful substances from the bloodstream, the toxins build up in our tissues and cause numerous health problems, including elevated cholesterol (and all of the problems related to high cholesterol), digestive problems including constipation, nausea and irritable bowel syndrome, allergies, depression and disruption of sugar levels within the bloodstream. Chronic fatigue and pain are often signs of a liver that is not functioning efficiently.
There are many herbal supplement plans on the market to help with liver detoxification. Many of them have great testimonials and are not too uncomfortable to use. Try to avoid the harsh colon cleansers and complete fasts, as these tend to “shock” your system and release a large volume of harmful substances into the bloodstream at one time.
You should always start with a simple less stressful plan for liver detox. Make a lifestyle change that will allow your liver to function more efficiently. First, have a liver detox diet that eliminate toxins from your diet and flush your system with filtered water. Eat organic foods and wash your fruits and vegetables carefully. Substitute organic, lean meats and fruits and vegetables in their natural form for processed foods. Switch to “liver healthy” foods that will support liver function: beats, artichokes, broccoli and cabbage, seaweed and radishes. Add a good multi-vitamin and support liver function with milk thistle, shown to regenerate liver cells.
Liver detoxification may be the answer if you are feeling achy and tired. Support your body’s natural filter and eat a liver healthy detox diet. You may be surprised at how much better you’ll feel.
About the author:
Sandra Kim Leong publishes information on detoxification and cleansing. Her site includes information on colon cleansing, liver cleansing, kidney cleansing, detox diets and juice fasting. Please visit http://www.Detox-Cleansing.com.
Filed under Liver Articles by admin
December 28, 2009
Milk Thistle…For a Healthy Liver
We live in a toxic world, no one can dispute that. But it’s our liver that takes a great majority of the burden. And the stresses to the liver are caused by more than just the chemical pollutants in the air. There are those in our food, in the pharmaceutical drugs that we take and even second hand smoke.
But the liver has more to do than just filter poisons out of our body. In order for us to remain healthy our liver also performs (but is not limited to) the following functions:
Blood detoxification and purification Metabolism of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates Bile production and excretion Enzyme activation Excretion of bilirubin, cholesterol, hormones, and drugs
Care of the liver is key to TOTAL BODY HEALTH!
One way that we can assist the liver and our health is by taking Milk Thistle, also known by its botanical name, silybum marianum, or by its 3 main active compounds collectively known as silymarin.
Milk Thistle is an herb with an ability to defend and rebuild the liver. It is considered by many to be the best product for liver detoxification, protection and regeneration. Its active compounds silymarin is ten times more potent as an antioxidant, than Vitamin E. This makes this powerful antioxidant helpful in preventing free radical damage throughout the body, but especially in the liver, stomach, and intestines.
This cleansing and fortifying herb assists the liver in in part, by preventing the reduction of glutathione. In fact studies show that Milk Thistle actually increases glutathione levels significantly and it is the glutathione, an amino-acid like compound that is critical to neutralizing toxins.
There are now 137 scientific studies on pubmed, heralding the benefits of Milk Thistle. For additional information on this beneficial herb, you may want to go to pubmed and check it out yourself.
When purchasing Milk Thistle, it is important that you choose a standardized product which contains a minimum of 70% to 80% silymarin in each dose. This would ensure that a significant amount would reach the bloodstream and eventually reach the liver, giving you the full therapeutic benefits.
So if you are feeling sluggish, or suspect your liver needs a bit of help, you might take a look at an amazing herb called Milk Thistle!
Milk Thistle, a welcomed addition to TRUE HEALTHY LIVING!
About the author:
Due to personal health issues we have been researching health & fitness for the last five years. The information we have obtained has helped us and our family members get off pharmaceutical drugs and regain a level of health we had never known. Please visit us at http://www.truehealthyliving.blogspot.com
Filed under Liver Articles by admin
December 25, 2009
Milk Thistle…For a Healthy Liver
We live in a toxic world, no one can dispute that. But it’s our liver that takes a great majority of the burden. And the stresses to the liver are caused by more than just the chemical pollutants in the air. There are those in our food, in the pharmaceutical drugs that we take and even second hand smoke.
But the liver has more to do than just filter poisons out of our body. In order for us to remain healthy our liver also performs (but is not limited to) the following functions:
Blood detoxification and purification Metabolism of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates Bile production and excretion Enzyme activation Excretion of bilirubin, cholesterol, hormones, and drugs
Care of the liver is key to TOTAL BODY HEALTH!
One way that we can assist the liver and our health is by taking Milk Thistle, also known by its botanical name, silybum marianum, or by its 3 main active compounds collectively known as silymarin.
Milk Thistle is an herb with an ability to defend and rebuild the liver. It is considered by many to be the best product for liver detoxification, protection and regeneration. Its active compounds silymarin is ten times more potent as an antioxidant, than Vitamin E. This makes this powerful antioxidant helpful in preventing free radical damage throughout the body, but especially in the liver, stomach, and intestines.
This cleansing and fortifying herb assists the liver in in part, by preventing the reduction of glutathione. In fact studies show that Milk Thistle actually increases glutathione levels significantly and it is the glutathione, an amino-acid like compound that is critical to neutralizing toxins.
There are now 137 scientific studies on pubmed, heralding the benefits of Milk Thistle. For additional information on this beneficial herb, you may want to go to pubmed and check it out yourself.
When purchasing Milk Thistle, it is important that you choose a standardized product which contains a minimum of 70% to 80% silymarin in each dose. This would ensure that a significant amount would reach the bloodstream and eventually reach the liver, giving you the full therapeutic benefits.
So if you are feeling sluggish, or suspect your liver needs a bit of help, you might take a look at an amazing herb called Milk Thistle!
Milk Thistle, a welcomed addition to TRUE HEALTHY LIVING!
About the author:
Due to personal health issues we have been researching health & fitness for the last five years. The information we have obtained has helped us and our family members get off pharmaceutical drugs and regain a level of health we had never known. Please visit us at http://www.truehealthyliving.blogspot.com
Filed under Liver Articles by admin
