Protect Your Liver, and It Will Protect You

The liver is one of the most vital organs in the body. It’s the only organ that can regenerate itself, repairing damage and even regrowing if partially removed.

Every day, it plays a key role in metabolism and shields us from harmful substances. But despite its resilience, the liver still needs protection. A healthy diet and a powerful natural ingredient called milk thistle can help safeguard its function and longevity.

What Does the Liver Do?

The liver’s most well-known role is detoxification. It processes pesticides, preservatives, alcohol, and metabolic waste, preparing them for safe excretion through the kidneys and bowels.

Another essential function is metabolism regulation. The liver produces bile, which is stored in the gallbladder and aids in fat digestion. Bile also helps the body absorb fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) and calcium.

Additionally, the liver stores essential nutrients for times of stress, ensuring the body has reserves when needed. Clearly, optimal liver function is crucial for overall health!

Liver Issues & NAFLD

Many people assume alcohol is the primary cause of liver disease, but the most common liver condition in the Western world is non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD occurs when excess fat accumulates in the liver, leading to chronic inflammation and potential liver damage.

This condition is closely linked to insulin resistance, diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome—all of which have risen due to poor diet and lifestyle choices. Over 40% of diabetics have NAFLD.

Since NAFLD often has no noticeable symptoms, it’s difficult to diagnose. When symptoms do appear, they typically include fatigue, malaise, and abdominal discomfort. Doctors rely on blood tests to evaluate liver function and detect NAFLD.

If left untreated, NAFLD can progress to a more serious condition called non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which can lead to cirrhosis—severe liver scarring that impairs function and can be life-threatening. While one in five NAFLD cases progresses to NASH, cirrhosis can also result from excessive alcohol consumption.

Currently, there are no approved non-surgical treatments for NAFLD. Lifestyle changes like weight loss and improved insulin sensitivity are the most effective strategies.

Protecting the Liver Through Lifestyle

You can support liver health by making simple lifestyle adjustments:

• Reduce toxin exposure – Minimize alcohol, caffeine, and processed foods to lessen strain on the liver.
• Limit unhealthy fats – Avoid hydrogenated fats and ultra-processed foods that contribute to liver fatigue.
• Control portion sizes – Overeating overworks the liver, leading to sluggish function.
• Be mindful of medications – Some drugs put additional stress on the liver, so always consult a healthcare professional.

If liver damage has already occurred or if lifestyle changes aren’t enough, natural supplementation can provide additional support.

Milk Thistle: The “Go-To” Herb for the Liver

Milk thistle is one of the most trusted natural liver-supporting herbs. Its active compound, silymarin, is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that protects liver cells.

Silymarin is made up of three key components: silydianin, silybin, and silychristin. Among them, silybin is the most potent in providing liver-protective benefits.

However, there’s a catch—silybin is poorly absorbed by the body, limiting its effectiveness.

Beyond Milk Thistle with Siliphos^®

To enhance silybin absorption, researchers developed Siliphos^® Silybin Phytosome^®, a patented complex that combines silybin with phosphatidylcholine. This pairing not only improves bioavailability but also provides extra liver-protective benefits.

Health First Liver Supreme features Siliphos^® Silybin Phytosome^®, along with dandelion root and alpha-lipoic acid, which work synergistically to neutralize free radicals, support detoxification, and promote liver function.

For best results, take 2 capsules daily for a minimum of 3 weeks to experience noticeable benefits.

A Smarter Way to Support Your Liver

Making lifestyle changes is the foundation of liver health, but for those at risk of NAFLD or alcohol-related liver issues, Siliphos^® offers a clinically supported solution for optimal liver protection.

References:
1. Bijak, Michal. “Silybin, a Major Bioactive Component of Milk Thistle (Silybum Marianum L. Gaernt.)—Chemistry, Bioavailability, and Metabolism.” Molecules, vol. 22, no. 11, 10 Nov. 2017, p. 1942, https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules22111942.
2. Loguercio, Carmela, et al. “Silybin Combined with Phosphatidylcholine and Vitamin E in Patients with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial.” Free Radical Biology & Medicine, vol. 52, no. 9, 2012, pp. 1658–65, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22343419, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2012.02.008.
3. Loguercio, Carmela, and Davide Festi. “Silybin and the Liver: From Basic Research to Clinical Practice.” World Journal of Gastroenterology : WJG, vol. 17, no. 18, 14 May 2011, pp. 2288–2301, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3098397/, https://doi.org/10.3748/wjg.v17.i18.2288.
4. Méndez-Sánchez, Nahum, et al. “Superior Silybin Bioavailability of Silybin–Phosphatidylcholine Complex in Oily-Medium Soft-Gel Capsules versus Conventional Silymarin Tablets in Healthy Volunteers*.” BMC Pharmacology and Toxicology, vol. 20, no. 1, 11 Jan. 2019, https://doi.org/10.1186/s40360-018-0280-8. Accessed 16 Jan. 2020.

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