The liver is an organ that cleanses and detoxifies your body. It is crucial for good health. The human liver is about the size of a football and is located right of the abdomen, below the rib cage. It is the main filtering and detoxifying organ in the human body. Due to its large size, the liver has a very vital role inside your body. Without proper support, your liver health can quickly affect your overall health. Many people have resorted to taking liver supplements that contain nutrients that can positively affect the organ. Some of these supplements are known to cleanse toxins, while others help support repair, and work to block oxidant damage.
The Best Liver Health Supplements
Below is a list of some of the best-recommended liver supplements tested, their ingredients, and how they may positively impact the body and its cleansing and detoxifying organ.
Oweli Liver Detox
Oweli is a reputable brand that offers a natural detox complex that supports optimal liver health through gentle and gradual detoxification. It consists of a potent herbal extract formula specially developed for toxin removal. Oweli Liver Detox is a scientifically formulated mix of 8 essential ingredients. Natural ingredients like milk thistle promote healthy liver function through their antioxidant properties. Other key ingredients include minerals like zinc, beetroot, artichoke extract, chanca piedra, dandelion, chicory root and yarrow. These potent herbal ingredients combat liver inflammation and stress by gently flushing toxins from the body. With Oweli’s powerful synergistic formula, you can ensure protection of the liver from harmful toxins and promotion of a robust immune system via a natural cleanse. Oweli Liver Detox is also backed by a 100 day satisfaction guarantee. An overall great product, Oweli’s Liver Detox proves to be a smart pick for a liver detox supplement.
Gundry MD Complete Liver Support
The Gundry MD Complete Liver Support is one of the affordable liver health supplements. The supplement is marketed as a “Swiss Army knife” for the liver. Gundry MD Complete Liver helps clean the liver by improving nutrient absorption, supporting metabolism, and helps to keep the body’s natural defense against environmental toxins, among other benefits. Gundry MD Liver Support supplement contains a strong dose of an ingredient that is not found in any other liver health supplement. This ingredient is 1,000mg of orange peel extract. It also contains other ingredients such as milk thistle and dandelion extract.
1MD LiverMD
The 1MD LiverMD can be easily purchased online. You can buy from sites such as 1MD.com or Amazon. Also, you can find it in stores such as Walmart, among others. The supplement contains 800mg of NAC, 100mg of ALA, milk and thistle extract, minerals like Zinc, vitamin E, and selenium which are clinically studied for liver health ingredients. 1MD LiverMD supplements target various health and wellness goals. It contains solid dosages and is one of the recommended supplements by doctors. It is regarded as one of the best supplements for liver support you can purchase today.
Organifi Liver Reset
Organifi Liver Reset is one of the joint liver health supplements. It contains liver-boosting super-foods such as milk thistle, dandelion root, Triphala, and artichoke leaf extract. All of these ingredients have been in use to support liver health for centuries. The supplement is transparent, making it easy to compare the formula to other liver health supplements sold online. The manufacturers use organic ingredients, including 300mg of organic dandelion root extract, 300mg of organic Triphala, and 250mg of organic milk thistle seed extract.
Live Conscious LiverWell
Live Conscious has been marketing their popular supplement, LiverWell is a way to enjoy a happy liver and happy life. The supplement works by supporting the liver and metabolism through natural ingredients. It is recommended to take two capsules of LiverWell daily. This will help liver detoxification and protection. Also, the supplements aid in supporting healthy immune cell production and supporting healthy metabolism, among other health benefits. LiverWell supplement contains ingredients such as milk thistle extract, NAC, and ALA, linked to liver health. The supplement is among the most affordable formulas found on this list.
ActivatedYou Morning Complete
ActivatedYou Morning Complete is the only supplement not explicitly advertised as a liver health supplement on this list of supplements. It is instead advertised as an all-in-one health supplement. ActivatedYou Morning Complete contains prebiotics, green superfoods, probiotics, fiber, and other ingredients that support different aspects of the body and liver health. The supplement is described as a potent daily wellness drink. If you take it daily, you can purportedly help your body to protect itself against oxidative stressors, support healthy liver and cell function, and support healthy blood sugar, among other health benefits.
Zenith Labs Zenith Detox
Zenith Detox is a supplement formulated by doctors from Zenith Labs. The supplement is said to support liver health and healthy phase 1 and 2 detoxification. When you take the capsules every day, you supply your body with the ingredients it needs to support healthy liver function. Also, the supplements help to scavenge and eliminate free radicals, among other health benefits. According to the doctors who formulated the Zenith Detox, the supplement offers less joint aches, increased physical stamina, increased confidence, and a more youthful appearance. The supplement contains unique ingredients that are not found in other supplements that appear on the list. These ingredients include Setria glutathione, Schizandra berry extract, and L-methionine. One bottle contains 90 capsules.
Amy Myers MD Liver Support
Amy Myers MD contains a supplement known as Liver Support that features a blend of ingredients that detoxify and optimize liver function. The supplement consists of 200mg of NAC that acts as a precursor to glutathione. Also, it contains alpha-lipoic acid, which aids in scavenging free radicals. A bottle of Amy Myers MD contains 60 capsules, and it is recommended to take one capsule of Liver Support supplement twice a day. This will supply your body with a powerful blend of ingredients that help to optimize and detoxify liver function.
Vitapost Liver Support Plus
Vitapost Liver Support Plus is one of the low-priced and affordable supplements on this list. Like 1MD’s LiverMD, it is the other supplement available in retail stores such as Walmart, among others. Each bottle of the supplement contains ingredients such as Zinc, beet, artichoke extract, celery seed, and milk thistle extract. Vitapost Liver Support Plus also has other vital ingredients administered in lower dosages compared to any other formulas on this list. It offers support to the liver in a small way and offers excellent value with its price.
Advanced Bionutritionals Advanced Liver Support
Advanced Bionutritionals makes an Advanced Liver Support supplement that contains alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), milk thistle, NAC, phosphatidylcholine, selenium, and glycyrrhizin, among others. When you take four capsules of Advanced Liver Support daily, you can help support your brain and liver health, support a healthy inflammation response, and help to protect your liver against any oxidative stress. The supplement is a product of the United States and uses globally sourced ingredients.
Phytage Labs Urgent Liver 911
The Urgent Liver 911 is a nutritional supplement formulated from Phytage Labs. The supplement contains ingredients such as beetroot, milk thistle extract, artichoke, celery seed, and dandelion, among other ingredients that help in supporting liver health in different ways. Those who take Urgent Liver 911 daily can give their liver 23 ingredients that support overall liver health. These ingredients can aid in flushing the fat that clogs your liver while at the same time detoxifying your liver and reversing any damage to your liver. These are just some of the advertised benefits of the supplement. A bottle of Urgent Liver 911 contains 60 capsules, and it is among the lowest priced supplements on the list despite its relatively low dosages.
PureHealth Research Liver Health Formula
The Liver Health Formula from PureHealth Research is one of the popular supplements that have been formulated by a naturopathic doctor (ND). According to the ND who developed the Liver Health Formula, the supplement is meant to “recharge your body’s youth battery” while supplying unlimited energy, a trimmer waistline, and sharp thinking, among other benefits. Primary ingredients found in the Liver Health Formula include ginger, beet, and alfalfa. It also has other healthier ingredients such as dandelion, turmeric, milk thistle, and artichoke extract. A bottle has 60 capsules which are all vegetarian.
Bonus Guide: The Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Solution
Taking supplements alone is not enough when it comes to supporting your liver. You need supplements together with a healthy diet and healthy lifestyle habits. The Blue Heron Health News discusses some realistic strategies used to support liver health in different ways. The guide also markets the eBook as a “solution” to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a disease brought by a build-up of triglycerides within the liver. The Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Solution claims that fatty liver disease is a “choice” and “not a prison sentence.” Using the recommended treatment program, you are purportedly able to make yourself well again and even “melt away your liver fat,” even if you have a severe case of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.
Our Ranking Process of The Best Liver Health Supplements
All the liver health supplements listed above claim to support liver health in multiple ways. Some of them are effective as advertised, while others are not as effective. Below is a ranking method that has been used to separate the best and the worst liver health supplement:
Manufacturer Reputation and Transparency
Some manufactures have, over a long period, been able to create effective supplements. Others are still new in the market and are not yet established. Some decide to be transparent and share their knowledge of ingredients, ingredient sources, and their manufacturing location. Other manufacturers prefer to be mysteriously vague about sharing information. Manufactures that are reputable and transparent are the most preferred.
Proven Ingredients
The most crucial thing to identify in a liver health supplement is the use of proven ingredients. Scientists have been able to research and publish numerous studies that examine how vitamins, plants, minerals, and herbal extracts impact liver health. It is preferred to use supplements that use such proven ingredients to build nutritional formulas.
Advertised Benefits
Most companies usually market their liver health supplements with wild health benefits claims. They claim that using their formula can cleanse the body of all toxic waste thoroughly. Others argue that you can reduce weight up to 50lbs in a short time, look highly younger, and cure the liver disease entirely only by taking their supplements. Such claims are unrealistic and are only being used as a marketing strategy. The most preferred liver health supplement companies are those that advertise their health benefit claims honestly.
Price and Value
Some people prefer spending $20 per month on liver health supplements, while others are fine with spending over $100 per month on liver health supplements. The list above includes supplements that have different price ranges. An emphasis made on the above liver health supplements is the price range to ensure you are always getting good liver health ingredients for every coin spent.
Doctor Formulated
Some of the best-recommended supplement companies entail medical advisory boards consisting of MDs, ND’s, and other professionals from the health profession. Health professionals use their medical experience to come up with the best liver health supplements. Most of the liver health supplements on the list above were formulated by doctors.
Clinically Effective Dosages
Many of the liver supplements considered contain very low dosages. Some have the right ingredients but are administered in low dosages. Others have shallow doses that are not able to impact the body in any way. The most preferred liver health supplements are those that have clinically effective dosages.
Liver Health Supplement Benefits: What Does Science Say?
Studies have validated the use of many vitamins, plants, minerals, and herbs for liver health. Some of the remedies have been in use for thousands of years in supporting liver health. Below is a review of some of the best evidence for liver health supplements.
Dandelion Root
The Dandelion root is found in most of the recommended liver health supplements listed above. However, Dandelion root does not have much backing for its research compared to milk thistle and artichoke leaf. There are not enough large-scale human studies on the effects of the dandelion root on liver health. In the Journal of Ethnopharmacology published in 2016, researchers were able to find that dandelion root has been studied for its properties as an anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and anti-carcinogenic. However, more research was still needed to quantify such properties. Some of the supplements that appear in the list above contain Zinc, an essential mineral required for immune function, DNA synthesis, Cell division, and other beneficial functions. Those who are suffering from chronic liver disease are at a higher risk of developing zinc deficiency. In 2012, taking zinc supplements every day could help protect the liver from oxidative damages, which is brought about by hepatitis C viral infections. After the study, there have been fewer significant trials analyzing Zinc and liver disease.
Milk Thistle
Milk thistle is the most common ingredient in liver health supplements. Liver health supplements have been in use for over 2000 years in treating liver disorders. Most of the available liver health supplements in the United States contain milk thistle extract. Milk thistle consists of an active ingredient known as silymarin. Through lab studies, researchers have found that silymarin assists in regenerating liver tissue, protects liver cells from damage through its antioxidant effects, and supports inflammation. Although research has shown milk thistle supports liver health in some studies, it has been proven less effective in numerous human studies. In a study, researchers gave milk thistle extract to humans and noted little difference between the milk thistle and placebo groups. Other studies have resulted in a more positive outcome. Such a study analyzed the effects of milk thistle extract used on children treated with chemotherapy for leukemia. After 28days of treatments, researchers found that children in the milk thistle group had slightly less liver damage than kids in the placebo group. In a review study conducted in 2017, researchers analyzed dozens of trials on milk thistle extract. They found out that silymarin, the active ingredient in milk thistle extract, affected certain liver enzymes and markers of liver damage in people who have liver disease. In 2018, a Cochrane review noted that milk thistle extract’s benefits could assist with cirrhosis, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C, all connected to the liver.
Artichoke Leaf
Artichoke leaf is another primary liver health supplement ingredient. Like the milk thistle extract, the artichoke leaf seems to work due to its antioxidant properties. Some studies have revealed that the antioxidants in artichoke extract can protect the liver. Researchers were able to find that artichoke leaf helped liver cells regenerate in a study that was conducted on animals. Another study carried out in 2018 found that giving artichoke leaf extract to patients who have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease helped reduce markers of liver damage compared with a placebo. This suggests that artichoke leaf can work as advertised in supporting liver health.
Licorice Root
The Licorice root is also a popular natural extract that is found in most liver health supplements. In trial research done in 2012, researchers gave licorice root to 379 people suffering from chronic hepatitis C. Patients in the licorice root extract group experienced a significant reduction in symptoms of hepatitis C as compared to the control group patients. Another study conducted on rats showed that licorice roots extract could reduce alcohol-induced inflammation and fat accumulation in the liver. There is still a need for more research to verify licorice root extract benefits in humans. However, the National Institutes of Health explained that heavy intake of licorice is unsafe due to its high levels of glycyrrhetinic acid, which is why many licorice extract supplements list deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL).
Yellow Dock Root
Yellow dock root is a lesser-known liver health supplement ingredient, though studies indicate it can support liver health in many ways. Commonly, it is found in Essiac tea which is a traditional blood cleansing formula that has been in use for centuries. Some also say that yellow dock root has extraordinary detoxification powers. Through research, it has been found that yellow dock root has diuretic effects, which implies it increases the frequency of urination, which in turn could help you cleanse waste from the body. It is also known to stimulate peristalsis while increasing the secretion of mucus and water in the colon, improving the rate waste is removed from the body. Yellow dock has active ingredients known as anthraquinones, which aids in making it practical for supporting liver health.
Turmeric
Turmeric is commonly known for supporting inflammation, as many people prefer to take turmeric daily for liver health. Studies have proved that curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, can support liver health differently. For example, researchers have found that taking 3g of turmeric every day improves markers of liver health as compared to placebo. Researchers specifically found that turmeric supplementation significantly helped reduce serum alanine transaminase (ALT) levels and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels without significant reactions. It suggests that turmeric may be able to help improve hepatic disorders, according to researchers.
Beetroot, ginger, choline, molybdenum, selenium, alpha-lipoic acid (ALA)
Beetroot, ginger, choline, molybdenum, selenium, and ALA, among other ingredients, have also been connected to liver health, according to some studies. Some of the supplements contain a mixture of all these ingredients and much more. Other supplements focus on substantial dosages containing a small number of ingredients.
Signs of Detecting Early Liver Problems
Many people today are living with liver problems without the knowledge that they have a problem. The liver is among the largest organs of the body. The liver significantly plays a vital role in how you feel and perform daily. If your health is poor, then you will experience multiple areas of overall health and wellness. Below is a list that can guide you in detecting early symptoms that are associated with a malfunctioning liver:
- Loss of appetite
- Dark yellow urine or grey stools
- Fatigue
- Weakness and tiredness
- Discomfort, pain, or stiffness in the upper right part of the abdomen, just below your ribcage
- Vomiting and Nausea
- Unintentional weight loss
If your liver problems are more advanced, you might experience more severe issues than those stated above. Some of these advanced liver problem signs include:
- Bleeding and bruising daily
- Confusion and cognitive issues
- Fluid retention in the abdomen
- Jaundice ( the yellowing of the eyes and skin)
- Memory loss
- Personality and mood changes
By seeking medical advice early, liver damage is treatable. If you identify any of the above symptoms, it is best to see a doctor immediately.
Top Seven Ways to Support Liver Health
When you want to support liver health, including a liver health supplement in your diet could help. Diet and lifestyle factors contribute a significant role when it comes to liver health. You will need to change your diet and lifestyle to support your liver in optimal condition. Here is a list of the best science-backed ways to support liver health in the best manner:
Take a Supplement
The liver health supplements in the list above can help support liver health in different ways. Some of these supplements target inflammation, while others help your body to cleanse or detoxify itself.
Avoid Overusing Medication
You are causing severe harm to your liver by overusing prescription or over-the-counter medication. According to the FDA, popular drugs such as antibiotics, cancer drugs, anti-anxiety drugs, acetaminophen, and immunosuppressant drugs could cause liver damage. Always follow the doctor’s prescription and avoid abusing medications.
Avoid Illegal Drugs
Drugs such as heroin and cocaine directly link to liver damage and inflammation.
Reduce Exposure to Toxins
In today’s world, we are surrounded by toxins. The foods we consume, the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the cleaning products we use contain different toxins. By limiting your exposure to toxins, you can help support your liver health. Your liver is required to filter these toxic substances. If possible, try and avoid such toxic substances.
Reduce Alcohol Intake
Alcohol is poisonous to the body, and your liver has to metabolize alcohol to help your body process it. When your liver is metabolizing alcohol, it releases toxic chemicals such as acetaldehyde. Drinking four to five drinks within two hours or less can also lead to a condition known as steatosis, where fat droplets accumulate inside the liver cells. Try to reduce alcohol intake to a normal range to support your liver health.
Reduce Smoking
By smoking, you inhale toxins into your body. Tobacco smoke is known to damage your liver. Your liver works at filtering the toxic substances from your body, thus creating inflammation and other liver issues.
Reduce Fat Intake
Taking a high amount of fat, especially saturated fat, is risky to your liver health. When the body contains high triglycerides and cholesterol levels, it can develop fat deposits around the liver, leading to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is known to cause long-term liver damage.
FAQs about Liver Health Supplements
Q: What are liver health supplements?
A: Liver health supplements are natural products that purport to support the health of your liver in different ways.
Q: What do liver supplements do?
A: Most of the liver supplements available in the market claim to detoxify both your liver and kidneys, offer protection to your liver cells against inflammation, optimize the overall function of your liver, and support your immune system, and so much more.
Q: What is the liver?
A: The liver is an organ below the ribcage on the right side, and it measures almost the size of a football. Its function is to cleanse toxins from your body and play a crucial role in your body’s overall health and wellness.
Q: What is the best liver health supplement?
A: Any liver supplement that has been to-ranked in the list above is among the best liver health supplements you will find worldwide.
Q: How do I take liver health supplements?
A: Most of the available liver health supplements come in the form of a capsule. You can either take one or two capsules daily as directed on the bottle. Other supplements come in powder form, and you will need to mix one scoop of the powder with water or a beverage of your choice as long as it is not alcohol.
Q: What factors contribute to liver damage?
A: Misuse of drugs or medication, diet and lifestyle, heavy alcohol consumption, smoking, and other factors can all contribute to damaging your liver. Diseases such as Hepatitis can also cause liver damage.
Q: What are the functions of the liver?
A: The liver is a large organ in the body, and it performs numerous functions in the body. It helps to process nutrients that are absorbed by the intestine. It regulates blood composition to balance proteins, fats, and sugars. It helps to destroy old red blood cells and produces essential blood-clotting chemicals. Also, the liver breaks down and metabolizes alcohol and medications, and it is necessary for making good proteins and cholesterol, among others.
Q: What are the signs of liver problems?
A: Some signs of liver problems can be fatigue, gas, constipation, bloating, jaundice, high blood pressure, an inability to lose weight, depression and mood issues, excessive sweating, poor appetite, and dark urine. Bruising easily is another indication of liver problems.
Q: Is liver disease a genetic condition?
A: Not all liver disease is genetic, but most liver disease originates from diet and lifestyle.
Q: What are other causes of liver damage besides alcohol?
A: Not only does your liver get damaged by alcohol but also eating uncooked shellfish, abusing the medication, indulging in an unhealthy diet, or exposing yourself to chemicals.
Q: What are some common symptoms of liver disease?
A: Some symptoms of liver disease include fatigue or excess tiredness, lack of motivation, or itching. As the disease advances, you will start to notice advanced symptoms such as jaundice, pale or light-colored stool, dark urine, mental confusion, bleeding from your GI tract, and other cognitive issues, and retention of fluids in the abdomen or belly.
Q: Is it possible to reverse liver damage?
A: In the body, the liver is the only organ that can regenerate itself. Other organs, such as the heart, replace the damaged tissue with a scar. In the case of the liver, it can replace damaged tissue with new cells. According to the University of Iowa, the liver, no matter how severely damaged by something like Tylenol overdose, can be entirely repaired after 30 days if there were no complications.
Q: Is Hepatitis a type of liver disease?
A: Hepatitis is indeed a type of liver disease. The word Hepatitis translates to inflammation of the liver.
Q: What is cirrhosis?
A: Cirrhosis is a late-stage chronic liver disease. Though the liver can generally repair itself, cirrhosis is connected to scarring on the liver, whereby your body has severally attempted to repair the liver without generating cells. If the scar continues to form on the liver, this leads to cirrhosis.
Q: What is the most common cause of liver disease in the United States?
A: Alcohol abuse is the most common cause of liver disease in America.
Q: How do doctors test liver health?
A: Doctors usually use a liver function panel known as a hepatic function panel. It involves a series of blood tests performed simultaneously to detect inflammation, liver disease, or other liver damage and infections.
Q: What is the best diet for liver health?
A: There is no specific liver health diet. However, most doctors recommend trying the Mediterranean diet for people suffering from liver disease. The doctors emphasize a high intake of fruits and vegetables. Other doctors may recommend high-fiber foods, whole-grain bread, and more water intake. Foods high in saturated fats, sugar, and salt, such as fried foods, should be avoided. Also, you should limit your alcohol and smoking habits.
Comparing Liver Products At a Glance
| Oweli Liver Detox |
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|---|---|
| Gundry MD Complete Liver Support |
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| 1MD LiverMD |
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| Organifi Liver Reset |
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| Live Conscious LiverWell |
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The Best Liver Health Supplements Final Word
Studies have shown that milk thistle, Zinc, artichoke extracts, and other ingredients can help support liver health in many ways. Such ingredients have proved to support inflammation within the liver, support the cleansing of the liver, and offer other various supports to liver health. For your liver to remain healthy, it is recommended to take liver supplements; supplements that have been ranked in the above list could help with your liver health, detoxification, and cleansing the liver in multiple ways.
