Main Functions of the Liver

– Synthesis: The liver produces fats, carbohydrates, and proteins through metabolic processes.
– Detoxification: The liver plays a key role in detoxification by neutralizing harmful substances absorbed through food.
– Thermoregulation: The liver acts as the body’s heat generator.
– Blood clotting: It produces substances essential for blood clotting.
– Regulation: It helps regulate blood sugar, hormones, and cholesterol levels.

Products for Liver Health

A wide range of liver detox products is available at pharmacies, as many people wonder how to cleanse the liver.

• Choline (essential phospholipids): In cases of fatty liver, lifestyle changes are recommended, but liver detox supplements can also help. It is important to choose products that contain phospholipids, as they protect the liver from harmful factors.

• Silymarin: This is one of the compounds that supports liver regeneration. Derived from milk thistle seeds, silymarin helps restore liver function.

• Amino acids: These are essential for liver health. Supplements containing amino acids can be helpful, especially when the liver is not functioning properly and needs additional support.

• Other beneficial ingredients for liver health include dandelion root extract and artichoke leaf extract.

Foods rich in liver-supporting compounds include garlic, beets, grapefruit, green tea, avocado, leafy greens, olive oil, walnuts, citrus fruits, and more.

How to Protect Your Liver?

Improving liver health largely depends on your own lifestyle choices. Liver detox supplements alone cannot solve all problems.

Sometimes people complain about “liver pain,” but in reality, it's often the gallbladder, located in the upper right abdomen, causing discomfort.
To assess liver health, two main indicators are ASAT and ALAT. Elevated levels may indicate inflammation or liver cell damage. One of the most common liver diseases is hepatitis, or liver inflammation.

Tips for Liver Protection and Support:

• Dietary supplements: These are your first line of support for liver health (see the beginning of this article for detailed options).

• Medications: Should be used carefully and under a doctor's supervision, as overuse can overload the liver and cause liver enlargement symptoms.

• Cholesterol levels: Try to maintain them within normal ranges. The same applies to blood sugar—especially important for people with diabetes.

• Quitting harmful habits: Smoking harms not only the lungs but also the liver. It’s advisable to quit. Alcohol is one of the liver’s biggest “enemies” because the liver works to detoxify everything consumed. Excessive alcohol consumption overwhelms the liver.

• Nutrition: A healthy, balanced diet is one of the keys to liver health and overall well-being.

If you are experiencing health issues, consult your family doctor, who can refer you to a gastroenterologist for further examinations and to help find the most appropriate treatment plan.