02/04/2024
The 5 Must-Have Ingredients for a Good Liver Supplement
N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)
N-Acetyl cysteine is a precursor to the powerful antioxidant glutathione, which helps neutralize cell-damaging free radicals that cause inflammation and fatty buildup in the liver. In addition, NAC has been shown to play a pivotal role in promoting your liver's natural ability to filter toxins from the blood. In this way, this essential compound offers the dual purpose of liver protection and detoxification.
Milk Thistle
Milk thistle contains compounds collectively known as silymarin, a group of flavonoids which have been shown to protect liver cells from toxic substances. Like NAC, milk thistle is a strong antioxidant that supports healthy liver function by defending against oxidative stress. Keep in mind, however, that not all milk thistle has the same level of silymarin content. Look for milk thistle standardized to at least 70% silymarin.
Choline
Choline is an essential nutrient naturally present in meat, fish, poultry, dairy, and eggs. One critically important role of this compound is to transport fats out of the liver, thus avoiding lipid buildup within healthy tissue. Due to dietary restrictions, vegetarians and vegans are particularly at risk of a deficiency.
Dandelion
Dandelions are rich in antioxidants, which help protect the liver against free radical damage and the inflammation that follows. In addition, it supports the production of bile, which aids in the efficient digestion of fats and their expulsion from the body. Look for formulas which contain dandelion root rather than an extract of the entire plant, as the root has a higher concentration of liver-cleansing compounds.
Artichoke
Like milk thistle, artichoke contains silymarin and another similar compound called cynarine. While these antioxidants help promote optimal liver function, other compounds help improve bile flow to flush toxins out of the body. Artichoke leaf extracts are rich in liver-protective flavonoids, while extracts of the stem and root are less so.
We break down and rank our top 5 favorite supplements for optimal liver health which can help detoxify the liver, reduce abdominal bloat, and overcome fatigue.