3 Ways to Keep Your Liver Healthy

Our liver is one of the most important body parts-in fact it is the second most important organ next to the brain. Not only does the liver detoxify our bodies by breaking down chemicals that should not be there, but it also regulates vital functions of the body such as breaking down fats, production of proteins, and removing bacteria from the blood stream. The liver holds about 13% of the body’s blood at any given time and is constantly processing blood. For this reason, a healthy liver can be the difference between a healthy or unhealthy body. In order to promote normal liver functions here are three suggestions for keeping your liver healthy and functioning properly:

1. Take Milk Thistle Supplements. Milk thistle protects against toxins and other damaging agents in the body, and is derived from the milk thistle plant. This thistle supports a healthy liver by detoxifying and protecting it, and also is useful in treating hepatitis (which affects the liver). Milk thistle is available from AstroNutrition in capsule or liquid form and should be taken daily as part of a regular cleansing routine.

2. Take a Dandelion Root Supplement: Although dandelions are commonly thought of as a weed, this flower has many healing properties. Dandelion enhances the production and flow of bile from the liver which yields such benefits as helping hepatitis, liver congestion, and preventing or treating gallstones. This extract also helps with weight loss which can benefit the liver as well.

3. Avoid Alcohol & Drugs: Everything that you eat, breath, and absorb through your skin eventually reaches your liver. When you drink alcohol or take drugs, the liver has to break down these toxic substances, and this can lead to liver deterioration and liver disease. Consuming alcohol over a long period of time can make the liver swell with fat and can lead to liver damage.

Signs and symptoms of liver problems include abdominal pain, dark urine, nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite, and discolored skin. Although there are certain treatments available for liver diseases, the best way to control liver disease is to stop it from starting in the first place.