In college, before any Friday night out, my roommates and I would always jokingly apologize to our livers. Now that I'm 25, I'm starting to actually mean that apology. Even though I don't drink nearly as much as I used to, and have been taking concrete steps for my health, my family history of liver disease and cancer has been at the back of my mind for a few years now. While there is no magic pill out there to prevent my genetic predisposition to liver conditions, after doing some research I discovered there are liver support supplements available to help me keep my liver as healthy as I can.
Located in the upper right-hand portion of the abdominal cavity, our liver is usually thought of as the body's very own natural filter, as it helps to detox the body. The liver weighs a whopping three pounds and regulates chemical levels in the bloodstream. It also excretes something called bile that helps to carry waste away from the liver. Our liver has four main functions: process food, break down fat to convert to energy, regulate blood sugar, and help flush toxins from our system. Here's what those processes look like in a healthy liver:
In addition to these four main liver functions, this organ has also been identified as playing a role in more than 500 vital functions in the body, according to Hopkins Medicine, including:
When our liver becomes overloaded with toxins, certain signs of a stressed-out liver can start to manifest and impact our overall health and wellness. Toxins can include and be found in:
The good news? Adding a liver support supplement or a liver detox to your routine should help you find balance again. But how do you know when it's time to start a liver detox or liver support supplement?
Here are some signs your body could be giving that you have a buildup of toxins and it might be time to give your liver a bit of a boost:
Some individual lifestyle choices and genetic factors may impact liver function and require more frequent liver detoxifications than others. You may be at a higher risk of needing a liver supplement or detox if you have:
Not giving the liver the support it needs can have detrimental effects on more than just the liver itself. When not properly cared for, certain liver problems could arise, including:
These are all serious medical conditions that need to be discussed with a healthcare provider. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms and about potentially adding a dietary supplement for your liver health. You may also want to read our other article about signs your liver is full of toxins.
If you're looking to start adding a dietary supplement for the health of your liver, there are certain ingredients you should be looking for. Always make sure that your supplements are from a reputable brand that manufactures its products in the US, and is transparent with its formulas like 1 Body. With that being said, here are some of the best ingredients for a healthy liver:
1 Body has your liver health and wellness in mind, which is why we've formulated our liver support supplement with the highest-quality, liver-friendly ingredients including:
Plus, our unique formula is manufactured in the USA at our cGMP-certified facility (enforced by the FDA), and is made with NO sugar, salt, dairy, wheat, gluten, soy, preservatives, artificial colors, or flavors; We simply use the purest & highest quality raw ingredients. Try adding 2 capsules a day to gradually experience an increase in energy, better overall health, and improved mental clarity.