Spring is a time of cleansing and renewal, of starting anew. Based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it’s also the season of the liver, the organ of detoxification, explains integrative-medicine practitioner Elson Haas, MD, author to remain Healthy With the Seasons.
But why provide extra help for the liver in any season? Isn’t it doing its job without assistance? Unless we’ve been identified as having a specific liver problem, why make the effort?
Turns available are plenty of reasons.
The liver is really a filter, explains functional-medicine practitioner Jill Carnahan, MD: It sifts out dangerous materials before they enter your bloodstream. But because the volume of hazardous substances within the environment is steadily increasing, the liver may become overwhelmed.
While the liver advantages of support year-round, harnessing that “spring-cleaning” energy could be especially valuable. These antioxidants and herbs are specifically supportive of the liver’s detoxing capabilities:
Glutathione
This powerful antioxidant aids cellular detoxification. Concentrated doses happen to be used to treat acute liver poisoning, and it has shown promise in treating NAFLD.
“Glutathione and glutathione precursors are my top supplements for supporting liver health,” says functional-medicine practitioner Robert Rountree, MD. “They're well tolerated, and virtually anyone can benefit from them.” He recommends 1,000 to 1,500 mg daily of N-acetyl L-cysteine, which is a direct glutathione precursor.
Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA)
This antioxidant might be extra beneficial to the liver, in part because it increases glutathione levels. Studies suggest ALA may also help ease alcohol-induced liver damage, combat heavy-metal poisoning, and lower oxidative stress.
“Pretty much anyone can take advantage of taking ALA, but it is especially ideal for people with fatty liver and insulin resistance,” says Rountree. He recommends 300 to 600 mg daily.
Milk thistle
The active compounds in milk thistle are collectively called silymarin. Studies have shown that silymarin provides powerful antioxidant protection towards the liver by inhibiting free–radical production during the metabolism of alcohol and acetaminophen, among other substances.
Rountree recommends supplements with silymarin phytosome simply because they contain phospholipids that help improve absorption.
Curcumin
The active ingredient in turmeric, curcumin suppresses inflammation, scavenges toxins, and reduces oxidative stress within the liver. “We know curcumin is good for the liver,” says Rountree. “And it is pretty much safe for anyone, unless one is allergic to turmeric.”
He recommends 500 to 1,000 mg daily of curcumin phytosome, a more bioavailable form with soy or sunflower lecithin.
