The liver plays a vital role in keeping your body clean and in providing a large variety of the compounds that you need to survive. The liver is the largest gland in the body, and it is crucial for health. Your liver is responsible for the following functions:

• The liver regulates the levels of various essential chemicals in the blood.
• The liver produces and excretes bile into the digestive tract in order to help break down the fats you eat, and in order to remove waste from the small intestine.
• Your liver is responsible for the production of certain important proteins.
• Your liver plays a role in the regulation of glucose in the body, and it therefore releases and stores glucose as necessary.
• The liver stores iron and processes hemoglobin in order to regulate iron and red blood cell production.
• The liver filters blood to remove harmful toxins and pathogens from the blood, and it is responsible for metabolizing and removing certain drugs as well.
• The liver produces various immune factors that play crucial roles in supporting the immune system of the body.
• The liver processes and removes bilirubin from the blood.
• The liver regulates the blood clotting process of the body, which is vital for wound healing.
• The liver produces cholesterol for the rest of the body.
• The liver removes bacteria from the blood stream and is therefore crucial for protecting the body.

  There are a number of herbal extracts that are well known for their ability to support the liver and for their ability to promote optimal liver function. These herbal extracts include milk thistle, schizandra, artichoke, and dandelion. Including these herbal extracts in your diet may help to support and promote healthy liver function, which may in turn help to support your overall health for the long term.

Milk Thistle for Liver Support

Silybum marianum or milk thistle has been used for thousands of years as a liver tonic. It was also traditionally used to support the gall bladder and the kidneys. Studies on milk thistle have identified a compound called silymarin, and this compound is believed to be responsible for milk thistle’s benefits in terms of supporting and promoting liver function. Silymarin is a natural antioxidant, and it may therefore help to protect the liver from damage. It may also promote the regeneration of the liver by supporting the growth of new liver cells. The liver is one of the few organs that can repair itself by growing new cells, and silymarin may help to encourage this growth.

Artichoke for Liver Support

Another thistle-like plant that is well known for its health benefits is the artichoke. Although most health benefits of artichoke are related to the heart and cardiovascular system, artichokes also provide benefits for the digestive system, and for supporting and promoting liver health and function. Artichokes have a long traditional history as a culinary delight, and records dating back to 400 BC show that artichoke was revered for both its nutritional and medicinal value. In the 1500s, records indicate that artichoke was used for liver problems. Modern studies have revealed that artichokes contain a number of active ingredients, including cynarin, luteolin, cymaroside, and scolymoside. These ingredients may help to account for some of the healthy benefits associated with artichokes. The production and secretion of bile is one of the most important functions of the liver. In one study done on artichokes, scientists found that the consumption of artichoke significantly increased the secretion of bile. Another study showed that artichoke had distinct benefits for patients struggling with liver and bile duct disease. The consumption of artichoke by these patients helped to reduce symptoms like constipation, lack of appetite, abdominal pain, and nausea.

Dandelion for Liver Health

It may seem strange to see a weed listed as a liver tonic, but the pesky dandelion we so often pull out of the garden is a treasure trove of potential health benefits. Dandelions were used as traditional health remedies by the Native Americans, by traditional European healers, and by ancient traditional Chinese medical practitioners. Traditional uses for dandelion included helping with fever, boils, diabetes, and diarrhea; to improve milk flow in nursing mothers, and to help treat the stomach and appendix. Modern uses of dandelion include using dandelion roots to help stimulate appetite, and to support liver health and function. Dandelion may be helpful in promoting the elimination of fluid. Trying to add artichoke, milk thistle, and dandelion to your daily diet can be challenging, but the Liver Cleanse capsules by True Botanica contain these herbal extracts and more to help you support the liver, in order to promote optimal liver health and overall health. Matter of fact, there are quite a few liver support supplements worth checking out!