What dietary supplements improve the work of the liver and gall bladder: a detailed review
General information about the liver and gall bladder and their role in the body
The liver is the largest internal organ that performs many vital functions, including:
- Detoxification: Neutralization and excretion of toxins, alcohol, drugs and other harmful substances from the blood.
- Metabolism: The regulation of the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins, as well as the synthesis of the necessary compounds, such as blood coagulation factors and hormones.
- Bile synthesis: Production of bile, fluid required for digestion and assimilation of fats.
- Storage: Storage of vitamins (A, D, E, K, B12) and minerals (iron, copper).
- Immune function: Blood filtering and removal of bacteria and other pathogens.
The gall bladder is a small pear -shaped organ located under the liver. Its main function is the storage and concentration of bile produced by the liver. When food containing fats falls into the small intestine, the gall bladder is reduced and throws bile into the duodenum, where it helps to break down fats into smaller particles, facilitating their absorption.
Violation of the functions of the liver and gall bladder can lead to serious health problems, including:
- Fatty liver disease (steatosis): Accumulation of excess fat in the liver.
- Hepatitis: Inflammation of the liver caused by viruses, alcohol or other factors.
- Cirrhosis: Roubing the liver caused by chronic damage.
- Gallstone disease: The formation of stones in the gall bladder.
- Cholecystitis: Inflammation of the gallbladder.
- Dyspepsia: Digestive disorder, including bloating, heartburn, nausea and other unpleasant symptoms.
Maintaining the health of the liver and gall bladder is crucial for general well -being. A healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular physical exercises and the rejection of excessive alcohol consumption, is a key factor. In some cases, additives (dietary supplements) can provide additional support.
Dietary supplements to maintain the health of the liver and gall bladder: classification and mechanisms of action
Bades designed to improve the liver and gall bladder usually contain ingredients with hepatoprotective, choleretic, antioxidant and anti -inflammatory properties. They can be classified as follows:
1. Hepatoprotectors:
These substances protect the liver cells (hepatocytes) from damage, contribute to their regeneration and improve the liver function.
- Silimarin (milk thistle extract): One of the most studied and widely used hepatoprotectors. Silimarin is a complex of flavologs obtained from Friday milk thistle (Silybum Marianum). The mechanisms of action include:
- Antioxidant action: Neutralizes free radicals that form in the process of metabolism and under the influence of toxins, reducing oxidative stress.
- Anti -inflammatory action: Inhibits the production of pro -inflammatory cytokines, reducing inflammation in the liver.
- Membranestabilizing effect: Strengthens cell membranes of hepatocytes, preventing the penetration of toxins into the cells.
- Hepatocytic regeneration stimulation: Enhances the synthesis of protein and ribos in hepatocytes, contributing to their restoration and renewal.
- Inhibition of fibrogenesis: Prevents the formation of scar tissue in the liver (fibrosis).
- Essential phospholipids: Phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidydanolamine, phosphatidydilinositol and other phospholipids, which are the main components of cell membranes. They restore the structure and function of damaged hepatocytes, improve lipid metabolism and reduce the risk of fatty liver. Action mechanisms:
- Restoration of cell membranes: Phospholipides are embedded in damaged hepatocytes membranes, restoring their integrity and permeability.
- Improving lipid metabolism: They contribute to the transportation of fats from the liver, reducing their accumulation.
- Antioxidant action: Protect lipids of cell membranes from oxidation.
- Anti -inflammatory action: Reduce inflammation in the liver.
- Glycyrisinic acid (from the root of the licorice): It has anti -inflammatory, antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects. It can be useful for viral hepatitis. Action mechanisms:
- Antiviral action: Inhibits the replication of some hepatitis viruses.
- Immunomodulatory action: It stimulates the immune system, helping to fight infection.
- Anti -inflammatory action: Reduces inflammation in the liver.
- Antioxidant action: Neutralizes free radicals.
- Artichok (leaves extract): Contains zinarin and other active substances with choleretic, hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects. Action mechanisms:
- Choleretic action: Increases production and outflow of bile, improving digestion and reducing the risk of stones in the gall bladder.
- Hepatoprotective action: Protects liver cells from damage.
- Antioxidant action: Neutralizes free radicals.
- Betaine: The methylating agent participating in the metabolism of homocysteine. It can help improve liver function and reduce the risk of fatty liver. Action mechanisms:
- Improving lipid metabolism: Promotes the breakdown and excretion of fats from the liver.
- Reduced level of homocysteine: A high level of homocysteine can damage the liver.
- Antioxidant action: Protects liver cells from oxidative stress.
- Ademeticin (Same): Participates in numerous biochemical reactions in the body, including liver metabolism. It can help improve the liver function and reduce the risk of damage to the liver caused by alcohol or other toxins. Action mechanisms:
- Improving the metabolism of the liver: Participates in the synthesis of glutathione, the main antioxidant in the liver.
- Anti -inflammatory action: Reduces inflammation in the liver.
- Improving the outflow of bile: Promotes the excretion of bile from the liver.
2. Chronicles:
Increase production and outflow of bile, improving digestion and preventing the formation of stones in the gall bladder.
- Artichok (leaves extract): (see the description above).
- Turmeric (curcumin): It has a choleretic, anti -inflammatory and antioxidant effect. Kurkumin, the active ingredient of turmeric, stimulates the production and outflow of bile, improves digestion and protects the liver from damage. Action mechanisms:
- Choleretic action: Increases production and outflow of bile.
- Anti -inflammatory action: Inhibits the production of pro -inflammatory cytokines.
- Antioxidant action: Neutralizes free radicals.
- Immortal (extract): It has a choleretic, antispasmodic and anti -inflammatory effect. It improves the outflow of bile, relieves cramps of the bile ducts and reduces inflammation.
- Duma of medicinal (extract): It has a choleretic and antispasmodic effect. Improves the outflow of bile and relieves cramps of the bile ducts.
3. Antioxidants:
Protect liver cells from damage caused by free radicals.
- Silimarin (milk thistle extract): (see the description above).
- Turmeric (curcumin): (see the description above).
- Vitamin E: Fatable vitamin, which has an antioxidant effect. Protects lipids of cell membranes from oxidation.
- Vitamin C: Water -soluble vitamin, which has an antioxidant effect. Protects cells from damage caused by free radicals.
- N-Acetylcistein (NAC): Glutathione precursor, the main antioxidant in the liver. Helps to increase the level of glutathione and protect the liver from damage.
- Alpha-lipoic acid: A powerful antioxidant that can restore other antioxidants, such as vitamin C and vitamin E.
4. Anti -inflammatory drugs:
Reduce inflammation in the liver and gall bladder.
- Silimarin (milk thistle extract): (see the description above).
- Turmeric (curcumin): (see the description above).
- Omega-3 fatty acids: They have anti -inflammatory effects and can help reduce the risk of fatty liver.
5. Other additives:
- Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDC): It is used to dissolve the bile stones and the treatment of certain diseases of the liver. Although UDC is often prescribed by doctors as a medicine, it is also available in some dietary supplements in lower dosages.
- Kholin: Important for the metabolism of fats and transport cholesterol. The lack of choline can lead to the accumulation of fat in the liver.
- Inositol: Participates in fat metabolism and can help improve liver function.
Dosage and side effects
The dosage of dietary supplements for the liver and gall bladder varies depending on the specific product, health status and individual characteristics of the body. It is important to strictly follow the instructions on the package and consult a doctor before taking any additives.
Most dietary supplements for the liver and gall bladder are well tolerated, but in some cases side effects can occur, such as:
- Indigestion: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation.
- Allergic reactions: Skin rash, itching, swelling.
- Interaction with drugs: Some dietary supplements can interact with drugs by changing their effectiveness or enhancing side effects.
It is especially important to consult a doctor if you have any diseases of the liver or gall bladder, take any medicine, pregnant or breastfeed.
Choice of dietary supplements: Quality and safety criteria
When choosing dietary supplements for the liver and gall bladder, attention should be paid to the following criteria:
- Reputation manufacturer: Choose products from well -known and reliable manufacturers with a good reputation in the market.
- Composition: Carefully study the composition of the product and make sure that it contains active ingredients in a sufficient concentration.
- Certification: Check the availability of quality and safety certificates, such as GMP (Good Manoufacturing Practice).
- Reviews: Read the reviews of other consumers to get an idea of the efficiency and safety of the product.
- Consult a doctor: Before taking any dietary supplements, consult a doctor to make sure that they suit you and do not interact with other medicines that you take.
Nutrition and lifestyle for the health of the liver and gall bladder
In addition to taking dietary supplements, a healthy lifestyle plays an important role in maintaining the health of the liver and gall bladder, including:
- Balanced nutrition:
- Limit the use of fatty, fried and treated food: These products can overload the liver and gall bladder.
- Increase the consumption of fruits, vegetables and whole grains: These products are rich in fiber, antioxidants and other nutrients necessary for the health of the liver and gall bladder.
- Include products that are useful for the liver in your diet: Artichop, beets, carrots, cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower), green tea.
- Drink enough water: Water helps to remove toxins from the body and supports the normal function of the liver.
- Regular physical exercises: Physical activity helps to improve metabolism and reduce the risk of fatty liver.
- Refusal of excessive alcohol consumption: Alcohol is one of the main factors causing liver damage.
- Maintaining a healthy weight: Obesity increases the risk of fatty liver.
- Avoid the effects of toxins: Limit contact with toxic substances such as pesticides, herbicides and industrial chemicals.
Dietary supplements for various diseases of the liver and gall bladder
Depending on a specific disease of the liver and gall bladder, certain dietary supplements can be recommended.
- Fatty liver disease (steatosis): Essential phospholipids, betaine, choline, inositol, omega-3 fatty acids.
- Hepatitis: Silymarin, glycirrizin oxot, N-acetylcysteine (NAC).
- Gallstone disease: Artichop, turmeric, ursodexicoic acid (UDC).
- Cholecystitis: Artichok, Immortal, Duma Drug.
It is important to remember that dietary supplements are not a replacement for traditional treatment and should only be used as an addition to it. Before taking any dietary supplements, you need to consult a doctor.
Conclusion
Maintaining the health of the liver and gall bladder is an important component of general well -being. A healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular physical exercises and rejection of bad habits, is the basis for the health of these organs. Bades can provide additional support, but they should be used with caution and only after consulting a doctor. It is important to remember that dietary supplements are not a medicine and cannot replace traditional treatment. The correct choice of dietary supplements, combined with a healthy lifestyle, can help improve the function of the liver and gall bladder and prevent the development of serious diseases. Always contact a qualified specialist to obtain individual recommendations for the treatment and prevention of liver and gall bladder diseases.