Supplement safety

If you have liver health concerns, it’s prudent to skip the tincture form of herbal supplements. Tinctures are generally alcohol-based, and although there is only a small amount of alcohol, that can be an extra stressor to your liver. Choose one of the many other supplement forms instead.

Liver-supportive herbs and supplements can increase the rate of detoxification performed by the liver. While that is generally positive, a side effect can be that medications you take break

The liver works day in and day out to clean your blood and clear your body of toxins. There’s no doubt that the liver is essential to detoxification of the myriad of chemicals you are exposed to every day, explains naturopathic physician Laurie Steelsmith, author of Natural Choices for Women’s Health.

The liver can even keep functioning after losing three-quarters of its cells and, unlike most other organs, it can regenerate itself. But that doesn’t mean you can ignore it.

“When the liver is under stress from an overload of toxins, it has a more difficult time processing and filtering harmful substances like alcohol—which is why supplements that support liver function are so critical,” says Manhattan-based physician Fred Pescatore, MD.

Focus on fiber

Eating a fiber-rich diet and, perhaps, supplementing with fiber is a great start. As Dr. Steelsmith notes, “Fiber isn’t what most people think of first when addressing liver health, but it is essential because it helps to escort bile acids out of the body via the stool.”

When there’s not enough fiber in your system, your body absorbs certain toxins that would have–with fiber’s assistance–harmlessly left the body through regular bowel movements.

Dr. Steelsmith is partial to a liver-loving form of fiber called inulin, which is found in dietary supplements as well as asparagus, leeks, garlic, oats, onions, down faster than intended. “This is especially an issue in those who are taking medications for treating seizure disorders, says Dr. Steelsmith. If you are on prescription medication, consult with your physician about taking liver-supportive herbs. For example, an herb like turmeric can thin your blood, so if you are taking a blood thinner, it could be contraindicated for you to take a lot of turmeric or curcumin. soybeans, and wheat. She recommends the addition of one tablespoon of psyllium fiber to smoothies as a quick and easy way to boost fiber consumption.

Supportive spice

Turmeric is the perfect example of “let food be your medicine.” This Indian spice promotes healthy digestion and assists the liver in the detoxification process. Turmeric contains the active constituent curcumin, which is an anti-inflammatory with antioxidant properties that can help protect the liver from environmental toxins and chemicals.

You can add turmeric to food, but supplements of a standardized extract can be a more reliable way to garner a significant therapeutic effect. Dr. Steelsmith recommends the supplemental amount of turmeric, for those who want to take it, of 500 mg twice a day. ●

Victoria Dolby Toews, MPH, is a journalist specializing in evidencebased integrative medicine. She received her Master of Public Health degree from OHSU-PSU School of Public Health. She is the author or coauthor of numerous books.

SELECTED SOURCES Body into Balance: An Herbal Guide to Holistic Self Care by Maria Noël Groves ($24.95, Storey Publishing, 2016) • The Detox Diet by Elson M. Haas ($16.99, Ten Speed Press, 2012) • “Health effects and sources of prebiotic dietary fiber” by J.L. Carson et al., Current Developments in Nutrition, 3/18 • Herbal ABC’s: The Foundation of Herbal Medicine by Sharol Marie Tilgner ($29.95, Wise Acres, LLC, 2018) • Personal communication: Fred Pescatore, MD; Laurie Steelsmith, ND

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