Multicomponent preparations supporting liver function and regeneration
Viral infections, stimulants, unhealthy diets, polluted environment, stress, as well as numerous medicines make the liver of the statistical Pole work all the time. The main task of this important organ is to protect and detoxify the entire organism. In order to properly fulfil its job, the liver itself must be in good condition, that is, the mechanisms protecting against various poisons and ensuring the regeneration of its structures should be fully active. Liver cells, i.e. hepatocytes, must have convenient conditions for rebuilding, so that the neutralized toxins can be effectively excreted. One of the key conditions for the effective protection and recovery of the liver, and thus its optimal performance, is the provision of the cells with enough components necessary for the reparation of the damaged organ structures.
Preparations successfully supporting the liver should contain substances that act comprehensively for a variety of protective and repair processes. The included components should mutually support each other, without causing any side effects. Major preparations used in the therapy to aid liver regeneration and functioning are listed in the table below. It should be noted that they are successfully combined in complex products, while a very important criterion for assessing the value of a particular substance is the quality of the substrates and the necessary doses.
Phospholipids - the main component of the membrane surrounding every cell of the body. As a result of exposure to harmful agents, these compounds are gradually damaged, increasing the risk of damage to the internal structures of the liver cells. The intake of phospholipids is intended to rebuild and seal the cell membrane of hepatocytes, and thereby to strengthen the defense of the liver against the action of toxic agents.
Choline a substance that together with phospholipids is a major factor in the reconstruction of the cell membrane. It also helps eliminate fatty acids from the liver, which can inhibit the degeneration of this organ.
Amino acids - e.g. ornithine, provide a building block for the synthesis of structural and enzymatic proteins that wear out during the liver function. In addition, they play a key role in the transformation of the toxic ammonia into urea, which is easily secreted by the body. The amount of ornithine in the statistical diet is too small to cover the demand of the liver.
Artichoke extract - one of the most valuable plant medicines used in the treatment of liver diseases. Active compounds in the artichoke increase bile production and secretion, which not only facilitates the digestion of fats, but also accelerates the removal of toxins from the body. In addition, by affecting the conversion of fats in the liver, this extract also lowers cholesterol levels.
Vitamins - the liver, as the "central laboratory of the body", requires for a proper functioning vitamins, especially those from the B group. They mainly control the function of the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. These compounds also indirectly participate in liver regeneration and stimulate the recovery of the damaged hepatocyte cell membranes. Deficiency of vitamin B2 and B6 leads to fatty liver and hepatic insufficiency and also increases the risk of diabetes and atherosclerosis.
Simultaneous use of a few or even a dozen or more single supplements is both cumbersome and expensive. The alternative is therefore compound formulations which contain numerous valuable components in one capsule. Not only does this solution significantly reduce the amount of the daily intake of the medicine, but the purchase of such a drug is generally much cheaper than buying all the ingredients in the form of individual drugs.
A diet which is beneficial to the liver is based on three simple and little cumbersome rules. Firstly, we avoid or reduce products that are particularly harmful to the liver, such as alcohol, fried or smoked meals, highly-processed "artificial" food, low-quality sausages. Secondly, we choose natural products, rich in protein and vitamins, preferably dairy, fish and various vegetables. Thirdly, instead of a hearty afternoon meal, we eat 5-6 small meals a day, not forgetting a small, high protein meal just before bed.
Apart from diet and supplementation, people suffering from liver problems should sleep and rest long enough, and, what is very important - should avoid stress. It is also advisable to have regular, moderate physical activity, in the form that gives us the most pleasure.
Some drugs are particularly toxic towards the liver. Also the commonly known and safe paracetamol, when overdosed can be very dangerous. This medicine, when taken even in small doses, can damage the liver if it is used by malnourished people, or those who consume significant amounts of alcohol. It also happens that while taking a variety of substances for cold, fever, pain, etc, we do not know that they all contain paracetamol and we unconsciously overdose it, damaging thus the liver. It is worth remembering that there are over 300 different paracetamol-containing products available in pharmacies. Remember, if you take several medicines at the same time, you can always ask your pharmacist about serious interactions between them.