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How does the liver work and why is it so important?
The liver is one of the most complex and vital organs in our body: it performs essential functions for digestion, metabolism and detoxification. Every substance we ingest, including medicines and dietary supplements, passes through the liver, which processes it to make it absorbable or expels it if it is harmful.
Its main tasks include producing bile to aid the digestion of fats, synthesising plasma proteins, regulating blood sugar levels and eliminating toxins. When we take dietary supplements, the liver therefore has to work to metabolise the active ingredients they contain.
It is precisely for this reason that the question of whether dietary supplements can be harmful is a perfectly legitimate one, in order to safeguard the liver’s health.
Dietary supplements: can they really damage the liver?
As a general rule, if they are chosen carefully, are of good quality and taken at the recommended doses, dietary supplements pose no risk to a healthy liver.
As with any product, the risk increases in the event of overuse, when too many different products are combined, or when dietary supplements of dubious origin are used.
Certain natural active substances, such as highly concentrated plant extracts, can in some cases lead to liver overload, as is the case with certain medicines. Even though they are natural, they are not, in fact, free from side effects.
The same applies to vitamins and minerals: an excess of vitamin A or iron, for example, can be toxic to the liver.
It is therefore always advisable to read the labels carefully and follow the instructions for use.
Can dietary supplements damage other organs?
When it comes to dietary supplements, it is also important to bear in mind that the liver is not the only organ affected: other organs may also experience side effects if the supplements are used incorrectly or in excess. In particular:
- If you’re wondering whether excessive consumption of dietary supplements is harmful to the kidneys, the answer is yes: an excess of dietary supplements could overload the kidneys’ filtering capacity, particularly in people who are predisposed to kidney stones or who have reduced kidney function;
- On the other hand, dietary supplements can be harmful to the gut when they contain irritating ingredients or are taken in excessive quantities, causing bloating, cramps, diarrhoea or malabsorption;
- An excess of fat-soluble vitamins, proteins or minerals can put a strain not only on the liver and kidneys, but also on the digestive system as a whole.
Are there any plants that damage the liver?
Natural remedies, such as herbal medicines and herbal teas, are often considered safe simply because they are ‘natural’. In reality, they can also have side effects, particularly if taken without supervision.
There are indeed plants that damage the liver, known in the literature for their potential hepatotoxicity. Here are a few examples of plants that should be used with caution:
- Kava kava
- Greater comfrey (Symphytum officinale)
- Germander
- Japanese knotweed
- Shoots of certain species of Aloe
How can you protect and cleanse the liver?
It is possible to keep your liver healthy through a balanced lifestyle and mindful dietary choices.
The first step is to adopt a varied diet, low in saturated fats and rich in fruit, vegetables and fibre, which helps to reduce the burden on the liver and support its natural cleansing processes. To complement this routine, it is certainly important to monitor your alcohol intake, minimise unnecessary medication and maintain a healthy body weight.
Foods that are a real boon for the liver include:
- Artichokes
- Chicory
- Broccoli
- Foods rich in antioxidants
If necessary, you may wish to consider taking the best dietary supplement to naturally cleanse your liver, depending on your needs.
One product that comes highly recommended is TN Pharma’s Liposomal Glutathione 30 Vegetarian Capsules, developed using Liposovit® technology.
Liposomal Glutathione 30 Vegetarian Capsules by TN Pharma
Liposomal Glutathione 30 Vegetarian Capsules by TN Pharma is a cutting-edge dietary supplement designed to support liver health and combat oxidative stress.
Thanks to Liposovit® technology, Setria® reduced glutathione is encapsulated in powdered liposomes, ensuring superior bioavailability and optimal protection against digestive breakdown. Thanks to this innovative technology, the active ingredient can be delivered more effectively to liver cells, thereby increasing plasma and intracellular glutathione concentrations.
This product, which is entirely VEGAN, GLUTEN-FREE and LACTOSE-FREE, is suitable for people following a specific diet who are looking for safe, high-quality support. Glutathione is beneficial in combating drug poisoning, alcohol abuse, and exposure to pollutants and heavy metals, as well as in supporting immune function and cell regeneration.
With a highly stable formulation, Liposomal Glutathione 30 Vegetarian Capsules is a targeted choice for those wishing to promote liver detoxification and protect the body against the effects of free radicals, thereby contributing to general well-being.
To find out more about Tsunami Nutrition products, visit our shop.
