Five Natural Ways to Support Liver Function

 One of the best ways to look and feel our absolute best is to focus on the health of our liver. Unfortunately, liver health is often a topic that gets overlooked. This is a shame because our liver is a vital organ, responsible for breaking down carbohydrates, making glucose and detoxifying our body. It also creates bile which allows us to properly digest and absorb the nutrients from foods that we eat. Unfortunately, many Americans are experiencing issues with their liver. According to the CDC, more than 80 million Americans have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and don’t even know it. If you are looking to improve the health of your liver naturally, here are some tips to get you on the path toward wellness. 

1. Focus on maintaining a healthy weight – We all know the benefits for wanting to lose weight, especially when it comes to feeling more energized and good about ourselves. But did you know that weight loss plays a key role in promoting a healthy liver? If you are considered to be obese, you are more susceptible to having a fatty liver, which can lead to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This is one of the fastest growing forms of liver disease, especially here in the USA. Unfortunately, obesity is a very serious and common issue that many Americans are facing. According to the CDC, 39.8% of adults aged 20 and over are considered to be obese (link to https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/obesity-overweight.htm) In general, 71.6% of adults age 20 and over are overweight as well. Weight loss is essential for not only promoting overall wellness throughout your body, but for maintaining a health liver as well.
2. Get a good amount of exercise regularly –One of the best ways to maintain a healthy body weight is to workout on a daily basis. Exercise can help you lose weight which in turn, helps to reduce the risk of NAFLD. Exercise also decreases stress on the liver and gives your body a natural lift of beneficial energy. Some great exercises to start doing on a daily basis are aerobic, which is why tai chi and yoga are often recommended for patients experiencing liver issues. If you are just starting out with a new workout routine, take it slow! Be gentle on yourself and do movements that don’t add any extra stress to your body. Go for a brisk walk in nature or swim laps in your local pool. You may consider working with a personal trainer who can help determine the right workout plan for you.
3. Be mindful of your environment and harmful toxins –According to researchers, low-level exposures to environmental toxins may partially explain the increasing problem of liver disease in US adults. In one study, it was found that one in three Americans have liver disease with some cases being linked to environmental pollutants, such as pesticides and heavy metals. As a way to help protect yourself from toxins, try to eat organic foods whenever possible. Avoid using artificially fragranced products and home cleaners that contain harmful chemicals. If you wear makeup, pay attention to the ingredients, especially if they do not come from natural sources. If you take supplements, you should also read the label on these products as well. Superior Labs supplements are 100% free from harmful ingredients, including magnesium stearate, dioxides, pesticides and preservatives. You can learn more about our mission here. (link to https://superiorlabs.com/pages/our-guarantee)

4. Eat a diet rich in nourishing whole foods –You have most likely heard the expression, “you are what you eat.” This is especially true when it comes to eating foods that promote a healthy liver. If your diet consists of processed foods that are laden with refined sugar and high-fructose corn syrup, you may be more prone to experience issues with your liver. Some studies have shown that sugar can be as damaging to the liver as alcohol, even if you are not overweight. Try avoiding meals that are high in calories, saturated fat and refined carbohydrates. Instead, focus on eating plenty of organic fruits, vegetables, pasture-raised meat, nuts and seeds. Get plenty of fiber and “good fats”. Give your digestive system a boost by taking Superior Labs 100% Pure Artichoke Leaf Extract. Not only does this supplement encourage healthy digestive function but it helps to support proper liver flow. Studies have shown that artichoke leaf extract can assist in reducing liver inflammation in adults with NAFLD. (link to https://doaj.org/article/7acd53a8843d4eb39f769aa29289b040?) It has also been shown that taking 600mg of artichoke extract daily for two months can lead to an improvement in overall liver function. (link to https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29520889/)
5. Keep your body hydrated –When we become dehydrated, we begin to experience a slew of frustrating symptoms, including fatigue, headaches, low energy and even irritability. Lack of hydration can also impact the health of our liver. That’s why it is so important to drink plenty of water during the day. How much should you drink? As a general rule of thumb, you take your body weight and divide it in half. The number you get is the total amount of water you should be drinking (in ounces) each day. If you struggle with remembering to drink water, invest in a glass bottle that you can carry around with you. This will encourage you to drink water as you go out and about. You can also squeeze some lemon or lime juice into the bottle for some extra flavor and nutrients.