liver health Archives - Amazing Health Advances

How Milk Thistle Extract can Support Liver Health and Healing

The AHA! Team — Fri, 27 Jun 2025 05:29:03 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – With its spiky purple flowers and dull green leaves, milk thistle may appear to be nothing more than an ordinary weed growing wild in vacant lots and fields. Yet, this unimpressive-looking plant is truly a shining star when it comes to avoiding disease and promoting healing. Milk thistle, scientifically known as Silybum marianum, is prized by natural healers for its ability to eliminate liver ailments, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, which is currently reaching epidemic proportions in the United States. But supporting liver health is not milk thistle’s only gift. Discover how this extraordinary herb can help you. Milk thistle protects against toxic effects from cancer treatment, arrests tumors The active ingredient in milk thistle, an antioxidant flavonoid called silymarin, reduces the inflammation and oxidative damage that can trigger cancer. It also helps preserve glutathione, the body’s premier inflammation-fighting antioxidant. Scientists have known for some time that milk thistle may act against cancer. In a review conducted at the University of Minnesota, researchers cited “strong evidence” for silymarin’s liver-protective and anti-cancer effects. Significantly, they credited silymarin with combating cancer by inhibiting the binding of toxins to cell membrane receptors. In a new study published in The International Journal of Oncology, researchers found that silibinin, a form of silymarin, suppressed chemoresistance, the condition in which cancer fails to respond to the effects of drugs. The team noted that silibinin also prevented further malignancy, protected against potentially cancer-causing DNA mutations, and inhibited tumor growth. In other research, researchers found that silymarin also helps prevent liver damage from chemotherapy and protects the skin and mucosal lining from damage from radiation therapy. Milk thistle is a potent antifungal agent Overgrowth of Candida albicans, a common fungus, can cause symptoms of fatigue, “brain fog,” digestive problems, and skin rashes. And, a growing problem of drug resistance in pharmaceutical antifungals – which parallels the current epidemic of antibiotic resistance – can make Candida difficult to treat. Researchers have found that silymarin can penetrate the cell membrane of the Candida microbe, stopping the pathogen’s growth and spread and helping to clear the overgrowth. Silymarin is also effective in blocking and inhibiting biofilms, layered communities of pathogenic microorganisms that are stubbornly resistant to treatment. Silymarin helps to regulate glucose levels For the past thousand years, herbalists and Ayurvedic healers have advised milk thistle to support healthy blood sugar levels, and modern research confirms the value of this ancient remedy. In one recent study, a 90-day course of a combination of milk thistle, boswellia, and nettles slashed hemoglobin A1c levels – a measure of blood sugar over several months – by a substantial 19 percent. The herbal combination also drastically reduced blood sugar levels – from an average of 150 to 180 mg/dL to an average of 124 mg/dL – and triglyceride levels. In addition, a recently published cell study shows that silymarin protects the retina from diabetic damage, a common consequence of the disease. The Big NEWS: Milk thistle supports a healthy liver Milk thistle’s main claim to fame is its ability to improve liver enzymes, rebuild liver cells, and alleviate liver ailments. In addition to easing hepatitis and cirrhosis, milk thistle shows promise in dealing with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and halting the progression to steatohepatitis, a more serious form of the condition. Research has supported milk thistle’s beneficial effects on liver disease, with one study showing that hepatitis patients treated with silymarin returned to work sooner and experienced less depression and anxiety than those in the control group. In addition, milk thistle helps detoxify the liver and protect against injury from heavy metals and drugs. In a review published in Phytotherapy Research, the team credited silymarin with reducing liver injury caused by a variety of toxins, drugs, and heavy metals, including acetaminophen, carbon tetrachloride, radiation, alcohol, iron overload, and Amanita phalloides, a type of poisonous mushroom. As an added bonus: milk thistle’s protective effects also extend to the stomach. The herb has been shown to suppress gastric inflammation and protect against ulcers caused by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Surprising fact: Milk thistle has antidepressant properties Yet another surprising benefit of milk thistle is its ability to function as a natural mood elevator. Animal studies support its ability to reduce anxiety and depression caused by traumatic brain injury, which it appears to do by reducing the activity of microglial cells caused by a disturbance in the neural circuits between the limbic system and the cortex of the brain. In one study, silymarin performed as well as the pharmaceutical drugs fluoxetine (Prozac) and diazepam (Valium) in supporting mood. Researchers noted that silymarin reversed stress-induced changes to the hippocampus and cerebral cortex while boosting levels of the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine. Because of silymarin’s ability to reduce inflammation and neurodegeneration, researchers are even exploring its potential to prevent and treat Alzheimer’s disease. How should I take milk thistle? Experts recommend temporary short-term amounts of 150 mg, taken one to three times a day, for detoxification. A holistic healthcare provider may recommend 50 to 150 mg a day for liver support, maintenance, and longer-term use. Use a formulation standardized to 70 to 80 percent silymarin for best results. As always, consult your holistic doctor to determine if milk thistle is right for you and to determine the proper amount. Although it is generally considered safe and well tolerated, high amounts can cause mild digestive upset. Note: if you are allergic to any member of the aster family – such as daisies, ragweed, marigolds, or chrysanthemums – don’t take milk thistle. Milk thistle has long been revered for its ability to cleanse and detoxify the liver. However, recent research confirming its ability to ward off other diseases demonstrates that this herb is valuable and versatile. Editor’s note: To support healthy liver function, I highly recommend LuvByNature LiverLuv – which is gluten free, non-GMO and delicious. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov NIH.gov To read the original article click here.

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Study Shows How Liver Damage from Stress & Aging Might Be Reversible

The AHA! Team — Thu, 18 Jul 2024 08:48:45 +0000

Duke Health – DURHAM, N.C. – While the liver is one of the body’s most resilient organs, it is still vulnerable to the ravages of stress and aging, leading to disease, severe scarring and failure. A Duke Health research team now might have found a way to turn back time and restore the liver. In experiments using mice and liver tissue from humans, the researchers identified how the aging process prompts certain liver cells to die off. They were then able to reverse the process in the animals with an investigational drug. The finding, which appears in the journal Nature Aging, holds high promise for the millions of people who have some degree of liver damage – livers that are essentially old due to the metabolic stresses of high cholesterol, obesity, diabetes or other factors. “Our study demonstrates that aging is at least partially reversible,” said senior author Anna Mae Diehl, M.D., the Florence McAlister Distinguished Professor of Medicine at the Duke University School of Medicine. “You are never too old to get better.” Diehl and colleagues set out to understand how non-alcoholic liver disease develops into a severe condition called cirrhosis, in which scarring can lead to organ failure. Aging is a key risk factor for cirrhosis among those who have been diagnosed with non-alcoholic liver disease, known as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, or MASLD. One in three adults worldwide have the disease. Studying the livers of mice, the researchers identified a genetic signature distinct to old livers. Compared to young livers, the old organs had an abundance of genes that were activated to cause degeneration of hepatocytes, the main functioning cells of the liver. “We found that aging promotes a type of programmed cell death in hepatocytes called ferroptosis, which is dependent on iron,” Diehl said. “Metabolic stressors amplify this death program, increasing liver damage.” Armed with their genetic signature of old livers, the researchers analyzed human liver tissue and found that the livers of people diagnosed with obesity and MASLD carried the signature, and the worse their disease, the stronger the signal. Importantly, key genes in the livers of people with MASLD were highly activated to promote cell death through ferroptosis. This gave the researchers a definitive target. “There are things we can use to block that,” Diehl said. Again turning to mice, the researchers fed young and old mice diets that caused them to develop MASLD. They then gave half the animals a placebo drug and the other half a drug called Ferrostatin-1, which inhibits the cell death pathway. Upon analysis after treatment, the livers of the animals given Ferrostatin-1 looked biologically like young, healthy livers — even in the old animals that were kept on the disease-inducing diet. “This is hopeful for all of us,” Diehl said. “It’s like we had old mice eating hamburgers and fries, and we made their livers like those of young teenagers eating hamburgers and fries.” Diehl said the team also looked at how the ferroptosis process in the liver impacts the function of other organs, which are often damaged as MASLD progresses. The genetic signature was able to differentiate between diseased and healthy hearts, kidneys and pancreases, indicating that damaged livers amplify ferroptotic stress in other tissues. “Together, we’ve shown that aging exacerbates non-alcoholic liver disease by creating ferroptic stress, and by reducing this impact, we can reverse the damage,” Diehl said. In addition to Diehl, study authors include Kuo Du, Liuyang Wang, Ji Hye Jun, Rajesh K. Dutta, Raquel Maeso-Díaz, Seh Hoon Oh and Dennis C. Ko. The study received funding support from the 021 AASLD Pinnacle Award, the National Institutes of Health (R01 AA010154, R01 DK077794, R56 DK134334); and Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. To read the original article click here.

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Study Reveals Neurological Effects of Reused Frying Oils

The AHA! Team — Fri, 24 May 2024 08:05:23 +0000

American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology via News-Medical – A new study found higher levels of neurodegeneration in rats that consumed reused deep fried cooking oils and their offspring compared to rats on a normal diet. Deep frying, which involves completely submerging food in hot oil, is a common method of food preparation around the world. Results from the study also suggest that the increased neurodegeneration is tied to the oil’s effects on the bidirectional communication network between the liver, gut and brain. The liver–gut–brain axis plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological functions, and its dysregulation has been associated with neurological disorders. Kathiresan Shanmugam, an associate professor from Central University of Tamil Nadu in Thiruvarur, led the research team. Deep-frying at high temperatures has been linked with several metabolic disorders “Deep-frying at high temperatures has been linked with several metabolic disorders, but there have been no long-term investigations on the influence of deep-fried oil consumption and its detrimental effects on health,” said Shanmugam, formerly at Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai. “To our knowledge we are first to report long-term deep-fried oil supplementation increases neurodegeneration in the first-generation offspring.” Sugasini Dhavamani, a research collaborator from the University of Illinois at Chicago, will present the research at Discover BMB, the annual meeting of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, which will be held March 23–26 in San Antonio. Deep frying food not only adds calories; reusing the same oil for frying, a common practice in both homes and restaurants, removes many of the oil’s natural antioxidants and health benefits. Oil that is reused also can contain harmful components such as acrylamide, trans fat, peroxides and polar compounds. To explore the long-term effects of reused deep-fried frying oil, the researchers divided female rats into five groups that each received either standard chow alone or standard chow with 0.1 ml per day of unheated sesame oil, unheated sunflower oil, reheated sesame oil or reheated sunflower oil for 30 days. The reheated oils simulated reused frying oil. Compared with the other groups, the rats that consumed reheated sesame or sunflower oil showed increased oxidative stress and inflammation in the liver. These rats also showed significant damage in the colon that brought on changes in endotoxins and lipopolysaccharides -; toxins released from certain bacteria. “As a result, liver lipid metabolism was significantly altered, and the transport of the important brain omega-3 fatty acid DHA was decreased. This, in turn, resulted in neurodegeneration, which was seen in the brain histology of the rats consuming the reheated oil as well as their offspring.” Additional studies in which MSG was used to induce neurotoxicity in the offspring showed that the offspring that consumed the reheated oils were more likely to show neuronal damage than the control group receiving no oil or those that received unheated oil. Although more studies are needed, the researchers say that supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids and nutraceuticals such as curcumin and oryzanol might be helpful in reducing liver inflammation and neurodegeneration. They added that clinical studies in humans are needed to evaluate the adverse effects of eating fried foods, especially those made with oil that is used repeatedly. As a next step, the researchers would like to study the effects of deep-frying oil on neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s as well as on anxiety, depression and neuroinflammation. They would also like to further explore the relationship between gut microbiota and the brain to identify potential new ways to prevent or treat neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation. Source: American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology To read the original article click here.

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“Overwhelming Evidence:” N-Acetyl Cysteine Praised By Researchers for Its Health-Protective Effects

AHA Publisher — Mon, 18 Apr 2022 07:38:23 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – Each year, an alarming 56,000 people require treatment in the ER for acetaminophen overdose – and over 26,000 of them are hospitalized. The “gold standard” antidote for acetaminophen toxicity (the number one cause of liver failure in the United States, by the way) is n-acetyl cysteine, also known as NAC. But, there’s much more to know about this amazing substance. First of all, it’s no secret that n-acetyl cysteine – a supplemental form of the amino acid cysteine – has powerful detoxifying properties. A new review published in Antioxidants highlights the potential of this natural supplement to protect the liver and help preserve the health of the brain and lungs. Let’s look at some of the mechanisms behind NAC’s therapeutic effects and the surprising ways in which n-acetyl cysteine benefits some common conditions. Scientists Cite “Overwhelming Evidence” of NAC’s Ability to Support Healthy Liver Function Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, or NAFLD, involves harmful fat deposits in the liver. While this condition can be mild, it sometimes progresses to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a more severe form of the disease. This can in turn lead to liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, and even death. As the national incidence of NAFLD continues to climb, researchers point to the encouraging ability of NAC to support a healthy liver. Animal studies have shown that NAC can interfere with liver fat accumulation and enhance the function of liver enzymes through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. In addition, NAC supplementation also raises levels of glutathione– the indispensable enzyme responsible for fighting oxidative stress and neutralizing toxins. (In fact, the body converts NAC to the amino acid cysteine, which is one of the major “building blocks” needed to produce glutathione in the first place). While more human studies are needed, recent research has suggested that 1000 mg of NAC a day significantly improves the function of liver enzymes and lowers levels of inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein and malondialdehyde. The researchers concluded that “overwhelming evidence” supports the beneficial effects of NAC to support a healthy liver. N-Acetyl Cysteine Regulates Glutamate to “Calm Down” Over-Stimulation and Inflammation in the Brain While the amino acid glutamate is needed for normal brain function, it is also classified as an excitatory neurotransmitter – meaning that it stimulates the cells of the nervous system. When present in excessive amounts, glutamate depletes much-needed glutathione, over-stimulating brain cells and triggering neuroinflammation and even brain damage. (It’s no surprise that excessive glutamate is believed to be associated with autism, ADHD, anxiety disorders, substance abuse, depression, and schizophrenia). By regulating glutamate levels in the brain, NAC may help decrease feelings of sadness and slow cognitive decline. In a 2017 review published in Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Review, authors noted that while studies were limited, NAC seemed to be particularly helpful in improving participants’ cognitive abilities. Combining NAC with vitamin E, various B vitamins, S-adenosyl methionine, and acetyl-L carnitine was particularly beneficial. Studies Find NAC Helps Promote Lung Health Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is characterized by chronic inflammation and airway obstruction, making breathing difficult. Studies have shown that NAC can restore intracellular glutathione that has been decreased by oxidative stress and inflammation. Of course, as they say, the proof is in the pudding. In one 10-day study, taking 1,200 mg of NAC daily helped contribute to the “normalization of inflammatory markers.” Support Adequate Cysteine Levels With Proper Nutrition You can boost your dietary intake of cysteine with cage-free (pasture raised) poultry, eggs and dairy products such as, raw milk. Good sources for vegans include organic sunflower seeds and legumes. It should be noted: the production of cysteine also depends on having sufficient levels of B vitamins, such as B6, B9, and B12. You can get these through lentils, beans, bananas, wild-caught salmon, and tuna. However, NAC supplementation may be necessary to help maintain optimal cysteine levels. Natural healers typically advise 600 mg to 1,200 mg of NAC a day, but as always, check with your integrative doctor before supplementing. Finally, you ought to know, low levels of NAC contribute to the risk of a glutathione deficiency – the body’s “master antioxidant” – which can lead to oxidative stress and a host of serious health issues. Ultimately, by replenishing and restoring this all-important compound, n-acetyl cysteine certainly “does its bit” to support effective detoxification and overall wellbeing. Sources for this article include: Harvard.edu NIH.gov Healthline.com NIH.gov AlzheimerDiscovery.org NIH.gov To read the original article click here.

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Discover a Shockingly Simple Intervention to Support Liver Health

AHA Publisher — Mon, 28 Mar 2022 07:28:54 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – Rates of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) – excessive deposits of liver fat in those with no history of alcohol abuse – are soaring in the United States, with some experts placing the incidence at a stunning one in three adults. Although many cases of NAFLD are mild, the disease can occasionally progress to severe and even life-threatening consequences, including liver cancer. Now, exciting new research published in the peer-reviewed journal Molecular Metabolism suggests that a simple intervention – regular exercise – can significantly improve the condition and even play a role in preventing it. To learn more about the effects of this surprising natural strategy on NAFLD, read on. Skyrocketing Rates of Obesity Are Triggering a National Epidemic of NAFLD The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that a shocking 66 percent of American adults are currently either overweight or obese, which goes a long way towards explaining the increasing rates of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. As the name implies, the primary cause is not excessive alcohol – but consumption of too many toxic foods and a lack of physical activity. The excessive intake of high fructose corn syrup plus many other processed foods lead to fat deposits in the liver, which over time causes dysfunction of the mitochondria in liver cells. Experts estimate that in 20 to 30 percent of the cases, NAFLD progresses to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (or NASH), a more serious condition that can sometimes lead to liver fibrosis (scarring), cirrhosis of the liver, liver failure, liver cancer and death. Study: Regular Exercise Mitigates NAFLD at the Molecular Level According to a new study conducted by scientists at Helmholtz Munich and Tubingen University Hospital, exercise causes molecular adaptations of mitochondria in the liver that can prevent the development of fatty liver disease. Over the course of the six-week study, mice were fed a high-calorie diet – and some received “treadmill training,” meaning that they had regular exercise. The team found that regular physical activity regulates the breakdown of glucose in the liver and improves the function of the mitochondria, also known as the “power stations” of the cell. The “exercised” mice also displayed improvements in glucose control. In addition, regular physical activity improved the respiratory capacity of the muscles, thereby relieving stress on the liver. Although the study was conducted on animals, it mirrors the research results on humans. “The results fit in very well with the approaches of ongoing clinical studies,” reported study leader Dr. Cora Weigert. Additional Studies Support the Ability of Regular Exercise to Improve Liver Health In a review published in 2018 in Gene Expression, the Journal of Liver Research, the authors summarized the evidence for the effects of regular physical exercise on NAFLD and NASH. They noted that several clinical trials have shown that both aerobic and resistance exercise reduce liver fat by several different pathways. These include improving insulin resistance – which reduces the excess delivery of fats and glucose to the liver – increasing fatty acid oxidation (in other words, fat burning) decreasing fatty acid synthesis and preventing mitochondrial and liver damage. In light of all this, it’s not at all surprising that the American Gastroenterological Association, the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases and the American College of Gastroenterology all recommend physical exercise for NAFLD! What Type of Exercise Is Best for NAFLD? Studies suggest that a wide variety of exercise styles, intensities and duration can benefit NAFLD. The authors of the 2018 review cited a study of overweight and obese NAFLD patients that evaluated the effects of three different exercise regimes: low intensity/high volume, high-intensity/low volume and low intensity/low volume. Each was found to cause significant reductions in liver fat. In another study, NASH patients performed a moderate exercise program consisting of 20- to 60-minute sessions four to seven days a week. The program, which included both resistance and aerobic training, caused a significant improvement in NASH. Resistance training includes weight lifting, squats, lunges, and pushups. You can get aerobic exercise through jogging, cycling, dancing, swimming, and even brisk walking. However, researchers in several studies stressed that the most important factor was that the exercise routine fit the individual’s ability and preferences. By the way, the general recommendation of the National Institutes of Health is for adults to get 30 minutes of exercise five days a week. But, do check first with your integrative doctor before embarking on an exercise regimen to address NAFLD. While there is currently no consensus on which type of exercise is “best” for NAFLD, almost any kind of regularphysical activity can be beneficial. By showing exactly how regular exercise positively impacts fatty liver disease, the new study helps to showcase the exciting potential of this simple, drug-free, non-toxic natural intervention. If needed, get some coaching advice and get started today. Sources for this article include: ScienceDaily.com WJGnet.com NIH.gov Healthline.com NIH.gov AJMC.com Healthline.com To read the original article click here.

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Powerful UPDATE: Improve Your Heart Function with These Simple Interventions

AHA Publisher — Tue, 16 Nov 2021 08:00:40 +0000

Edit Lang via NaturalHealth365 – [Lately it seems] we give little to no consideration to the number one killer of American people – heart disease. It is incomprehensible how a disease claiming the lives of 659,000 Americans every year gets no real attention from mainstream media and health authorities. But we are here to change that. In another captivating interview, we bring you real, practical health information that you can use to take charge of your heart health. You will not want to miss this conversation between Jonathan Landsman of NaturalHealth365 and Dr. Robert DeMaria, America’s Drugless Doctor. A Healthy Heart Starts with a Healthy Liver, Here Is Why Few people are aware of the intricate connection that exists between the heart and the liver. As Dr. Bob explains, blood flows up through the legs through the liver to the heart. Therefore, it’s critical to consider what we put in and on our bodies when working to improve heart health because it affects the liver’s health. When the liver is compromised, the blood flowing back to the heart will become impeded. Watch the video (above) to hear his explanation and find out what you can do to improve the health of your liver and cardiovascular system. What You Eat Can Impact Heart Function We have all heard the expression, “you are what you eat.” It turns out, what you eat also has a drastic effect on your heart. For instance, most people don’t know that sugar removes B vitamins from the body. Why does that matter? Because B vitamins are necessary to protect the integrity of heart valves. Scientists have confirmed this in a recent study that found people who ate a diet rich in B-vitamins are less likely to succumb to cardiovascular disease. Heart WARNING About Dehydration, Toxins in Our Food and the Environment Eating the wrong foods, exposure to environmental toxins, and chronic dehydration also exacerbate heart issues. Dehydration is particularly damaging, yet, most do not make the connection between lack of hydration and heart function. Dr. Bob gives a simple yet often overlooked explanation, revealing how inadequate hydration causes red blood cells to stick together, resulting in reduced oxygen levels, causing oxygen deprivation in the heart. Conversely, drinking more water causes the blood cells to separate, carrying more oxygen, increasing energy. Listen to Dr. Bob’s tip on how to stay on top of your hydration using an Oximeter. What’s the Bottom Line? If you want to improve your heart health, you have no other choice but to take charge of your health. Be proactive and take the time to understand how your bodily systems work. Ultimately, in the body, everything is interconnected. By nourishing your liver, removing environmental toxins, eliminating toxic foods, and maintaining optimum blood circulation, you will be well on your way to a heart-healthy you. Share this video with your friends and family to help empower them to embark on this journey with you. Sources used for this article: CDC.gov Rumble.com NIH.gov To read the original article click here.

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Discover 3 Powerful Herbs that Improve Liver Health

AHA Publisher — Tue, 21 Sep 2021 07:00:04 +0000

Natalie Robins via NaturalHealth365 – Along with the skin, kidneys, and intestinal tract, the liver is one of the body’s main organs for removing poisons from your body. The liver does a lot to keep toxins from building up inside your body and causing you harm, but you still need to take care of it so it can keep looking after you. You can help with detoxification or by taking natural remedies to help improve liver health. Many natural health experts recommend three powerful herbs: burdock, dandelion greens, and milk thistle. In fact, convincing research supports the role these herbs have in promoting liver health, and you can easily add them into your daily routine. Learn How to Improve Liver Health Quickly and Naturally The liver helps remove toxins from your body, allows metabolism to occur, and helps regulate hormone production. Common liver diseases include cirrhosis, hepatitis A, B, and C, plus fatty liver disease. You can help protect your liver by eating organic food, proper hygiene, and cleaning up your immediate living space by avoiding personal care products loaded with toxic chemicals, plus purifying your air and water supply daily. But, in some cases, herbal remedies may be helpful. Which Herbs Are Best to Help Detoxify the Body and Improve Liver Health? Burdock, or Arctium lappa, is an herb whose roots can be eaten as a vegetable like it is commonly done in Asia. It has a diuretic effect, and the excess urination it produces can help lower your blood pressure. It is also known as a diaphoretic – which means it increases sweating. Remember, one of the best ways to detoxify the body is through sweat. Another important benefit of burdock root is its high antioxidant content. The antioxidants in burdock root can help protect the liver against poisonous substances. In addition, burdock can cleanse the liver, allowing it to do a better job of detoxifying the blood. Dr. de Souza Predes from the Department of Biological Sciences at the Universidade Estadual do Paraná in Brazil and colleagues recently published research investigating the ability of burdock to improve liver health. The authors found that “the liver function indicators showed that A. lappa [burdock] protected the liver against cadmium toxicity damage.” You can eat burdock root like a vegetable by cooking it. You can steam or roast it or make a stir fry dish, as Asian cultures might do, with toasted sesame oil, non-GMO soy sauce, and organic chili flakes. Dandelion roots and leaves can help improve liver health, especially in the case of hepatitis C. Taraxin, the active compound in dandelion, is a choleretic, which means that it stimulates bile production by the liver. This aids in fat absorption and digestion, and another benefit is to fight constipation. You can cook dandelion greens with other greens or on their own with onions and garlic. You can also use dandelion root to make tea. Just keep in mind, these greens are bitter to taste. Milk thistle is another herb known for its liver health benefits. It has been used to help treat chronic liver disease and hepatitis B and C. Its active component is a compound called silymarin, and like, dandelion, it is a choleretic. Milk thistle seeds are most potent, but you can also eat the rest of the plant. For example, you can stew the stems and seeds after removing the prickles and roast or boil the roots. It’s always best to remove any known toxic agents, from your life, before starting any supplemental routine. Of course, when dealing with a severe health condition, it’s best to work with an experienced healthcare provider to develop a plan of action. By taking better care of yourself, you can put your liver in a better position to take care of yourself. Depending on your situation, plant remedies usually will provide a powerful yet safe way to improve overall health without harmful side effects. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov NIH.gov To read the original article click here.

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COVID-19 Patients Recover Faster With Metabolic Activator Treatment, Study Shows

AHA Publisher — Tue, 29 Jun 2021 07:00:43 +0000

Kungliga Tekniska Högskolan (KTH) [Royal Institute of Technology] via Newswise – Metabolic activators were found to reduce recovery time by as many as 3.5 days in patients with mild-to-moderate Covid-19, according to a Swedish-British study published today in Advanced Science. The researchers also found that treatment with the metabolic activators improved liver health and decreased the levels of inflammation, as shown by inflammatory markers. Conducted by researchers at Science for Life Laboratory at KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, in collaboration with the Sahlgrenska Academy in Gothenburg and King’s College, London, the human phase three clinical study showed that patients with mild-to-moderate Covid-19–who were also receiving standard care–experienced a 3.5 day reduction in recovery time when receiving the combination of metabolic activators, nicotinamide riboside (NR), L-serine, N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), and L-carnitine tartrate. All four activators are aimed at improving mitochondrial function. The results of the study build on findings from phase two clinical data. Through a randomized, placebo controlled, double blind phase three clinical trial, 309 outpatients at Umraniye Teaching and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey were randomly assigned on a 3:1 basis to receive the metabolic activators or placebo. Patients received the combined activators or placebo twice a day for 14 days and clinical status was evaluated through daily telephone check-ins. “Our phase three data shows that metabolic activators significantly improve the recovery, liver health, and markers of inflammation of patients with COVID-19,” says the study’s lead author, Adil Mardinoglu, professor at KTH and Kings College and research fellow at Science for Life Laboratory. “Dysfunctional mitochondria have been implicated in worsened progression for Covid-19, and we are pleased to find that the combination of these metabolic activators helps to remedy the stress put on the body of an infected patient.” To read the original article click here.

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The Link Between Blood Vessel Health and Cruciferous Vegetables

AHA Publisher — Mon, 14 Sep 2020 07:00:25 +0000

Joy Jensen via NaturalHealth365 – You probably still hear echoes of your mother in your head: “Eat your vegetables.” It turns out that your mom knew what she was talking about. Studies continue to prove our mothers right – vegetables offer excellent health benefits. In fact, some of the vegetables we like the least might actually be extremely beneficial in preventing blood vessel disease, lowering the risk of heart events, and boosting liver health. One new study published in the British Journal of Nutrition discovered that eating more cruciferous vegetables like Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and broccoli is associated with blood vessel disease that’s less extensive in aging women. Their discovery has some serious implications for the health benefits of getting those cruciferous veggies daily, particularly since blood vessel disease results in risks for others serious health problems. Cruciferous Vegetables Linked to Blood Vessel Health and Lower Risk of Stroke and Heart Attack Blood vessel disease – a problem that affects the veins and arteries – has the potential to reduce blood flow throughout your body. This may be because of the buildup of calcium or fatty deposits on the interior walls of blood vessels, and that buildup may result in adverse heart events like stroke and heart attack. In previous studies, researchers discovered that a higher intake of cruciferous vegetables was linked to a lower risk of having cardiovascular disease events like stroke and heart attack. However, they weren’t sure why. Now, this new study showing how these vegetables are linked to blood vessel health explains those earlier findings. Researchers looked at a group of 684 older women in Western Australia. Those who consumed a minimum of 45 grams of cruciferous vegetables daily – which equals about ½ cup of raw cabbage or a ¼ cup of steamed broccoli) were 46 percent less likely to deal with extensive calcium buildup in the aorta compared to women eating few to no cruciferous vegetables. While cruciferous vegetables were the highlight of this study, they’re not the only vegetables we should focus on. According to lead researchers, it’s essential to eat a wide variety of vegetables daily to enjoy better health. Protect Your Liver Health by Eating the Right Veggies Beyond improving blood vessel health and lowering the risk of heart attack and stroke, studies also show that eating cruciferous veggies can offer significant liver benefits. A study published in the journal Hepatology earlier this year found that indole – found in veggies like broccoli and cauliflower – may help control nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Previous research had found that eating broccoli sprouts helped improve overall liver function. No doubt: from improving blood vessel health to lowering the risk of heart attack to offering liver benefits, cruciferous veggies will provide many health benefits. Along with broccoli, additional cruciferous vegetables you can add to your diet include cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, organic kale, and cabbage. Sources for this article include: EurekAlert.org, NaturalHealth365.com To read the original article click here. For more articles from NaturalHealth365 click here.

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