The liver is one of the body’s most important organs as it performs many vital biochemical functions. As well as processing nutrients, fats and other foods, the liver detoxifies and protects the body from damage causing toxins, alcohol, drugs, and other pollutants.
The largest organ in the body, the liver is located just below the diaphragm and has a red-brown wedge like shape. The liver has a range of vital purposes which help to maintain a healthy body including:
The liver is an amazing organ as it works to sort out the good from the bad. The liver contains an amino like acid called glutathione which is essential to the detox process. The benefits of detoxing are numerous, but generally you may feel the physical benefits as the body’s organs work more effectively in their normal functions. You may feel like you have more energy and overall enhanced health and well being.
The liver is an important organ not only for its functions, but also its ability to repair itself when damaged. However some diseases can cause the liver to reduce is effectiveness and ability to process proteins in the normal way. Generally when the liver is damaged it can become inflamed known as hepatitis.
Hepatitis is caused by a viral, bacterial or parasite infection. There are 6 different hepatitis viruses, A, B, C, D, E and G with A being the most common form followed by B. Hepatitis may have been caught through food or water, bodily fluids, infected hypodermic needles and even through alcohol abuse. Symptoms that the liver may be inflamed include jaundice when the skin appears yellow in colour, flu like symptoms, nausea and vomiting, dark urine or pale stools.
The Milk Thistle is a flowering plant that has earned its name from the milky white characteristics of its sap and leaves. The seeds, or fruit, of the Milk Thistle plant have been found to contain an active ingredient called Silymarin, an antioxidant that is reputed to provide many health benefits for the body including protecting the liver. So it is no wonder that Milk Thistle has become such a popular and highly regarded natural health supplement that supports the body in the maintenance of a healthy lifestyle.
Milk Thistle may provide significant health benefits in the support and maintenance of a healthy liver by: