The liver is an essential organ in the body that acts as a natural filter. It helps to eliminate all the wastes and toxins inside the body. Given the importance of this critical organ in promoting overall health, many supplement manufactures are now offering various dietary products that claim to improve liver function.The ingredients can vary from product to product, but most contain silymarin, an extract of milk thistle that has shown a lot of benefits to proper liver function and healing. Other nutrients that work synergistically are typically blended with silymarin in non-prescription liver support products. The following encompasses some of the current popular liver support brands on the market, and how they work.
Top Liver Supplements in 2022
Read on to find out the top liver supplements worth checking out today:
Oweli Liver Detox
Oweli Liver Detox comes from a reputable brand that follows the natural ways of liver detoxification. Oweli’s Liver Detox consists of an essential 8-ingredient mix with antioxidant properties and essential minerals for flushing out toxins efficiently from your liver. Milk thistle and artichoke extract work together to protect your liver from damage are key contributors of antioxidants that reduce liver stress. Zinc supplement aids in preventing inflammatory reactions and helps support liver function. The dandelion present in the mix provides polysaccharides known to reduce stress on the liver along with beetroot extract, chicory root, chanca piedra and yarrow. These potent ingredients play a vital role in supporting liver health and provide you with long term benefits. Oweli is committed to product safety and customer satisfaction. Oweli Liver Detox is manufactured in an FDA registered facility and comes with an industry-leading 100-day guarantee. Their commitment to safety and industry leading guarantee makes it our top choice.
1MD LiverMD
The 1MD LiverMD supplement promises to improve your liver health and protect it from any toxins. This product was created by Dr. David Kahana, a highly skilled gastroenterologist with over two decades’ worth of experience. Regular intake of this supplement will help heal all liver damage issues caused by excessive toxins in the body. This product is also designed to boost your energy. All the various ingredients used in 1MD LiverMD are comprehensively studied and researched to be safe for consumption. Users shouldn’t expect any complications when using this supplement every day. Like other top liver supplements featured here, the manufacturer recommends taking this product regularly to produce the best outcomes. The straightforward capsules are also easy to use. The 1MD LiverMD is designed to help eliminate the symptoms of liver damage. If you are experiencing fatigue, jaundice, dark urine, or even skin itchiness, this supplement is worth considering. Multiple studies support the numerous ingredients used in this supplement, like siliphos milk thistle and EVNolMax vitamin E extracts. Other essential ingredients added to this supplement include selenium, ALA, and zinc.
Live Conscious LiverWell
Live Conscious was formerly known as LiveWell, and it is a reputable organization that combines modern science with traditional herbal wisdom. This company has produced multiple well-known dietary supplements, including LiveWell Collagen and LiveWell MagWell. The new liver formula from this firm is known as LiverWell, and it supports liver health and healthy metabolism through rejuvenation and detoxification. LiverWell uses various organic compounds, amino acids, plant extracts, and minerals to improve your liver health. This supplement offers a holistic approach to improving liver health by starting with the most critical part: detoxification. LiverWell improves your liver function and helps to eliminate low energy, hormone imbalance, poor sleep, brain fog, bloating, and acne. This liver supplement works by improving immune function and metabolism using various key ingredients like ALA, zinc glycinate, selenium, and N-acetyl cysteine. In addition, it is pretty affordable since a bottle costs less than $30.
Organifi Liver Detox
Oganifi’s new Liver Detox supplement offers an excellent way of detoxifying your liver and keeping it healthy. The company says that using the product to cleanse your liver can promote better skin health, improved concentration, and focus, along with weight loss. Organifi combined scientific research and ancient ayurvedic knowledge to create this highly effective detoxification product. Each vegan capsule of this Liver Detox supplement contains four superfoods: Triphala, dandelion root, artichoke extract, and milk thistle. These ingredients support efficient liver detoxing, regeneration, and also immunity. Furthermore, these ingredients are all-natural and organic, without any artificial fillers or additives. Organifi also includes a bonus guide to give users a practical and straightforward detoxification plan containing several detox recipes, exercises, and other health tips.
Amy Myers MD Liver Support
The Liver Support supplement by Amy Myers MD supports healthy liver function, detoxification, and bile production. This dietary supplement costs $34, and it contains selenium, NAC, ALA, and milk thistle. These ingredients contribute to better liver health by protecting the liver cells and fighting free radicals with antioxidants. Each bottle of this supplement contains 60 easy-to-use capsules. Furthermore, all supplements have been tested at third-party laboratories to certify their purity. Amy Myers MD also offers free shipping in America along with a 60-day refund policy.
Complete Liver Support
Complete Liver Support by Gundry MD is among the affordable liver supplements included here as it costs less than $20. Gundry MD says that their supplement can support immune function, promote faster metabolism, enhance nutrient absorption and offer various other health benefits. The Complete Liver Support supplement contains a potent dose of a unique ingredient that isn’t common in other liver supplements mentioned here: orange peel extract. Some of the other notable ingredients used in this formula include dandelion and milk thistle.
Zenith Detox
The $49 Zenith Detox supplement is a natural product that incorporates scientifically proven ingredients. This dietary supplement contains setria glutathione, NAC, L-methionine, folic acid, and Schisandra extract that help in eliminating all toxic wastes from the body. Frequent consumption of Zenith Detox capsules will eliminate all harmful toxins and free radicals, thus leaving you healthier and more youthful. Zenith Detox was created by Zenith Labs, a reputable firm whose main goals are to conduct extensive research to find natural solutions to common health issues. Besides being developed by a respected brand name, this product was formulated under the strict supervision of an experienced physician called Dr. Ryan Shelton. Hence, consumers can be assured of the purity, dosage, and quality ingredients used in this supplement.
Liver Refresh
Liver Refresh by NOW Foods is made to enhance liver regeneration and optimal liver function. Each bottle costs $29.99, and it comes with 180 capsules. This product is GMP certified, and it doesn’t contain any soy, nuts, dairy, or eggs. It also doesn’t have any artificial flavors, colors, hydrogenated oils, or other harmful products. NOW Foods claims that the Liver Refresh supplement promotes better liver function by eliminating harmful bacteria, free radicals, and toxins from the body. It is an excellent product for people interested in liver detoxification. For best outcomes, the company recommends taking at least three capsules daily with meals.
Advanced Liver Support
The Advanced Liver Support formula from Advanced Bionutritionals is a top supplement that rejuvenates and heals your liver from the stresses and damages that may have occurred over time. When selecting any dietary supplement, it’s often critical to think about the product’s creator to help get a better feel of the formula’s legitimacy and effectiveness. In this regard, the Advanced Liver Support supplement was created by a licensed medical doctor called Dr. Frank Shallenberger. The other good reason for using this $40 supplement is that extensive studies and clinical trials support its health benefits. It contains licorice, milk thistle, ALA, and selenium, among other liver-enhancing ingredients. Regular consumption of the Advanced Liver Support will help enhance your immune function, detoxify your body and cleanse your liver.
Naturenetics LiverSmart
Naturenetics LiverSmart was formulated to improve natural regeneration and detoxification of the liver. Priced under $30, each bottle contains $60 vegetarian-friendly capsules that contain a customized ingredient mixture. The ingredients include, in addition to the most common liver-supporting components, artichoke leaf, yellow dock roots, beetroot, protease, and dandelion. Naturenetics advertises LiverSmart as an effective tool for supporting and protecting cholesterol, digestion, liver enzymes, immune response, skin health, and blood sugar. Additionally, this liver support product is 100% organic and safe.
Liver Health Formula
PureHealth Research has created an innovative liver support product known as the Liver Health Formula. According to the manufacturer, taking two pills daily of this new supplement can support healthy inflammation, liver markers, and general liver function thanks to eight potent liver enhancers. PureHealth Research has used scientifically tested ingredients that have been shown to boost your overall liver function while reducing oxidative stress. Liver Health Formula contains several key ingredients like beet, milk thistle, alfalfa, ginger, artichoke extract, dandelion, and turmeric. These powerful herbal ingredients boost your liver health without leaving side effects. This supplement was created by an experienced naturopathic doctor known as Dr. Holly Lucile. Users can expect to pay around $50 per bottle, and all orders come with an extensive 365-day refund policy.
ActivatedYou Morning Complete
If you don’t like capsules, you can consider taking the ActivatedYou Morning Complete wellness drink to enhance your energy levels, overall health, and liver function. This company was founded by Maggie Q, an actress, and respected health advocate. She created this program alongside Dr. Frank Lipman, an integrative medical doctor. ActivatedYou emphasizes creating environmentally sustainable, plant-based, and scientifically proven supplements. The Morning Complete wellness drinks contain eight potent wellness blends. They include green superfoods, antioxidants, metabolic enhancing ingredients, sugar balancing compounds, and adaptogens. Buyers are expected to pay $79 to get a one-month supply, making it quite costly compared to other liver support products on this list. However, the 6-month package has a sizable 15% discount, while the 3-month bulk order comes with a 10% price discount. If you decide to buy Morning Complete, the best option is to purchase it from the official manufacturer’s website to qualify for their 90-day refund policy.
Urgent Liver 911
Urgent Liver 911 by PhytAge Laboratories claims to offer an effective way of reducing high levels of liver enzymes, cleansing the liver, healing liver scarring, and many other benefits. The manufacturer advertises their product as completely safe and 100% natural. According to PhytAge Laboratories, regular consumption of their new liver supplement can work wonders in targeting damaged livers and flushing out accumulated fat that can affect the overall efficiency of this critical organ. Ingredients like Rhodiola Rosea, DIM, magnesium, fenugreek, and zinc, among others used in Urgent Liver 911, can also improve your energy levels. Many consumers reported that their low energy and fatigue issues were resolved after using this supplement for only a couple of weeks. In addition, milk thistle is used here to promote cellular detoxification while reducing hepatic cell inflammation. One jar of PhytAge Laboratories Urgent Liver 911 costs only $69.95, and it features a 60-day refund policy.
Liver Support Plus
VitaPost Liver Support plus contains safe, organic, and clinically proven ingredients to promote healing and recovery from liver damage. VitaPost has chosen many natural botanicals and herbs that can boost your liver function. The main goal of Liver Support Plus is to protect your liver, which results in more effective detoxification, enhanced metabolic function, and lower cholesterol. Ingredients used in Liver Support Plus include beetroot, artichoke extract, chicory root, milk thistle, and yarrow, among others. Ideally, this supplement should be consumed daily for a few months to receive the claimed health benefits. It should also be used alongside a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle to enhance its effectiveness. At less than $30, Liver Support Plus is also reasonably priced.
Reasons to buy liver supplements
Most liver supplement product labels contain terms like regenerate and detoxification. These products claim to work by undoing the harmful effects of sugar, fat, alcohol, and other toxins that your liver has processed over a long time. Here are some of the top reasons to buy liver supplements:
- Detoxify and cleanse the liver
- Protect your liver from further damage
- Improve liver function
- Promote new liver cell growth
- Enhance blood circulation
- Improve overall health
Regular use of liver supplements will rejuvenate your liver back to its optimal function. The benefits of a healthy liver include more energy, better immune function, weight loss, and mood improvements, among others. Furthermore, these supplements will help you avoid symptoms of a toxic or overloaded liver, including headaches, skin issues, weak immune systems, digestive problems, and fatigue. Supporting your liver health is critical since it is hard for most people to eliminate toxins from their lives.
Top ingredients used in liver supplements
Here are the top ingredients that you will commonly find in effective liver supplements, including the ones featured above on this list:
Milk thistle
Nearly all liver supplements include milk thistle due to its proven ability to repair, heal and protect the liver. The beneficial effects of milk thistle are derived from its natural flavonoids and antioxidants that promote detoxification and optimize liver function. Milk thistle helps in promoting healing for liver damage caused by alcohol, drugs, and disease. This ingredient is used across the world for treating cirrhosis, viral hepatitis, and alcoholic hepatitis. It’s chemical name is silymarin, and its more concentrated form is extracted from the seeds of the milk thistle plant. Milk thistle works by safeguarding the liver from free radicals and toxins. It blocks free radicals from entering the liver cells and causing any damage. It also removes any toxins that may have entered the liver cells. In addition, milk thistle promotes glutathione production in the body. Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that has more substantial beneficial effects than taking vitamin E.
Turmeric root
Turmeric root is a popular antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredient that is widely used in liver supplements. The polyphenols found in this natural ingredient helps lower your vulnerability to fatty liver disease. Multiple studies have shown that stress can result in physiological changes within the liver, contributing to fatty liver issues. However, when the study participants were given a mixture of green tea and turmeric, the researchers found a considerable reduction in stress markers to develop various liver conditions like fatty liver. Turmeric also has strong antioxidant effects that help to prevent liver damage caused by free radicals. These antioxidants can even reduce your susceptibility to various cancers in the body.
Artichoke leaf
Artichoke leaf is commonly eaten across Europe, North American, and the Mediterranean region as an essential remedy for multiple liver issues. Artichoke contains cynarin, a potent compound that increases bile production inside the liver, improving the detoxification process efficiency. This ingredient helps the liver efficiently eliminate any harmful toxins in the body, like chemicals and alcohol. The flavonoids in artichoke leaf are also helpful in improving your immune function and preventing further liver damage. Moreover, the artichoke leaf contributes to general health by maintaining stable blood sugar and cholesterol levels, particularly in people vulnerable to heart complications.
Dandelion root
A study discovered that dandelion root use could help prevent liver damage caused by various environmental toxins like chemicals and alcohol. Dandelion root improves your liver health by increasing its efficiency in removing toxins and boosting bile production. Researchers also discovered that dandelion root has potent antioxidants that can fight free radicals to safeguard the liver cells. In another research, rabbits were given high cholesterol foods and treated with the dandelion extract. The results showed that this herbal ingredient managed to enhance plasma antioxidant activities and the overall lipid profile. A bonus of dandelion root beyond helping to cleanse the liver is that it prevents oxidative stress related to atherosclerosis.
Zinc
Zinc is a vital trace compound that supports DNA synthesis, immune function, and cell division. Chronic liver issues can often result in a deficiency of zinc. In a recent study, health experts established that supplementing with zinc may prevent liver damage caused by hepatitis C infections and oxidative stress.
Yellow dock root
Yellow dock root is yet another common ingredient in many liver supplements. This herb promotes detoxification, and it keeps the lymphatic system and the liver free of toxins. Studies suggest that it works by increasing the speed at which toxins and pollutants are eliminated from the body. The yellow dock was historically added in traditional herbal remedies alongside essiac tea to cleanse the body. This ancient herb also increases your urination frequency, which further assists in the elimination of toxins. In addition, yellow dock increases the release of water and mucus in the digestive tract, thus enhancing the speed of eliminating waste from your body. Yellow dock contains plenty of anthraquinones, which are essential in bowel movement regulation and prevent constipation. That is why yellow dock may be recommended for people with sluggish digestive systems.
Beetroot
Beetroot is an excellent source of nutrients like potassium, manganese, folic acid, and fiber. This bright purple vegetable root is grown and used in many areas across the world. Most liver supplements contain beetroot in their formulas because it is a potent detoxifier and a nourishing tonic. Beetroot also contains essential antioxidant compounds that eliminate free radicals while reducing inflammation across the body. The high source of fiber in beetroot plays a crucial role in detoxification since it promotes efficient waste movement throughout your digestive system. Meanwhile, the pectin content in this root is thought to enhance the detoxifying action in the liver to improve toxin removal. Beetroot juice has also been associated with multiple health benefits like preventing medical conditions caused by inflammation and oxidative stress.
Licorice root
The active compound in licorice root is known as glycyrrhizin acid, and it helps reduce inflammation inside the liver while regenerating damaged cells. Research on rats found that consumption of licorice root reversed the harmful effects of fat accumulation and alcohol inflammation in the liver. In a different study, people with hepatitis C were given either glycyrrhizin injections or placebo injections. The findings showed that the people who were given glycyrrhizin injections experienced considerable reductions in their symptoms than those given placebo injections.
Ginger
Ginger is widely used in liver support products due to its effective anti-inflammatory effects. The therapeutic compounds in ginger, like shogaol and gingerol, have been shown to restrict inflammatory chemicals, like cytokines and prostaglandins, in the body. Inflammation contributes significantly to fatty liver disease, and research shows that ginger supplementation may help prevent this condition. Several studies also show that using ginger supplements can help to improve the effectiveness and health benefits of various lifestyle interventions like exercise and healthy nutrition in treating liver issues.
Choline
Choline is one of the structural compounds of fat, and it is vital for optimal liver functioning since it is essential for transporting fat across the body. The other critical benefit of choline supplementation is that it plays a crucial role in preventing toxin accumulation in the liver. It achieves this benefit by transporting both triglycerides and cholesterol away from your liver to various other areas in the body where other organs require it. The addition of choline to liver supplements can also enhance sleep quality, recovery time, mood, and energy levels. Furthermore, since choline is necessary for optimal muscle nerve function, it can also relieve muscle aches and prevent fatigue and pains after working out.
Molybdenum
The other notable ingredient that you will find in liver support products is molybdenum, an essential compound that works as an enzyme catalyst while enhancing the digestion of amino acids. There are various enzymes inside the body that require the presence of molybdenum to work efficiently. They include xanthine oxidase, aldehyde oxidase, and sulfite oxidase. These enzymes play different roles, including metabolizing and breaking down toxins. Liver supplements will typically contain molybdenum glycinate, which is the highest bioavailable form of this essential nutrient. Molybdenum works inside the liver to significantly inhibit liver fibrosis, which is the scarring and thickening of tissue. In addition, molybdenum protects the liver from damage caused by certain prescription medications like doxorubicin and acetaminophen.
Selenium
Selenium is a vital trace mineral that occurs naturally in certain foods and also in the soil. This mineral has multiple benefits, including the fact that it is required for producing thioredoxin reductase and glutathione peroxidase. These enzymes are necessary for reducing the presence of oxidized molecules in the body. Since oxidation is one of the causes of liver damage, supplementing with minerals like selenium that help fight oxidation is critical for maintaining optimal liver health. A recently published study showed that people with chronic liver problems, autoimmune disease, or chronic hepatitis C infection had significantly low selenium levels in their bodies compared to healthy people. In addition, selenium is necessary for maintaining tissue elasticity inside the liver, especially in people with chronic liver problems. Most of the liver conditions can result in rigid liver tissues and blocked blood vessels. Consumption of selenium helps in preserving and retaining elasticity while supporting optimal hepatic circulation.
How to maintain a healthy liver
The liver plays a vital role in the body of flushing out and eliminating the numerous toxins that you encounter either in your environment, lifestyle or diet. Everybody’s system relies on the liver to eliminate impurities and keep the entire body working correctly. These impurities include food additives, medications, and environmental toxins, among others. An excellent example of a toxin is acetaldehyde, which is endogenously produced in your gut or derived from alcohol. Regular acetaldehyde exposure results in inflammation in the body, which causes scar tissues inside the liver. Scarred cells in the liver cannot function effectively, which means that your overall liver function will be affected. The liver also has to filter and eliminate numerous other toxins like processed foods, pollution, and drugs. Even exposure to sunlight or working out can cause your body to create more free radicals that can end up hurting your liver. Free radicals often cause injury to tissues and cells inside the liver, thus increasing your susceptibility to chronic liver diseases. Nevertheless, there are a few strategies you can use to maintain optimal liver function, and they include:
Reduce your fat consumption
Most people today consume fat-heavy diets that are full of fried foods, fast foods, and sweets. Not only do these terrible diets result in weight gain, but they can also contribute to various liver problems. Hence, it is recommended to use a balanced, healthy diet to ensure your liver is always functioning at its peak capacity.
Avoid toxins
The various chemicals in cleaning products, aerosols, insecticides, and other products can cause significant damage to your liver. If you must use these chemical products, you need to ensure that you use them in a well-ventilated room. In addition, avoid smoking as it is also harmful to your liver health.
Drink responsibly
Alcohol contains toxins that can significantly harm your liver. Taking liquor, wine, or beer in large quantities over a long time will destroy your liver cells, resulting in cirrhosis. The solution here is to consume alcohol moderately to avoid straining your liver.
Avoid chronic drug use
Each drug you consume must be digested and eliminated by the liver. That means chronic misuse or use of various drugs like inhalants and steroids can permanently destroy this essential organ. Regular use of illicit or harmful drugs like heroin will also cause significant damage to your liver, and therefore, they must be avoided.
Never mix alcohol and prescription medication
The use of alcohol alongside certain prescription medications can increase liver damage. Hence, you should read the usage instructions carefully when taking any prescription drugs. You should avoid alcohol intake if the product label states that the interaction of those two compounds is unsafe.
What are the common symptoms of liver issues?
The liver performs various essential functions in the body. A healthy and efficient working liver metabolizes fat, synthesizes hormones, and removes waste and toxins from your blood. In contrast, a diseased, malfunctioning, or damaged liver can often result in risky and life-threatening outcomes. Hepatitis is one of the widely known liver issues that occur due to chronic liver inflammation. The most common cause of hepatitis is viral infections. Nevertheless, exposure to certain medications, toxins, alcohol intake, and excessive fat deposits inside the liver may result in hepatitis. Here are some of the main symptoms of a poorly functioning liver:
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Unintended weight loss
- Lack of appetite
- Vomiting and nausea
- Grey stools
- Dark urine
- Discomfort or pain in the upper abdominal area
People with advanced liver issues may experience the following symptoms:
- Difficulty thinking or confusion
- Mood or personality changes
- Memory loss
- Itchy skin
- Fluid retention inside the abdomen
- Edema and feet swelling
- Bruising or bleeding relatively easily
- Jaundice
When should you see a doctor?
While using liver support supplements helps enhance your overall liver function, certain situations are best to consult a doctor. For instance, people should visit their healthcare provider if they start experiencing severe liver damage or hepatitis symptoms. It is worth noting that most people will remain asymptomatic during the initial stages of liver damage. Routine screening and annual checkups will be essential for the early detection and treatment of liver issues.
Comparing Liver Products At a Glance
Oweli Liver Detox |
|
1MD LiverMD |
|
Live Conscious LiverWell |
|
Organifi Liver Detox |
|
Amy Myers MD Liver Support |
|
Top Liver Supplements in 2022 Conclusion
Current research shows that the various ingredients like milk thistle, licorice root, zinc, selenium, and other nutrients in liver support supplements may help prevent liver damage. The top liver support supplements featured above are safe to use and can help eliminate unwanted toxins from the body. Nevertheless, it is always best to consult your doctor before consuming any dietary supplements.