Supplements That Reduce Inflammation of the Liver
Inflamed liver, a condition commonly referred to as hepatitis, may be caused by several hepatitis viruses, according to Health Canada 12. However, other factors, including long-term alcohol abuse, may also cause liver inflammation. Hepatitis may be associated with a variety of symptoms that range from mild to severe. In some cases, liver inflammation may cause serious liver damage. Dietary supplements may help reduce your liver inflammation and improve the health and function of your liver, but these substances should only be used after consulting your family physician.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Inflamed Liver
Your prognosis, or the expected health outcome of hepatitis, usually depends on the cause of your liver inflammation 12. An enlarged or tender liver, jaundice and fluid accumulation in your abdomen, or ascites, are common indications of an inflamed liver.
Appropriate Supplements
Gallbladder & Liver Supplements
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Certain supplements have long been prescribed to help relieve your liver inflammation. Other supplements that have traditionally been used in treating liver inflammation include raw liver extract, lecithin capsules, SAMe, selenium and superoxide dismutase. Some supplements that have been used in treating liver inflammation may require further scientific study to determine their true effectiveness.
A Potent Supplement
Milk thistle may be a potent dietary supplement in treating your liver inflammation. Milk thistle helps protect your liver cells by stabilizing their membranes. Because of this herb's mild laxative effect, it may cause diarrhea in some people.
Warning
Herbal Treatment for Liver Cirrhosis
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Liver inflammation is a serious health problem and is usually indicative of an underlying health condition that requires medical attention and intervention. If the cause of your liver inflammation is not addressed in a timely manner, you may develop irreversible liver damage. Dietary supplements, though often helpful in reducing your liver inflammation, should be used judiciously. Speak with a clinical nutrition specialist before using dietary supplements to treat your liver inflammation.
- Liver inflammation is a serious health problem and is usually indicative of an underlying health condition that requires medical attention and intervention.
- Speak with a clinical nutrition specialist before using dietary supplements to treat your liver inflammation.
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References
- Health Canada: Hepatitis
- PubMed Health: Hepatitis
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Milk Thistle
- Boston Children’s Hospital. Liver failure: symptoms and causes.
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- Thorsen T, Solheim JM, Labori KJ, Line PD, Aandahl EM. Liver transplantation as a lifesaving procedure for posthepatectomy liver failure and iatrogenic liver injuries. Langenbecks Arch Surg. 2019;404(3):301-308. doi:10.1007/s00423-019-01780-3. Epub 2019 Mar 30.
Writer Bio
Martin Hughes is a chiropractic physician, health writer and the co-owner of a website devoted to natural footgear. He writes about health, fitness, diet and lifestyle. Hughes earned his Bachelor of Science in kinesiology at the University of Waterloo and his doctoral degree from Western States Chiropractic College in Portland, Ore.