Micronutrient therapy
| Stimulates liver detoxification |
| L-glutathione neutralizes toxic metabolic products including formaldehyde and acetaldehyde, two cytotoxins produced by alcohol, drugs or pesticides in the liver. In addition, the synthesis capacity of the liver cells is directly influenced by the intracellular glutathione stores. Lecithin intake of > 1 g/day improves membrane properties and limits the accumulation of triglycerides and other fats in the liver cells, which promotes the regeneration of the cells in acute liver damage and diseases relating to alcohol abuse. In addition, lecithin stimulates the liver's enzymatic systems to degrade and excrete toxins and foreign substances. Phospholipids can also have a positive effect on antioxidative processes by increasing the glutathione status. Black cumin seed oil strengthens the endogenous antioxidant protection systems of the liver. Both the lipid peroxidation of hepatocyte membranes and the oxidation of liver enzymes can be reduced by additional supplementation with black cumin seed oil. As the central detoxification organ, the liver is exposed to a high oxidative load by toxins. Radical scavenging mechanisms efficiently increase the protective functions. This is particularly important when taking medication. |
| Plant extracts to strengthen the liver |
| Milk thistle extract (Silybum fructus) contains the active ingredient complex silymarin, which has positive effects in clinical studies, especially in chronic inflammation, toxic and alcohol-related liver diseases and liver cirrhosis. Silymarin can prevent the penetration of toxic compounds into hepatocytes by binding to membrane proteins. In addition, the protein synthesis rate and thus the regenerative ability of the healthy liver cells is increased and repair of damaged cells is supported. Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) increases the metabolic performance of the liver, stimulates cell growth and cell division and protects against many cell toxic substances through an antioxidant effect. |
| Supports the liver - supplies essential amino acids |
| The branched-chain amino acids L-leucine, L-valine and L-isoleucine (BCAAs) are mainly metabolized in the skeletal muscles and only to a small degree in the liver. They are therefore an important dietary measure for maintaining protein balance in liver diseases, especially liver cirrhosis. In a damaged liver parenchyma, they represent a less burdensome protein source than other amino acids. In addition, supplementation with BCAAs increases hepatic and extrahepatic ammonia detoxification and can normalize amino acid imbalances and improve psychomotor functions in liver diseases. |
| Compensates for micronutrient deficits |
| Chronic alcohol consumption affects the metabolism of magnesium and almost all vitamins. Vitamin-B6 metabolism seems to be particularly disturbed, because alcohol affects the phosphorylation of pyridoxine to P5P in the liver. Due to the involvement of P5P in neurotransmitter synthesis, there is a direct correlation with neurological deficits in alcoholics. The limited immune defense could also be explained by the insufficient endogenous P5P formation. |