A healthy liver is an essential part of maintaining optimum health. Exposure to environmental toxins, poor diet, drugs and alcohol can over work the liver and set the stage for major health conditions. The liver has an amazing ability to regenerate itself when part of it is damaged. Nourishing the liver by maintaining a healthful diet and lifestyle can support the important functions of this vital organ.

The liver is the largest gland of the body located above the abdominal cavity under the diaphragm. The liver is one of the most important organs of the body and has many functions including:

• Detoxification of harmful substances and metabolic wastes.
• A major role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and fats.
• The absorption and storage of fat soluble vitamins from foods.
• Regulating blood sugar by converting excess glucose into glycogen, the body's main source of stored energy.
• Secretion of bile which is stored in the gallbladder and used to digest fats.
• Breaking down hormones in the body.

What's In It and How Does It Work?

Artichoke Extract is a member of the thistle family and contains compounds that enhance both the production of bile and the liver's detoxification process. Many toxins are eliminated through the bile. Bile salts help to emulsify fats which aids the pancreas with digestion. Bile plays a critical role in the body by helping to protect the liver from congestion and inflammatory responses. Bile is also necessary to create the right kind of environment in the small intestines. Artichoke extract can regulate the production of cholesterol in the liver and help convert cholesterol to bile acids.

Beet Leaf and Black Radish both work in conjunction with the liver's detoxification process and carbohydrate and fat metabolism. Beet leaf may help to normalize the pH of the blood and stimulate bile flow. Black Radish is rich in vitamins, A,C, D, E and bioflavonoids and may support heavy metal detoxification.

Dandelion Root is a nourishing herb that contains highly assimilable minerals. In the botanical classification of herbs, it is considered a blood purifier, having most of its beneficial action on the liver. It strengthens the liver by promoting bile secretion and provides a gentle cleansing action in the elimination of metabolic waste.

Milk Thistle is recognized as an excellent herbal support for healthy liver function. Milk Thistle can protect the liver against harmful toxins and chemicals. The active phytocompound in milk thistle is Silymarin, which is recognized as having powerful liver protective activity. Studies have shown that Silymarin has strong antioxidant properties because of its ability to increase GSH, or liver glutathione. Glutathione functions as a coenzyme in the body that works against oxidative damage to cells.

B vitamins are necessary for a healthy nervous system and they assist the liver in the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and proteins. Stress, alcohol, tobacco, excessive sugar and caffeine can decrease the levels of B vitamins in the body. B vitamins are water soluble and are flushed out of the body regularly. They are not stored in the body and any excess is excreted. B vitamins must be replenished daily through whole foods and supplementation. Vitamin B12 helps the body to rebuild liver cells. Vitamin B6 has a mild diuretic action that helps in the body's process of eliminating toxins.* It is an essential B vitamin needed for the body to assimilate protein and fat. B6 is required for the absorption of B12 as well. Inositol is another member of the B family and plays a role in the body's fat metabolism. Inositol combines with Choline in the body to form Lecithin. Lecithin breaks up cholesterol and moves it through the bloodstream.

Turmeric Extract also know as Indian Saffron spice, has been extensively used in both the Ayurvedic and Chinese medical systems for the treatment of many inflammatory conditions. The volatile oil present in turmeric contains anti-inflammatory activity. Turmeric is also high in Vitamin C, an important antioxidant. Turmeric supports liver and gall bladder function by stimulating the flow of bile.

Astaxanthin is a member of the carotenoid family and is a powerful newly discovered antioxidant that helps protect against more types of free radicals than any other antioxidant. It is highly bioavailable because it binds to a lipid (fat) molecule and enters the bloodstream more readily than other antioxidants. Astaxanthin is a fat-soluble nutrient that is able to cross the blood-brain barrier, which enhances its effectiveness.

The natural form of Astaxanthin is derived from the microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis and is at least 10 times more effective as an antioxidant than beta-carotene. Astaxanthin supports healthy liver function by promoting the liver’s detoxification activity and by reducing the number of new and abnormal cells in the liver. Astaxanthin enhances the actions of Vitamin C and E in the body and promotes the release of Vitamin A from the liver when needed. Astaxanthin is 100-500 times more effective than vitamin E with inhibiting lipid peroxidation, which is the destruction of fatty acids and proteins in cell membranes that can cause oxidative damage.

Cumulative, oxidative damage to the liver may increase the risk of age-related health conditions. The mitochondria is the site of the cell's energy production and metabolic activity. The advanced pharmaceutical technology behind Astaxanthin provides an excellent delivery system for nutrients to penetrate the mitochondria of the cell, which promotes a cleansing and therapeutic action at the cellular level. Results from clinical studies testing the safety of Astaxanthin have shown no known toxicity. astaZANTHINTM brand Astaxanthin is a highly concentrated natural extract from H.pluvialis micro algae.