Liver Food Supplement

Athletes, due to their intense physical activity, put a lot of strain on the liver, a key organ for managing nutrients and waste in the body. A dietary supplement for the liver therefore helps support these many key functions in order to maintain a good energy level and effectively detoxify the body.

Why take a liver supplement?

As the seasons change and our lifestyle changes, our body accumulates various wastes and toxins . These harmful substances can be endogenous (produced by our own body) or exogenous (coming from external sources). The liver plays a crucial role in transforming these toxins to facilitate their elimination through the biliary or renal tracts . But when our liver becomes active to rid our body of these substances, we can feel tired. An overworked liver can be identified by the following symptoms:

• weakening of immune defenses;
• a persistent feeling of fatigue;
• a lack of energy;
• digestive disorders;
• dull hair and brittle nails;
• a dull complexion.

In such cases, a detox cure or drainage can be beneficial to improve your well-being. A liver food supplement is specially designed to help eliminate toxins and detoxify your body.

What is the role of the liver in the body?

The liver is a vital organ of the human body , located in the abdomen, below the diaphragm. It plays a central role in several functions essential to our survival. First, the liver acts as a metabolic factory (1). It transforms nutrients absorbed by the intestine (such as carbohydrates, lipids and proteins) into substances usable by the body, such as glucose for energy or amino acids for building proteins. Second, the liver is a detoxification organ . It filters and neutralizes toxic substances present in the blood (2), whether they come from food, medications, or internal metabolic processes. These toxins are then eliminated via the bile or the kidneys. The liver also stores vital elements such as glycogen, a form of glucose reserved for rapid energy needs, as well as vitamins and minerals. In addition, it produces bile , a liquid essential for the digestion of fats, which is stored in the gallbladder before being released into the intestine. Finally, the liver plays a role in the regulation of hormones and participates in the synthesis of proteins necessary for blood clotting.

Athletes: the benefits of a dietary supplement for the liver

Nutrient management support

The liver plays a central role in metabolizing proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids , which are essential for energy and muscle recovery. During intense exercise, the body uses more of these nutrients, so the liver has to work harder to convert them into energy and repair elements. A liver health supplement can provide specific nutrients (such as certain vitamins or antioxidants) that support the liver in this function, for better management of energy resources .

Helps eliminate toxins

Intense physical activity can increase the production of free radicals , molecules that can cause cell damage. The liver is responsible for neutralizing these free radicals and eliminating other toxins produced by metabolism. Certain dietary supplements, which contain antioxidants or substances that promote detoxification, can help the liver perform this task more effectively. This body mechanism then helps reduce oxidative stress .

Better muscle recovery

After training, the liver plays a role in muscle repair by providing necessary protein and removing metabolic waste produced during exercise. A liver supplement may support these processes by improving amino acid availability and facilitating the removal of exercise byproducts, such as ammonia or lactic acid.

Maintaining sports performance

If the liver is overloaded or functioning less efficiently, this can result in increased fatigue and slower recovery. Inevitably, these points then negatively impact athletic performance. Although the scientific evidence is still limited (3), some dietary supplements are formulated to help maintain optimal liver function , which may contribute to improved endurance and athletic performance.

Weight and body composition management

The liver is also involved in regulating fat metabolism . For athletes looking to optimize their body composition, a healthy liver is crucial. A liver supplement may contain ingredients that support this metabolic function, for better utilization of fat as an energy source and therefore optimized weight management.

When to do a liver detox cure?

Taking a dietary supplement for the liver in the form of a cure is particularly recommended when you feel signs of liver overwork or when your lifestyle may have put more strain on this essential organ. Among the most favorable moments, we find:

• Change of season : The transition from winter to spring or from summer to fall is often an ideal time to do a detox. You help your body get rid of the toxins accumulated during the previous season and prepare for the new weather conditions.
• After overeating : If you have recently consumed foods high in fat, sugar or alcohol (for example after the holidays or vacations), a detox can help your liver recover and regenerate.
• In case of persistent fatigue : if you feel unexplained fatigue, a lack of energy or if you have recurring digestive problems, it may be wise to take a dietary supplement for the liver in order to support this organ in its functions.
• After a period of intense stress : Chronic stress can negatively affect liver function. A detox after a period of significant stress can help restore balance.
• After prolonged medication : Some medications can put a lot of strain on the liver. A detox after prolonged medication can help eliminate medication residue and support liver recovery. However, always seek the advice of your healthcare professional before taking a liver supplement under these conditions.

What vitamins and minerals work in synergy with a liver supplement?

To support liver function, certain vitamins and minerals can work synergistically with a liver supplement:

• Vitamin C : A powerful antioxidant, vitamin C helps neutralize free radicals and supports liver detoxification.
• Vitamin E : Another antioxidant, vitamin E protects liver cells from oxidative damage.
• Zinc : Zinc is an important mineral for liver enzyme function and regulation of the inflammatory response.
• Magnesium : Magnesium supports enzymatic processes in the liver, particularly those related to toxin management.

Sources:

(1) https://afef.asso.fr/les-entreprises-de-mon-foie/

(2) https://www.medecinesciences.org/en/articles/medsci/full_html/2007/12/medsci20072311p985/medsci20072311p985.html#:~:text=The%20liver%20is%20also%20un,from%20r%C3%A9action%20immune.

(3) https://www.fmcgastro.org/texte-postu/postu-2019-paris/toxicite-hepatique-des-complements-alimentaires/