I decided to start a new series of blogs titled “Healthy Aging, Inside Out. “These blogs will explore various aspects of health that are crucial for slowing the aging process or addressing common aging issues- all from the inside out. It is your choice: do you want Garbage In, Garbage Out, or Healthy In, Healthy Out? First up is liver health.
Liver health is vital for healthy aging, as it is essential for many physiological processes that help maintain the body’s balance and resilience over time. Here’s a breakdown of why maintaining liver health becomes even more important as we age:
Detoxification and Metabolic Waste Removal
The liver is the body’s primary detoxification organ. It filters out toxins, drugs, alcohol, and metabolic byproducts from the bloodstream. As we age, liver function may naturally decline, which reduces the body’s efficiency in detoxification. Poor liver health can lead to the accumulation of harmful substances, increasing oxidative stress and inflammation—two key drivers of age-related health challenges.
Metabolism and Energy Production
The liver is essential for regulating metabolism by breaking down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins to generate energy. A healthy liver helps maintain stable blood sugar levels and supports fat metabolism. As metabolism slows with age, a well-functioning liver can help counteract weight gain, insulin resistance, and energy dips, which are common among older adults.
Nutrient Storage and Activation
The liver stores and activates essential nutrients, including vitamins A, D, E, K, and B12, along with iron and copper. These nutrients contribute to immune function, bone density, cognition, and skin health—all vital for aging. Impaired liver function can restrict the body’s access to these nutrients, worsening age-related deficiencies.
Hormonal Balance
The liver regulates hormone levels, including estrogen, cortisol, and thyroid hormones. For older adults, especially postmenopausal women and aging men, maintaining hormonal balance is crucial for mood, cognitive function, and metabolic health. A sluggish liver may contribute to hormonal imbalances that affect sleep, weight, and overall vitality.
Inflammation and Immune Function
Chronic low-grade inflammation, referred to as “inflammaging,” is a hallmark of aging. The liver produces anti-inflammatory proteins and plays a critical role in regulating the immune system. Dysfunction of the liver may contribute to immune dysregulation, increasing susceptibility to infections, autoimmune disorders, and age-related diseases like cardiovascular disease and cancer.
Cholesterol and Cardiovascular Health
The liver produces and clears cholesterol. A healthy liver helps maintain proper lipid levels, reducing the risk of atherosclerosis, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease—leading causes of death in older adults. Age-related changes in liver function can impair lipid metabolism, which elevates cardiovascular risk.
Supplemental Support
Fortunately, several clinically researched natural supplements can support liver health and function as we age. This list does not assert an impact on diseases or health conditions but rather emphasizes that these supplements are documented to aid the liver and promote its health.
Altilix®: Artichoke Leaf Extract
Altilix is a proprietary extract derived from artichoke leaves. It is known for its liver-protective properties. Studies have shown it can help reduce liver fat accumulation and improve liver function. One study found that artichoke leaf extract significantly decreased liver enzymes and improved liver histology in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver. Altilix supplementation also reduced oxidative stress and inflammation in the liver.
Siliphos: Enhanced Bioavailability of Silybin
Siliphos is a patented formulation that combines silybin, the active component of milk thistle, with phospholipids to enhance its bioavailability. Silybin has long been recognized for its hepatoprotective effects. Research indicates that Siliphos can effectively reduce liver fat and improve liver enzyme levels in individuals with NAFL. A clinical trial also showed that Siliphos supplementation improved liver function in those with chronic liver health issues.
4’LiverTM
4’LiverTM is something new to the natural health market. It is a potent herbal extract traditionally used in Ayurvedic formulas. It combines two herbs (Terminalia chebula and Sphaeranthus indicus). A recent studyshowed that 4’LiverTM helped reduce fatty liver index, impacts the progression of fatty liver, supports liver biomarkers, healthy blood fat levels (LDL, HDL, etc.), supports overall liver function, and acts as a potent antioxidant protecting the liver.
Other Noteworthy Liver Health Ingredients
Dandelion Root (Taraxacum officinale)
Research indicates that dandelion extract can enhance bile production and aid in liver detoxification processes. One study found that dandelion root extract improved liver function and decreased liver damage in animal models. Another study demonstrated that dandelion supplementation significantly lowered liver enzymes and enhanced liver histology in patients with liver health issues.
Black Cumin Seed Oil
Black cumin seed oil, better known as black seed oil, supports the liver in several ways. It has antioxidant capacity, anti-inflammatory activity, antifibrotic properties, and lipid metabolism regulation. These properties combine to be protective, play a role in liver fibrosis, and help address fatty liver.
Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
Turmeric’s active component, curcumin, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that may help reduce liver inflammation and support liver function.
Probiotics
Probiotics improve gut health, which is closely linked to liver function. They can help reduce inflammation and may benefit individuals with liver diseases.
As we approach the topic of healthy aging, starting with the liver and its health is a no-brainer. As we see above, its health plays a vital role in many critical aspects of health. The ingredients that help maintain liver health, enhance detoxification, and support overall vitality are key to any healthy aging strategy.