From aiding digestion to detoxifying and regulating blood, the liver is one incredibly hardworking organ.
Sadly, many of us are guilty of not giving it the TLC it deserves, especially in Yuletide. Overloading it with endless rounds of mulled wine (and Christmas cocktails) plus rich food; is it any wonder we feel the need to mark up January as the month we give both our wallet and liver a break?
Though the liver is excellent at regenerating itself (indeed, more so than any other organ), there is a limit. Sustained abuse and liver damage can lead to a host of health issues, from jaundice, bruising, muscle wastage and more. Worst case? It can lead to liver cirrhosis, which can cause irreversible damage to health. Sobering stuff.
We spoke to health professionals and experts about the liver's role and how to keep it healthy all year round.
Dr Gareth Morris-Stiff CMO from Equilibrium Labs & The Liver Clinic sas tells us that the liver can usually cope with seasonal excess; the danger is when excess arrives on [top of a] background of a bad diet”. This can overload its capacity, stress the liver, and lead to further liver damage, he told The Standard.
Natasha Richardson, Hormone Health Expert, Medical Herbalist & Founder of Forage adds: “If your liver is already processing a lot, say cortisol in times of prolonged stress, it creates a back-log of the other hormones which are then re-circulated while they wait to be processed. This can push the body into a state of hormone imbalance without it necessarily being because you made too much of the hormone to begin with. It’s just taking too long to get rid of it.”
There are ways to ease liver burden in the season of excess. Richardson points to plants, advising “Bitters such as dandelion or burdock root are great at helping the liver break down toxins in the body, essentially up-regulating the liver. Milk thistle is another brilliant herb as it helps heal the liver and recover liver cells quicker than they would otherwise.”
Dr Morris-Stiff weighs in: “The biggest threat to your liver and health will be ultra-processed foods, and excess alcohol, especially when the latter is mixed with sugar. Overconsuming paracetamol for hangovers is a further insult to the liver.” He suggests drinking water with alcohol and sticking to a nutritionally balanced diet where possible.
Gen Z has coined a new phrase for moderate drinking called Zebra Striping where a full-strength drink is followed with a soft drink or water to help limit damage and practice mindful glugging.
Of course, good liver health isn’t just for Christmas: it should be a year-round consideration. The doctor warns that “Fatty liver disease has reached epidemic proportions and affects up to 40 per cent of the adult population”. The Liver Clinic offers an ultrasound treatment (Fibroscan, £299) to identify if you are among them. His advice for a lean, mean, fighting-fit liver? Steering clear of ultra-processed food by eating fresh. Meanwhile, Richardson suggests getting into the habit of adding milk thistle to your routine.
If you’d like to reinforce your liver health, there are plenty of supplements to help. We’ve rounded up the best of them below.
Shop now
De-liver-ance supplement
A punny name is only part of the attraction of this liver-boosting supplement from Equilibrium Labs.
The others? Well, it's packed with powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory plant-based ingredients, picked from 5000 years of traditional medicine, herbal knowledge and molecular biology. Think honey, turmeric, ginseng and more.
It tastes, as you’d imagine, very botanical but there’s no lingering aftertaste and a tall glass of water afterwards will swiftly remove any memory of it.
It's worth the effort; studies have shown that De-liver-ance has improved scan results in those with fatty liver disease.
Buy now £90.00, John Bell Croyden
Vitabiotics Liverel
A trusted name in supplements, Vitabiotics presents its liver-aiding solution in Liverell. The advanced formula is packed with goodness from artichokes, grapefruit extracts, choline and Co-Q 10 amongst a menu of other essential vitamins and minerals. It can also help some users with bloating and sharpening mental clarity.
Buy now £13.25, Amazon
Free Soul Choline Supplement
Packed with acai berry, turmeric, artichoke, ginger and more, this daily supplement is designed to support healthy liver function. There are 120 tablets in the bottle and no after-taste, making it easy to incorporate into your routine. Take two with water every day.
Buy now £12.59, Amazon
PuroLabs Milk Thistle
PuroLabs Milk Thistle supplement is a high-strength 40:1 milk thistle extract that’s vegan-friendly and contains no hidden nasties. Made in the UK with clean ingredients and fewer additives, it offers all of the good stuff to help the liver without the fillers or unnecessary ingredients that some cheaper brands bulk their supplements out with.
PuroLabs uses a highly concentrated extract that’s naturally dried from the full spectrum herb and each capsule is free from titanium dioxide, magnesium stearate, iron oxide, silicon dioxide, maltodextrin and palm oil.
Buy now £19.19, PuroLabs
HRI Milk Thistle Tablets
Milk thistle is traditionally used as an herbal remedy for various health conditions, especially those affecting the liver, gallbladder and skin. These easy-to-swallow HRI Milk Thistle Tablets help to relieve the symptoms associated with occasional overindulgence of food and drink like indigestion or an upset stomach. Ideal for a gentle detox, they help you to feel a little more ‘back to normal’ if you’ve been away on holiday or have been celebrating a special occasion.
Buy now £13.99, Holland & Barrett
FürstenMED Milk Thistle Artichoke Dandelion & Choline
If it's your liver causing you frustrations and you're ready to tackle the problem head-on, these FürstenMED Milk Thistle Artichoke Dandelion & Choline capsules could be just the solution. Blending an optimal high-dose complex of milk thistle (80 per cent silymarin), artichoke (2.5 per cent cynarin), dandelion and choline, these high-quality extracts combine for an optimal effect on the body.
Buy now £28.49, Amazon
Rebound, Liver Detox Supplement
Filled to the hilt with hangover-busting essentials - B Vitamins, B1, B2, B6, B12 - Rebound promises to do exactly what it says on the, er, pouch. The 40 vegan capsules also include NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine) which converts into L-Cysteine in the body, a helpful soldier in detoxifying nasty chemicals floating around your system. There's also rosemary leaf to give your liver a helping hand.
Most convincing review?: "The "Hangover Rebound" liver detox supplement has proven to be a true lifesaver for me on numerous occasions. As someone who occasionally enjoys a night out with friends, this product has become an essential part of my post-party recovery routine... I've found that taking this supplement after a night out significantly reduces the severity of a hangover, helping me bounce back quicker. It also helps me feel more energized and clear-headed the next day, which is a welcome relief."
Recommended use states that you should take two capsules before your party and another two before bed. Pair with Hangcure Rehydrate Hydration Powder Electrolyte Drink to help replenish lost minerals, electrolytes and vitamins.
Buy now £19.99, Amazon
Holland & Barrett Milk Thistle 100mg 30 Capsules
According to nutritionist Lily Soutter, “Studies have shown that the active components of milk thistle may help to ease liver inflammation and promote cell repair.” This explains why the herbal remedy is used to boost liver health and help it recover from toxins such as alcohol. Take one a day with your main meal.
Buy now £5.49, Holland & Barrett
NUTRALIVER Liver Support Tea
The soothing benefits of a piping hot cup of tea are just the start of why we have chosen to include this night-after brew. The herbal remedy offers a subtle flavour that is restorative, bringing hydration to the body and combatting fatigue. After a night of alcohol consumption, the all-natural blend of milk thistle, liquorice, peppermint, fennel and turmeric supports the detoxification of the liver and is invigorating. The ingredients have been sustainably and ethically sourced - and there are no hidden elements
Buy now £6.59, Amazon
