Turmeric & Healthy Liver Function
Problems with certain organs in the human body can often dictate the quality of a person’s life, the liver is such an organ. Liver problems are afflicting more and more people each day. Some in the medical community may not be surprised given the widespread issues of obesity and diabetes in modern society. A major problem is fatty liver, a condition that affects numerous people across the globe. The aforementioned challenges with obesity and diabetes contribute to one’s chances of getting fatty liver. Research studies reveal that the polyphenols in turmeric may be helpful for reducing the risk of fatty liver while decreasing stress at the cellular level. This study is just one of the recent examples in the literature showing a strong benefit of turmeric with liver health. The wonders of the spice turmeric have long been known in other parts of the world, western medicine has now got the message by initiating more research studies about this amazing product. Turmeric is now considered a possible liver healer along with its other numerous properties and healing benefits.
Is Turmeric Liver’s Best Friend?
A recent clinical trial published in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine delivered positive results turmeric’s effectiveness in facilitating the liver’s protective and regenerative properties. The study even claimed that turmeric may be considered a diseased liver’s best friend, high praise indeed. Medical researchers based in South Korea at the Clinical Trial Center for Functional Foods, Chonbuk National University Hospital put their hypothesis to the test that curcumin/turmeric could boost liver function. They administered a fermented form to subjects, 20 years old and older, who were diagnosed with mild to moderate elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, a maker for liver damage and/or dysfunction. 60 subjects were randomized to receive 3.0 g per fermented turmeric powder (FTP) or placebo 3.0 g per day for 3 months. The treatment group were given two capsules of FTP three times a day after meals, for 3 months.
The results were terrific indeed. Not only did FTP remarkably decrease ALT levels in patients, but also lowered serum aspartate transaminase (AST) and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), two extra enzymes which when elevated are commonly associated with liver damage. The effects continued provided the patients stayed on the treatment. Furthermore, FTP was well tolerated and without major negative effects. The study along with others provides more evidence as to the effectiveness of turmeric in fighting numerous medical conditions. Turmeric delivers powerful polyphenol curcumin’s liver protecting properties.
Fatty Liver & Turmeric
As far as fatty liver is concerned, a recent study examined the effect of turmeric polyphenols on the livers of cows. Because many conventional feedlots are crowded and dirty, cows experience enormous stress. The stress is conducive to physiological changes that impact the health of the liver in much the same way as stress impacts the liver (among other organs) in humans. It has been suggested that physiological stress of the endoplasmic reticulum in the liver contributes to fatty liver development, just like excess consumption of refined sugars.
In the study, a major stress hormone in the liver was remarkably lowered in the group of cows given the polyphenol mixture consisting of turmeric and green tea. Furthermore, the study also showed reduction in irritation markers, suggesting a possible risk reduction for fatty liver. The researchers concluded that turmeric polyphenols may be helpful in decreasing fatty liver risk in cows. Considering that the induction of fatty liver works in the same way, turmeric may be helpful in fighting fatty liver in humans as well.
Turmeric also helps repair damaged liver tissues promoting good liver health. With its effectiveness suggested in many studies so far, more resources and studies will turn to discovering just how powerful this wonder spice could be to help those with liver issues. Already, turmeric has helped patients with liver problems and helping improve liver fibroid. Additionally, turmeric can uniquely assist the enzymes that are responsible for flushing out known dietary carcinogens. The result is enhanced protection against liver damage, and even regeneration of affected liver cells.
Please note: This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Results may vary from individual to individual.
