Then things changed. Let’s put it this way: the food you were eating as a kid and a young adult aren’t what they’re eating nowadays. And with that came a condition known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, or NAFLD.
These days, NAFLD is extremely common and is estimated to affect over 25% of the global population.
Liver health is a huge concern.
It’s why you see advertisements for charcoal-infused products and other compounds that may have protective effects.
A healthy diet that’s low in processed foods is a surefire way to reduce, or even eliminate, the risk for NAFLD. There is even evidence that broccoli can have some extra protective capabilities.
When it comes to prevention, diet is king.
But if you want to take additional steps for a healthy liver, you might be interested in something called milk thistle. It’s an herbal extract that has some decent evidence behind it.
There is some research showing that it can serve as an effective option for promoting and supporting liver health, potentially helping to lower inflammation and damage that can occur and impair function.
Your liver metabolizes everything that you eat and drink. Some substances, like alcohol, sugar, and trans fats, are toxic and can damage liver tissue. There is research that indicates milk thistle may neutralize these damaging compounds to limit liver damage.
At this point, however, more work needs to be done to confirm the efficacy of milk thistle. Its effects seem to enhance other options for improving liver health and function.