The Connection Between Heart and Liver Health – Pump, Cleanse and Repeat
Though it should be obvious that our organs work together to achieve health and wellness in our bodies, we may not recognize the importance of how one organ’s health and function can affect the other. As we understand what our bodies need to thrive, factors that affect the function and the connection between heart and liver health are crucial.
For example, the increase and prevalence of fatty liver disease among those who are overweight or who have other medical issues such as diabetes, can directly impact cholesterol and heart health. One of the liver’s functions is to use bile to dissolve fat from the bloodstream. But only so much bile is produced, so additional fat is then stored in the liver. Eventually, excess fat and other bi-products may also make their way back to the heart, leading to plaque build-up or atherosclerosis, according to a 2016 article published by Harvard Medical School.1
Lifestyle Choices that Support Heart and Liver Health
It might not be surprising to learn to that the same tips we’ve heard for years on how to reduce cholesterol are also the same choices we can make to improve liver health and function.
- Reduce or eliminate alcohol consumption – Though fatty liver disease used to be thought of as only affecting heavy drinkers, recent research indicates even people who don’t drink a lot can be affected if other health issues or lifestyle factors are present.*
- Consume plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains – Antioxidants, fiber, and trace minerals all play a part in supporting heart health and detoxification efforts from the liver and other organs
- Lose weight if needed – The Harvard article mentioned above also suggested that research indicates that even losing a little weight in conjunction with exercise could reduce the liver fat levels by up to 40%
Key Nutrients Known to Support Heart and Liver Health
- Vitamin B5 – Among the vital nutrients needed to sustain vitality and health, B Vitamins may be among the most important. Specific to heart health and function, properties in B5 (Pantothenic Acid) may assist in reducing bad cholesterol (LDL) and increasing good cholesterol (HDL), supporting immune function, and reducing inflammation.2
- Milk Thistle – A common ingredient among liver health supplements, milk thistle contains compounds such as the flavonoid, silymarin, which supports natural detoxification. Milk Thistle may also help maintain levels of the antioxidant, glutathione, which is a crucial component of the liver’s ability to remove chemicals, such as those from alcohol.
- Sytrinol® – A patented blend of orange peel and palm seed oil extracts, has unique antioxidant properties that some studies indicate may support healthy cholesterol levels while also supporting liver detoxification functions.3
- CoQ10 – Long promoted as a supplement for supporting cardiovascular health, CoQ10 has also been shown to positively impact men and women with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)4, further demonstrating the vital connections between heart and liver health.
Heart and Liver Support Supplements
When choosing supplements, combination formulas can be ideal if they are of high-quality and don’t contain unnecessary ingredients, additives or fillers. Finding one that offers support for both heart and liver health can be a challenge.
Thankfully, HCP Formulas has created LipiCept, which contains both Pantesin (a derivative of Vitamin B5 that does not block CoQ10), and Sytrinol ®, in addition to plant sterol esters, milk thistle, and policosanol (a sugar alcohol thought to help in the reduction of cholesterol in both the liver and the blood stream).References and Further Reading
- Fatty Liver Disease and Your Heart
- Pantothenic Acid Deficiency & How to Get Enough!
- Sytrinol: A natural way to decrease cholesterol
- CoQ10 supplementation improves fatty liver, reduces markers of inflammation in NAFLD
Heart disease affecting the liver and liver diseases affecting the heart.(July 2000)
The Link Between Liver and Heart Disease
New Study Shows that Pantesin Significantly Lowers Bad Cholesterol
