Liver & Kidney Intermission, Invite Health Blog

Written by: Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND

For further questions or concerns email me at [email protected]†

For this blog I wanted to take a brief break from memory and brain health. In my last 2 blogs I have written about several tests that your doctor may recommend. Now when it comes to these tests, I know that many people have concerns about their liver and kidney health. While I want to emphasize how safe these tests are I understand that for some people taking supplements proactively can help reduce those fears.  Thus, in this blog I will be reviewing supplements that have been found in studies to help with both kidneys and liver function and overall health. Supplements that will fit into this category will be those that help with detox and those that help with the actual health of the liver and kidneys.  I will also be reviewing supplements that have been found to help reduce stress since some of the recommended tests can increase stress and anxiety. Now as I said in my prior blog it is always important to talk to your doctors regarding any fears you have. Invite nutritionists are also here to listen and offer advice as well! Now on to some supplements:

1. NAC- (N-acetyl cysteine) As we all know NAC is a powerful antioxidant. †

• NAC has been found in studies to help to increase kidney function when there is chronic kidney disease. Additionally, studies have found that NAC can help to reduce inflammation in the body which is present in certain autoimmune conditions that can cause kidney disease. Lastly these studies also show that NAC can help to protect the heart from damage when there is chronic kidney disease. † (1)
• Further studies have found that NAC can help protect the kidneys from damage from certain tests such as angiography. † (2)
• While more studies are needed it has also been suggested that taking NAC can reduce the risk of developing kidney disease that is induced by contrasting agents used in certain tests. † (3)
• NAC is of course well known for helping the liver. In studies NAC has been found to help to normalize liver enzymes as well as bilirubin.† (4)
• NAC has even been found to improve liver function in those with NAFLD. (5)†
• Lastly according to WebMD, NAC has been found to be helpful in detoxing both the liver and kidneys. (6)
• In summery NAC has been shown in studies to help with the detox functions of both the liver and kidneys. It has also been found in studies to help with the health of both the liver and kidneys. †
• For NAC, please see Invite’s NAC, Daily detox and Detox Hx formulas! †

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2. L Carnosine has been touted as a powerful “anti-aging “nutrient. But what you may not know is that L-Carnosine is also amazing for kidney health.†

• L-Carnosine has been found in studies to be renoprotective. † (7)
• In a very interesting study L -Carnosine resulted in improved renal function in just 12 weeks! † (8)
• In summery based on the studies, I have read and in my own clinical experience I have found L-Carnosine to be very helpful in protecting the kidneys. †
• For L-Carnosine Please see Invite’s L-Carnosine Plus HX†

3. Milk thistle is a plant that almost everyone has heard of. It is well known to work with detox and the liver, and this has been found in quite a few studies! I’ll only briefly go over this –

• Milk thistle has been found in studies to help stimulate the process of detox in the liver (both phase 1 and 2!). † (9)
• Interestingly Milk thistle has been found in studies to stimulate regeneration of the liver tissue when it is damaged. † (10)
• In summery Milk thistle has been found to be very helpful in helping both to detox the liver as well as to protect the liver.†
• Please see Invite’s Milk thistle, Daily Detox powder, and Hepatox Hx!†

4. Resveratrol may surprise you but not if you really think about all of its benefits!†

• Resveratrol has been found to be a powerful antioxidant as well as a very strong anti-inflammatory! † (11)
• Resveratrol has been found in studies to help improve kidney function and kidney health!†  (12)
• Lastly Resveratrol has been found in studies to also help with liver function and liver health! † (13)
• Please see Invite’s Resveratrol Hx and Max! †

5. While there are many natural ways to help reduce stress, we all have our favorites! L -Theanine has been found in studies to help with stress and anxiety. (14) Among its many functions Magnesium has also been found to help with stress and anxiety. (15) Please see Invite’s L-Theanine and extensive line of magnesium! †

I hope that this blog was helpful in regard to liver and kidney health suggestions! My next blog will be a return to brain health and will be regarding Dementia. †

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REFERENCES

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8129408/
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14633141/
3. Annals of Internal Medicine, 19 February 2008, Volume 148 Issue 4
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5974141/
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3270338/
6. https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-nac
7. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31362685/
8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28744992/
9. Farghali H, Kameniková L, Hynie S, et al.: Silymarin effects on intracellular calcuim and cytotoxicity: a study in perfused rat hepatocytes after oxidative stress injury. Pharmacol Res 41 (2): 231-7, 2000. [PUBMED Abstract]
10. Sonnenbichler J, Mattersberger J, Rosen H: [Stimulation of RNA synthesis in rat liver and isolated hepatocytes by silybin, an antihepatotoxic agent from Silybum marianum L. Gaertn (author’s transl)] Hoppe Seylers Z Physiol Chem 357 (8): 1171-80, 1976. [PUBMED Abstract]
11. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6317057/
12. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6682908/
13. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7999728/
14. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8080935/
15. Boyle NB, et. al. (2017). The effects of magnesium supplementation on subjective anxiety and stress – A systematic review. DOI:
    3390/nu9050429

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