Natural and holistic options

The maintenance of liver health responds well to a holistic approach, including complementary medicine, avoidance of alcohol, drugs and other toxins as well as a healthy diet and regular exercise. A holistic approach to liver health is sometimes the best chance of keeping this vital organ healthy and functioning well into old age. This includes a wide range of herbs, traditionally known to support liver health and functioning.

The herbs usually used in herbal approaches to liver damage cure are:
* Silybum marianus:(Milk Thistle) This herb has been used since ancient times for a variety of ailments but particularly as an excellent and highly respected liver tonic
* Taraxacum officinale: More commonly known as Dandelion, this herbal ingredient contains bitter principles which have a beneficial effect on the liver and digestive system. It is considered a effective general tonic and is known to improve bile flow. Dandelion also improves gall bladder functioning
* Verbena officinalis: Also known as Vervain or Wild Hyssop, this herb has been traditionally recommended as a hepatic (liver) tonic but also has a number of other health promoting properties.
* Turmeric- increases bile production and helps with the treatment of gall stones Turmeric is a powerful antioxidant
* Yellow Dock-helps to dissolve fat in the liver and is an excellent anti-toxin
* Licorice Root- Helps neutralize the effects of powerful chemical toxins

To keep the toxicity of the liver at a manageable level it is important to be aware of what we put into our body.
* Organic foods are an important part of a clean diet because they contain no harmful chemicals or growth hormones
* Lean protein from organic (and hormone free) beef and fish is a good place to start
* Excessive levels of carbohydrates can actually interfere with the liver's natural detoxification processes and only organic, whole grains should be eaten. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, kale, cauliflower and cabbage are good for the liver and the body in general.
* Of course, white flour, sugar, artificial sweeteners, additives and preservatives should all be guarded against.
* Water should be purified and taken in large amounts to keep the body cleansed and hydrated.

It has been recommended that everyone complete a liver cleanse every 2-3 months to help keep the liver cleansed and healthy. For optimum health, one must also occasionally cleanse the colon, lungs, kidneys and the cardiovascular system

The advantage is that all these treatments have no side effects. They enhance well-being, something is most needed at the moment you hear that you are diagnosed with liver cancer and in the months to come knowing your liver cancer survival rate is low.

Many patients find that alternative and complementary therapies help to reduce the stress associated with illness, improve immune function, and boost spirits. While there is no clinical evidence that these therapies specifically combat disease, such activities as biofeedback, relaxation, therapeutic touch, massage therapy and guided imagery have no side effects and have been reported to enhance well-being.