The liver is a unique organ. This includes a filter that cleanses the blood of toxins, a chemical laboratory that synthesizes vital substances, and a "warehouse" of vitamins and energy. She is capable of self-healing, but her resources are not unlimited. Improper diet, alcohol, taking certain medications — all this is a blow to her.
When there is heaviness in the right hypochondrium, and the tests do not show the best results, many run to the pharmacy for "something for the liver." Pharmacy shelves are full of dozens of hepatoprotective drugs. But how can you figure them out and not buy a pacifier?
When you really need help
Discomfort in the right side does not always indicate problems with the liver. This organ has no nerve endings and cannot "hurt" by itself. The feeling of heaviness is more often associated with gallbladder problems or stretching of the liver capsule. Therefore, the first and main rule is no self—activity.
The diagnosis should be made by a doctor based on examination, ultrasound and biochemical blood analysis (ALT, AST, bilirubin, GGTP). Only then can we talk about the need for medical support. Buying the "most advertised" drug on the advice of friends means playing Russian roulette with your health.
The main groups of drugs: What is what
All hepatoprotectors can be roughly divided into several large groups, each of which has its own mechanism of action. Understanding these differences helps you navigate through your doctor's prescriptions.
Here are the main types of drugs:
- Preparations based on essential phospholipids. Their task is to "integrate" into the damaged membranes of liver cells (hepatocytes) and promote their recovery. They are considered one of the most popular.
- Milk thistle-based products (silymarin). Milk thistle is known for its protective properties. Silymarin strengthens cell membranes and has an antioxidant effect.
- Preparations of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA). They do not so much repair liver cells as improve the outflow of bile, diluting it and preventing stagnation. They are especially effective for cholestasis and certain types of hepatitis.
- Amino acids (ademethionine, ornithine). They participate in metabolic processes in the liver, help it cope with detoxification and have an antidepressant effect.
The choice of a specific group or combination of drugs depends on the diagnosis and nature of liver damage.
Diet and Lifestyle: the best medicine
It is important to understand that not even the most expensive pill will help if you continue to strain the liver. Treatment should always be comprehensive. Medications are just support, and the main work falls on the patient himself.
The main principle is maximum respect for the organ. This means avoiding alcohol, fatty, fried, smoked, and spicy foods. The diet should be dominated by vegetables, fruits, low-fat meats and fish, and fermented dairy products. It is better to eat in small portions 5-6 times a day. This approach in itself is a powerful therapeutic factor and helps the liver to recover.
A short summary
Liver health is in our hands. You should not wait for serious symptoms to appear in order to start taking care of her. Prevention is always better and cheaper than treatment.
And if the problems do start, then the only sure way is to visit a doctor. Only a specialist can correctly assess the condition of the organ and choose an adequate therapy, which will include not only pills, but also lifestyle adjustments. Self-medication is unacceptable here. Learn more about Neovalor In platform overview.