By Elizabeth Friedman, MS
The liver is the second largest organ in the human body, second only to the skin. It plays a crucial role in detoxification, which is the process of removing harmful substances or toxins from the body. There are three main phases of detoxification in the liver:
- Phase I (Functionalization): In this phase, enzymes such as cytochrome P450 modify or transform fat-soluble toxins into more water-soluble compounds. This transformation is often a two-step process, involving oxidation, reduction, or hydrolysis reactions to make the toxins more water-soluble to prepare them for removal. However, this process can sometimes create intermediate metabolites that are more reactive and potentially more toxic than the original substances.
- Phase II (Conjugation): The water-soluble metabolites produced in Phase I are then further modified through conjugation reactions in Phase II. Conjugation involves the attachment of a water-soluble molecule (g., glutathione, sulfate, or glucuronic acid) to the intermediate metabolites, making them easier to eliminate from the body. This step enhances the excretion of the toxins through bile or urine.
- Phase III (Elimination): The conjugated toxins are transported out of liver cells and into bile or blood for elimination from the body. This phase involves the excretion of the water-soluble, conjugated toxins through the bile into the small intestine. From there, they can be eliminated through feces or reabsorbed and excreted through the urine.
It’s important to note that the liver is not the only organ involved in detoxification. Other organs, such as the kidneys, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract, also play roles in eliminating toxins from the body.
Additionally, a healthy and well-balanced diet, along with proper hydration and lifestyle choices, contributes to overall detoxification and supports the liver in its crucial functions.
PERQUE Liva Guard™ Forté is an herbal supplement that protects the liver from cell and tissue damage associated with environmental toxicity and urban living.* It contains a blend of helpful herbs and nutrients including milk thistle, mixed natural carotenoids, coenzyme Q, L-carnitine fumarate, vitamin D3, mixed natural tocopherols, and l-selenomethionine for optimal liver support. Let’s do a deeper dive into each of these components:
Milk Thistle, particularly its active compound silymarin, is believed to support both Phase I and Phase II detoxification processes in the liver. Silymarin is thought to inhibit the activity of some Phase I enzymes, helping to prevent the formation of toxic intermediates and stabilize liver cell membranes, which can be beneficial during detoxification *
Silymarin is also thought to induce the activity of Phase II detoxification enzymes, thus supporting the efficient conversion of toxins into more easily excretable forms. In addition, it has been shown to increase the levels of intracellular glutathione, another important antioxidant involved in the conjugation of toxins, making them water-soluble for elimination.
Finally, silymarin itself is an antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress. During Phase I detoxification, reactive oxygen species (ROS) may be generated, and antioxidants can help protect liver cells from damage caused by these reactive molecules.
Carotenoids are a group of naturally occurring antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pigments found in plants, algae, and some bacteria. PERQUE Liva Guard Forté contains six natural carotenoids, including lycopene, derived from dunaliella through a unique low-temperature process to preserve the integrity of the carotenoids.
Carotenoids neutralize free radicals throughout the body, reducing oxidative stress and the inflammatory response. Since chronic inflammation is often a factor in liver diseases, by mitigating inflammation, carotenoids may help support overall liver health. Carotenoids, including beta-carotene (a precursor to vitamin A), play a role in supporting the immune system, including the liver’s ability to defend against infections and maintain its normal functions. Carotenoids may be protective against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) by promoting a healthy balance of lipid metabolism and reducing oxidative stress.
Coenzyme Q 10 (CoQ10), also known as ubiquinone, is a naturally occurring antioxidant compound found in the cells of the body, particularly in the mitochondria. It plays a crucial role in cellular energy production and has potential benefits for overall health, including liver health.
PERQUE micellizes CoQ10 into tiny droplets in medium chain triglycerides, which cells can easily take up. CoQ10 is a vital component of the electron transport chain in the mitochondria, where it plays a key role in the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary source of cellular energy. The liver is a highly metabolically active organ, and adequate ATP production is essential for its various functions, including detoxification and maintaining cellular integrity.
Some studies suggest that CoQ10 may have anti-inflammatory properties, which could benefit liver health. Chronic inflammation contributes to various liver conditions, and by reducing inflammation, CoQ10 may help support the liver. Studies have investigated its potential benefits in conditions such as NAFLD, liver fibrosis, and liver damage.
L-Carnitine is an amino acid-like compound that plays a crucial role in the transport of fatty acids into the mitochondria, the energy-producing organelles in cells. PERQUE Liva Guard™ Forté contains the fumarate form. Like the nutrients mentioned earlier, l-carnitine may exhibit antioxidant properties, protecting cells throughout the body, including the liver. L-carnitine helps maintain mitochondrial health, essential for optimal liver function, as mitochondria are involved in energy production, regulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and various metabolic processes.
L-carnitine facilitates the transport of long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria, where they undergo beta-oxidation to produce energy. This process is particularly important in the liver, which is involved in lipid metabolism. By enhancing fatty acid metabolism, L-carnitine fumarate may help prevent the accumulation of fat in the liver and support overall liver function. It also contributes to the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy currency of cells. Adequate ATP levels are essential for the liver’s energy-demanding functions. L-carnitine fumarate’s role in energy production and mitochondrial function may indirectly support the liver’s detoxification capabilities.
Vitamin D3, also known as cholecalciferol, is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in various physiological processes throughout the body. While its primary role is often associated with calcium metabolism and bone health, vitamin D3 also has potential benefits for liver health. In addition to its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, vitamin D3 may help protect liver cells from damage caused by oxidative stress, inflammation, and certain toxins. Vitamin D3 may also play a role in regulating liver enzymes.
There is emerging evidence that adequate vitamin D levels may be associated with a reduced risk of NAFLD. Vitamin D3 may influence lipid metabolism and help prevent the development and progression of fatty liver disease. Finally, vitamin D3 can promote liver regeneration. This is important for maintaining the structure and function of the liver, especially in the context of damage or injury.
Mixed natural tocopherols, which are a combination of different forms of vitamin E, including alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-tocopherols, have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can potentially benefit liver health by supporting detoxification.
Vitamin E, including mixed natural tocopherols, may play a role in regulating lipid metabolism. Maintaining a healthy balance of lipids is important for preventing conditions like NAFLD, where excessive fat accumulates in the liver. Vitamin E, including mixed natural tocopherols, may be protective against liver diseases such as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), liver fibrosis, and liver damage caused by certain medications or toxins.
L- selenomethionine is the natural form of the essential mineral selenium, and the only form found in the PERQUE line of products. Selenium plays a crucial role in supporting various aspects of overall health, including liver function, primarily through a group of selenium-containing proteins known as selenoproteins. Selenoproteins are an integral part of the body’s antioxidant defense system. Some help neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS) and protect cells from oxidative stress. They also support the detoxification process by participating in the breakdown and elimination of harmful compounds.
Selenium is essential for proper immune system function and also has anti-inflammatory properties. By modulating the inflammatory response, L-selenomethionine may help reduce inflammation in the liver. It also may help protect against liver damage; it has been studied for its potential benefits in conditions such as NAFLD and liver fibrosis.
While selenium is available in various forms, the preferred form is selenomethionine and should be taken with other balancing nutrients for maximum benefits.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a varied and nutrient-rich diet, regular physical activity, and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, is essential for overall liver health. If you have specific concerns about your liver or are considering supplementation, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice based on your individual health status.
The nutrients found in PERQUE Liva Guard Forté can be combined with other needed nutrients for a complete multi-system detox program:
PERQUE DetoxIN Guard™ is a powerful amino acid and lipotropic nutrient blend that reduces the burden of hormone disrupters & makes toxins easier and safer to remove.* It supports all 3 phases of detoxification to help the liver remove toxic matter efficiently.*
PERQUE EPA/DHA Guard™ is a blend of Omega-3 essential fatty acids that are needed to keep liver cells healthy and functional while protecting them from oxidative damage.*
PERQUE Potent C Guard™ powder is an important antioxidant that can help support detoxification. A vitamin C cleanse can help you to flush toxins from the body and calibrate the amount of vitamin C needed for daily maintenance. Periodic cleanses can become part of a multi-system detox program that includes PERQUE Liva Guard Forté, PERQUE DetoxIN Guard, and PERQUE EPA/DHA Guard.
*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.