Tag Archives: liver disease

Be Kind to Your Kidneys and Liver

The human body is pretty amazing. Despite all the wear and tear the body gets on a daily basis — inside AND out — it still keeps going. Your liver and kidneys play a huge role in keeping the body clean on the inside. The liver has hundreds of functions, but one big one is filtering bad stuff (like bacteria) out of the blood. It’s also essential for digestion — the liver produces bile, which breaks down fat so the body can digest it. It’s a multitasking marvel! Your kidneys are waste and water processors. On a daily basis, they … Continue reading →

Milk Thistle and Your Liver

Common, ordinary milk thistle — also known as blessed milk thistle, Marian thistle, Mary thistle, and variegated thistle — may be a health powerhouse when it comes to the liver and diabetes. The plant originated in Southern Europe and Asia, but is now found around the world — and is sometimes considered an invasive species. Milk thistle has reddish or purple flowers and shiny green leaves with white veins. The main compound of milk thistle seeds is silymarin. Did you know? Milk thistle is an “energy enhancing agent” in Rockstar Energy Drink. Silymarin has been used to treat varicose veins, … Continue reading →

Artificial Sweeteners May Be Dangerous To Dogs

When you’re sharing out treats from the table, check the ingredients list first. Veterinarians released a report at the end of September warning that the sugar substitute xylitol may cause fatal liver failure in dogs. Xylitol is a naturally occurring product that is used in sugar-free chewing gums, toothpaste, candies, and baked goods. Even a small amount of xylitol can trigger a major insulin release in a dog’s body, causing their blood sugar to drop dramatically. Researchers from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals looked at data from dogs treated by veterinarians after ingesting products made … Continue reading →