How sea buckthorn affects the liver — 7 facts about its benefits and possible harm

Various medicinal plants are used for the prevention and treatment of liver diseases.

Studies confirm that sea buckthorn has hepatoprotective properties, that is, it protects the liver from harmful substances, and also removes toxins from it.

However, improper or excessive consumption of sea buckthorn is not only not useful, but can also be harmful. And taking drugs based on it during some pre-existing diseases has a number of limitations.

7 useful properties of berries

Sea buckthorn has a number of positive properties for both the liver and the entire gastrointestinal tract. Here are the most significant of them:

1. Improvement of metabolic processes in the liver. Under the influence of B vitamins, normal lipid metabolism is restored. The intake of phospholipids into the body allows liver cells to activate the process of fatty acid synthesis.
2. Regeneration of hepatocytes. Liver cells need constant renewal. The regeneration process is maintained with regular intake of vitamin C and phospholipids, which these berries are rich in.
3. Normalization of enzyme production. The fatty acids contained in sea buckthorn juice stimulate the secretion of enzymes. This improves the composition of bile, stabilizes the work of the entire gastrointestinal tract.
4. Weakening of all inflammatory processes. Inflammation in the tissues of such an important organ as the liver can lead to serious consequences. Phytoncides have a strong anti-inflammatory effect, help restore the structure of liver tissue.
5. Detoxification. The liver is a kind of filter for the whole body, purifying the blood from slags. But this filter also needs to be constantly freed from accumulated harmful substances. The organic acids contained in sea buckthorn juice are actively involved in the process of liver cleansing.
6. Fighting parasites. It is not uncommon for the liver to suffer from a parasitic lesion. Tannins coming from sea buckthorn will help destroy unwanted satellites. These substances, also called tannins, have a positive effect on the intestines infected with parasites.
7. Choleretic effect. Timely outflow of bile allows the liver and gallbladder to effectively perform their functions in the digestive system. Sea buckthorn juice has the ability to enhance the excretion of bile.

Possible harm

The use of sea buckthorn as a means to improve liver function also has its drawbacks.

1. Allergic reactions. Allergy to vegetable protein is a common occurrence. This berry can cause quite severe allergic reactions, which, together with taking antiallergic drugs, creates an additional load on the liver tissue.
2. High content of tannins. Tannins can, if exceeded, disrupt the digestive tract and lead to diarrhea. Their constant excess leads to the appearance of gallstones.
3. Excess vitamins. The rich biochemical composition of sea buckthorn can also cause harm when overeating its berries. Hypervitaminosis is very dangerous for the liver, especially when its functions are already impaired.
4. Abundance of organic acids. They can have a strong irritating effect on the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract and provoke increased enzyme production. In some diseases of the digestive system, this effect is extremely undesirable.

Ways to use

There are several basic ways to prepare and consume sea buckthorn. They can be included in the diet both raw and after heat treatment.

1. A berry ground with sugar.

The simplest cooking method. For 200 g of berries, you will need 25 g of sugar, since the original taste is sour and a little tart.

You can grind with a blender, potato masher or even an ordinary tablespoon: the skin of ripe fruits is so thin that it bursts with any active action. The ground mixture should be stored in the refrigerator.

This sweet and sour medicine is taken 2-3 tablespoons 3 times a day after meals for a week Sugar can be replaced with honey if there are no contraindications for taking it.

2. Sea buckthorn juice

To get juice, you can use not only a juicer, but also such improvised means as a sieve or clean gauze. The juice obtained after manual squeezing will be a bright yellow-orange color, with pulp particles.

This concentrated version has a sharp taste, so to soften it, you can dilute it at the rate of 100 ml of boiled water per 300 ml of juice. It is also recommended to sweeten it.

Take half a glass of the drink 3 times a day after meals. The admission course is &8212; one week.

3. Sea buckthorn oil

At home, you can prepare another medicinal product from sea buckthorn – oil.

The pressed mass of sea buckthorn remaining after receiving the juice should be poured with a small amount of refined vegetable oil and left for 5-7 days in a cool and dark place. Then it is necessary to squeeze out the oil and using it, repeat the procedure with a new portion of raw materials.

This concentrated drug is taken on an empty stomach, 1 tsp 2-3 times a day for a week.

Jams and jams have a preventive effect, but contain a lot of sugar. They can be included in the diet as an auxiliary element. It is also recommended to prepare compotes and decoctions of these berries as drinks.

Is it possible to eat it with a sick liver?

The medicinal properties of sea buckthorn allow it not only to provide prevention, but also to actively fight liver diseases.

One of the effects of sea buckthorn consumption is the regeneration of liver cells – hepatocytes, so it is not surprising that the ability of its extract to improve the condition of the liver in cirrhosis has been scientifically confirmed.

In acute inflammatory processes – hepatitis, as well as fatty liver hepatosis, medicines with sea buckthorn should be taken with caution, in consultation with a doctor.

General nutrition recommendations

A special diet has been developed for patients suffering from liver diseases. If it is observed, it is necessary to abandon the following products and dishes.

1. Fried fish, meat, vegetables and seafood in oil. The compounds formed during frying require a significant amount of enzymes for their cleavage, which the body is unable to provide.
2. Smoked foods and fatty dairy products. Similarly, they create an increased load on secretory cells.
3. Marinades. Irritate the mucous membranes, enhance the secretion of enzymes, contribute to the exacerbation of inflammatory processes in the gastrointestinal tract.

Conclusion

Sea buckthorn berries have many beneficial properties, have a protective and regenerating effect on liver cells. Enriching the body with vitamins and minerals, these fruits become assistants in the fight for a healthy liver. But you should take into account their effect on the gastrointestinal tract as a whole and follow the instructions of doctors.