Protocol · Digestive & Liver
General Liver Health Protocol
Milk Thistle (Silymarin) and N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) are the core of this stack, with 4 supporting supplements. Each row gives the amount the protocol lists and the grade our evidence database holds for that supplement in General Liver Health.
We are re-verifying the studies cited on protocol pages; only confirmed citations are shown.
The stack
6 supplements · 2 graded · 1 confirmed study
| Grade | Supplement | Amount listed | Why it’s in the stack | Evidence on file | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary stackThe core of this protocol | |||||
| Milk Thistle (Silymarin) | Amount listed: 200–400 mg silymarin 2–3× daily | Silymarin protects hepatocytes, increases glutathione, promotes liver regeneration, and has anti-inflammatory effects | Not graded yet | ||
Confirmed studies for Milk Thistle (Silymarin) (titles as PubMed lists them) | |||||
| N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) | Amount listed: 600–1,200 mg daily | Replenishes glutathione, the liver's primary antioxidant; used clinically for acetaminophen toxicity
| Not graded yet | ||
| Supporting stackListed as additions to the core | |||||
| Artichoke Extract | Amount listed: 300–600 mg daily | Cynarin stimulates bile production and flow, supporting digestion and liver detoxification
| Grade C for Liver Enzymes2,509 people | ||
| Phosphatidylcholine | Amount listed: 500–1,000 mg daily | Essential phospholipid for hepatocyte membrane integrity; supports liver cell repair and function | Not graded yet | ||
| Curcumin | Amount listed: 500–1,000 mg daily (enhanced absorption formula) | Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that protects the liver and supports healthy bile production
| Grade C for Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile38 people | ||
| Alpha Lipoic Acid | Amount listed: 300–600 mg daily | Powerful antioxidant that regenerates other antioxidants; supports liver detoxification pathways | Not graded yet | ||
Shop this protocol
Each opens third-party tested products, matched to the dose above where we can.
- Grade C
- Grade C
Links to Fullscript, iHerb or Thorne carry our referral, so we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Grades come from the research and never change based on what we earn. Fullscript asks for a free account before it shows its catalog and prices. Full disclosure
How this protocol works
In plain language
Your liver is the body's primary detoxification organ, processing everything you eat, drink, breathe, and absorb through your skin. It filters blood, produces bile for digestion, stores nutrients, and neutralizes toxins. Supporting liver health is essential for overall wellbeing, energy, and disease prevention.
- Milk Thistle (Silymarin) is the most studied liver-protective supplement. Silymarin, its active component, works through multiple mechanisms: it stabilizes liver cell membranes (preventing toxin entry), increases glutathione (the liver's master antioxidant) by up to 50%, promotes liver cell regeneration, and reduces inflammation. It's been used for liver conditions in Europe for decades and is even studied for hepatitis and cirrhosis.
- N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) is the precursor to glutathione—your liver's most important antioxidant. Glutathione is essential for neutralizing toxins, including alcohol and medications. NAC is so effective that it's the standard hospital treatment for acetaminophen (Tylenol) overdose. Regular supplementation supports ongoing detoxification capacity.
- Artichoke Extract contains cynarin, which stimulates bile production and flow. Bile is essential for digesting fats and eliminating toxins. By improving bile flow, artichoke supports both digestion and the liver's ability to clear waste products. It may also help lower cholesterol.
- Phosphatidylcholine is a phospholipid that's a major component of liver cell membranes. It helps maintain membrane integrity and supports the liver's ability to repair and regenerate. It's also involved in fat metabolism and preventing fat accumulation in the liver.
- Curcumin provides powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant protection for the liver. It supports bile production and helps protect against various liver insults. Use enhanced-absorption formulas for best results.
- Alpha Lipoic Acid is a unique antioxidant that works in both water and fat environments and can regenerate other antioxidants (vitamins C, E, glutathione). It supports liver detoxification pathways and has been studied for various liver conditions.
Expected timeline: NAC increases glutathione within days. Milk thistle protective effects build over 2-4 weeks. Liver enzyme improvements (if elevated) typically seen in 4-8 weeks.
Lifestyle factors: Limit alcohol, maintain healthy weight, exercise regularly, minimize unnecessary medications, eat plenty of cruciferous vegetables.