Experience Licensed Naturopathic Physician for 7 years
Currently: Assistant Professor of Naturopathic Medicine, Department of CLinical Sciences, National University of Health Sciences, Lombard, IL
Organizations American Association of Naturopathic Physicians
Secretary and member of Illinois Association of Naturopathic Physicians
Education/Credentials Bastyr University, doctor of naturopathic medicine
University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine, residency in family and integrated medicine
Question Could you give me your opinion about two supplements?
Most info online is supportive, but I cant find anything from a person that tried these.
I know there is no magic bullet but I wonder if they may be of some benefit.
I have gallstones, and fatty liver from abusing alcohol and eating too much saturated fat (I have quit drinking and eat low fat now)
-Taurine
-Lecithin
Thanks!
Answer Hello Van,
Thanks for writing. Yes, there's no magic bullet, but you are on the right track. Quitting drinking is key, and making other crucial changes like diet (watching not simply the intake of fat but type of fat, increasing fiber & fluids also), getting more rest, exercise, and finding beneficial ways to relieve stress, is the next step, followed by correct supplements. Gall stones are much easier to prevent than dissolve with natural means--there is some evidence lecithin can do that, and it is helpful for the liver regardless. Taurine is often helpful in liver disorders, I'd suggest you also look at alpha-lipoic acid, milk thistle, methionine, artichoke, tumeric, and garlic, which all are used for fatty liver & related conditions. Finally, you want to make sure you are monitoring liver function with frequent tests, either with your PCP a specialist in natural medicine; to see if what you're doing is having an effect.
Good luck!
Dr Conner
