Dr. Shades’s Liver Sauce from QuickSilver Scientific is a premier liver formula that supports all phases of detoxification and elimination. The proprietary formula features a potent bitters blend to promote bile flow and activate the entire digestive process, along with powerful liver and detoxification support from milk thistle, R-lipoic acid (RLA), diindolylmethane (DIM), quercetin, and luteolin. These activating and detoxifying phytonutrients promote the elimination of toxins while delivering antioxidant, immune and anti-inflammatory protection.

The key to this formula is its two-phase approach: stimulate bile flow and support the ensuing detoxification.

BILE FLOW IS CRITICAL TO HEALTH

Bile flow is critical to proper digestion, an intact gut lining, healthy small intestine flora, and normal cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Bile salts are antimicrobial, can denature bacterial endotoxins, and modify lipids. Stagnant bile flow impedes the flow of toxins out of the liver into the gallbladder and digestive tract for excretion. This includes endotoxins produced by gram-negative flora, which is highly inflammatory and downregulates critical pumps (called phase III transporters) that transport toxins out of our cells. Poor bile flow can contribute to gastrointestinal dysbiosis and small intestinal bacteria overgrowth (SIBO). An inflamed and “leaky” gut then lets bacterial and other toxins slip into the bloodstream, triggering a systemic inflammatory response. That inflammatory response impairs liver and gallbladder function and further inhibits bile flow, contributing to cholestasis.

BITTER HERBS STIMULATE BILE FLOW

Bitters support digestion, help regulate blood sugar and activate the immune response. The four bitters in this formula include dandelion, gentian, goldenrod and myrrh, all to enhance elimination through the liver, gallbladder, digestive tract and kidneys. Each also offers protective antioxidant benefits. Gentian (Gentiana lutea) is one of the strongest herbal bitters and a liver protective agent that can increase levels of glutathione and superoxide dismutase. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) activates bile production, has hepatoprotective effects and can increase antioxidant activity in the liver.30 Goldenrod (Solidago) promotes urination and elimination of toxins through the kidneys. Flavonoids from solidago help activate GSH-S-transferase, a critical enzyme in phase II detoxification, which also brings relief to the liver. Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha) is cherished for its antimicrobial effect. It is also anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and a cholesterol lowering agent.

SPECIALIZED PHYTONUTRIENTS PROTECT AND SUPPORT LIVER DETOX

When bile flow is enhanced and liver detoxification is stimulated, support for all three phases of detoxification is important.

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is a premier liver-support herb that is anti-cholestatic38, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective. Its most active constituent is silymarin, along with the flavonolignan silybin, also known as silibinin. It can prevent estrogen-induced decrease in bile-salt dependent bile flow. Silibinin and silymarin, R-lipoic acid, quercetin, and DIM (3,3′-Diindolylmethane) induce the critical Nrf2 pathway. Nrf2 is our internal, master antioxidant switch, which turns on the production of glutathione and numerous detoxifying enzymes. DIM, in combination with quercetin and luteolin, balance inflammation. Quercetin supports intestinal barrier function, reducing permeability.