Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA, for short) is an important naturally-occurring nutrient that supports our Liver health. ALA may be of interest to both diabetics, especially those with lots of abdominal fat and other signs of NAFLD (Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease). Kratom consumers who are concerned that kratom may hurt their liver, might also be pleased to learn how ALA can help support their liver function. (In my wide reading and talking to members of the kratom community, I have not seen evidence that regular moderate kratom consumption is harmful to the liver. Other factors, though, may be harming our liver that we may not be aware of.)
A prime "other factor" that is known to be harmful and implicated in NAFLD is High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS), which has been synthesized from corn syrup and used to sweeten nearly all foods because it is cheaper than sucrose.
Here is an article that will explain why HFCS is particularly bad for our liver.
So, a big part of what we can do to protect our liver is to avoid any food that contains HFCS. I noticed when I first tried some new "healthy sodas" by Hansen's beverages the difference in how my body reacted to the HFCS sweetener. The way HFCS is metabolized by our liver and preferentially turned into fat is important to note -- as is the fact that HFCS turns off the hormone leptin, which tells us we're satisfied and should stop eating. HFCS appeared on the U.S. market just about the time that obesity really became a natonal problem. That's a clue.
So, part of the solution is to cook more for yourself -- from basic ingredients -- because HFCS is everywhere! Prepared spaghetti sauce is one surprising place to find sugar, as is most bread products. If you eat in most restaurants, the ingredients they use will contain HFCS.
You may be thinking, "This is too much trouble!" Yes, it takes effort and this ingredient may seem like a small thing, but you need to remember that over the course of a lifetime of eating this garbage, you will destroy not only your health, but your appearance. The pleasure of mindless grazing on commercial foods can't be more important than your health. You will regret it, I promise you.
To learn more about Alpha Lipoic Acid, read this short article.