Is Paya Soup Good for Liver Repair? An In-Depth Look

December 1, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a 2015 study, patients with liver cirrhosis often have significantly decreased serum zinc and magnesium levels. This highlights the importance of nutritional support, and many turn to traditional remedies, like paya soup, wondering if it's good for liver repair.

Quick Summary

Paya soup, a collagen-rich bone broth, provides amino acids like glycine and minerals that support liver function, detoxification pathways, and reduced inflammation.

Key Points

Glycine's Protective Role: Paya soup is rich in glycine, an amino acid shown in studies to help protect the liver from toxins and reduce inflammation.
Supports Natural Detoxification: The glycine in paya soup is a precursor for glutathione, a key antioxidant that assists the liver's natural detoxification processes.
Replenishes Vital Minerals: It provides essential minerals like zinc and magnesium, which are often found to be at low levels in individuals with liver conditions.
Aids Gut-Liver Connection: Collagen and gelatin content helps heal the gut lining, reducing systemic inflammation that can impact liver health.
Prioritize Low-Sodium, Homemade Versions: To avoid potential risks, especially for those with conditions like ascites, it's best to prepare paya soup at home to control the sodium content.

Paya is a traditional South Asian broth made from slow-simmered animal trotters, typically goat, beef, or sheep. This bone broth is valued for its flavor and potential health benefits, particularly its richness in gelatin, collagen, amino acids, and minerals extracted during cooking. The question is whether this translates to benefits for liver repair.

The Role of Key Nutrients in Liver Support

Paya soup contains several nutrients important for liver function:

Amino Acids: Paya soup is a source of amino acids like glycine, proline, and arginine. Glycine may protect the liver from toxins and reduce damage. Arginine supports liver function and regeneration.
Collagen and Gelatin: The high collagen content, which becomes gelatin, is known for supporting gut health. A healthy gut can reduce inflammation and support the liver.
Minerals: Bone broth provides minerals like magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus. Studies show that people with liver disease often have low levels of magnesium and zinc, suggesting that paya soup could help replenish these.

The Glycine Connection to Liver Health

Research on glycine, a key component of paya soup, indicates its potential benefit for the liver. Studies, including one on rats with alcohol-induced liver injury, suggest that glycine-rich diets may speed recovery by reducing inflammation. Glycine's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects are protective for the liver, and it is a precursor to glutathione, an antioxidant that helps the liver neutralize toxins.

Paya Soup vs. Vegan Broth: A Comparison

Here's a look at how paya soup compares to plant-based broths in terms of nutrients relevant to liver health:


Nutrient Category	Paya Soup (Bone Broth)	Vegan Broth (e.g., Vegetable Broth)
Key Protein Source	High in collagen and gelatin from bones	Plant-based protein (lower content)
Specialized Amino Acids	Rich source of glycine, proline, and arginine	May contain a mix of amino acids, but typically not concentrated in specific types like glycine
Collagen	Excellent source, broken down into gelatin	No collagen source
Minerals	High concentrations of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus	Good source of various minerals, but mineral profile depends entirely on ingredients
Fat Content	Can be higher, depending on preparation	Generally very low in fat
Potential Contaminants	Low risk of heavy metals from bones (though generally considered safe at low levels)	Generally free of animal-derived contaminants

Important Considerations and Potential Risks

Paya soup should be consumed mindfully, especially by those with liver conditions:

Sodium Content: Commercial broths can be high in sodium, which can be problematic for individuals with liver disease and fluid retention. Making broth at home allows for better sodium control.
Bone Sourcing: To minimize potential exposure to contaminants, it's advisable to use bones from grass-fed or organic animals.
Supporting Therapy, Not a Cure: Paya soup is a dietary supplement, not a treatment for liver disease. Medical care, a balanced diet, and exercise are essential.

How to Incorporate Paya Soup into Your Diet

Tips for adding paya soup to a liver-friendly diet:

Homemade is Best: This allows you to control ingredients, particularly salt.
Use High-Quality Bones: Choose bones from healthy sources.
Add Liver-Friendly Spices: Turmeric, ginger, and garlic offer anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.
Combine with Other Whole Foods: Pair with greens, whole grains, and lean proteins for a complete meal.

Conclusion: Is Paya Soup Good for Liver Repair?

Paya soup, as a bone broth, provides nutrients like glycine and minerals that can support liver health and its natural repair processes. Its collagen and gelatin content also supports the gut, which indirectly benefits the liver. While it can be a nourishing addition to a healthy lifestyle, managing sodium intake and sourcing quality ingredients are important. Paya soup should complement, not replace, medical advice and a balanced diet for liver health.

Potential Outbound Link

For more in-depth scientific research on glycine's role in liver disease, visit the National Institutes of Health (NIH) website: Glycine as a therapeutic immuno-nutrient for alcoholic liver disease

Frequently Asked Questions

Paya soup can provide supportive nutrients, like anti-inflammatory glycine, that aid the liver's natural repair mechanisms, but it is not a cure for existing liver damage. It should be part of a comprehensive health plan under a doctor's supervision.

Yes, paya soup is a type of bone broth, and the health benefits related to collagen, gelatin, and amino acids are similar. The specific nutrient profile can vary based on the type of trotters and spices used.

There is no standardized dosage. Consistent, moderate consumption, perhaps a cup a day or a few times a week, is generally recommended. It should be integrated into a balanced diet, not consumed excessively.

Homemade is often better because it allows you to control the ingredients, especially sodium content, which is important for people with liver disease. Using high-quality bones is also easier to verify with homemade versions.

The most notable amino acids are glycine, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and arginine, which can aid liver regeneration. Glutamine also supports gut health, which has a positive knock-on effect on the liver.

Yes, indirectly. Paya soup provides glycine, a precursor to the antioxidant glutathione, which is critical for the liver's natural detoxification processes. However, the liver is naturally efficient at detoxifying itself, and soup is only a support, not the primary mechanism.

Potential risks include high sodium content in pre-made versions, which can be a concern for some individuals. There is also a minimal risk of heavy metal contamination from bones, though levels are typically very low. Consulting a doctor is always advisable, especially if you have pre-existing conditions.