The human liver is responsible for a wide host of metabolic activities. If it is not operating smoothly, it will have trouble clearing out the toxins that enter your body on a daily basis. Fortunately, you can help your liver rebound and run optimally when you make some basic lifestyle changes
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The most direct way to help improve your liver function is
to reduce exposure to toxins. The liver is primarily responsible for
clearing alcohol, medications, pesticides, food additives and more. It
may be impossible to avoid toxins altogether, but you can help by
consciously avoiding alcohol, drugs, cigarette smoke and junk foods. Eat
foods rich in antioxidants (such as blueberries) or take antioxidant
supplements that help keep your liver healthy.
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By drinking a lot of filtered water each day, you are
keeping your liver healthy, because water helps it metabolize toxins
more quickly. Drink about half of your body weight in ounces (so if you
weigh 160 pounds, drink 80 ounces) to replace lost fluids and flush out
your system.
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According to the American Liver Foundation, eating a
balanced diet rich with foods from all four food groups will help you
obtain plenty of nutrients to help keep your liver healthy.
Supplement your diet by eating foods containing sulfur. Foods that are
rich in sulfur help the liver detoxify chemicals, including egg yolks,
garlic and onions. Also eat cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage,
collard greens, broccoli and kale. Get plenty of fiber by eating fruits,
vegetables and whole grains. They help your liver metabolize foods
easier.
Cut back on fatty, deep-fried foods, which may contribute to gallstones
(an issue related to the liver). Additionally, reduce consumption of
salted, cured and smoked foods. Instead of salting foods, use seasonings
such as garlic and thyme as alternatives for flavoring.
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Because the liver is forced to clean viruses and bacteria
from the body, eat fresh foods that are free from pesticides, such as
free-range eggs and chickens and certified produce from a reputable
source. Also avoid eating packaged/processed foods that are full of
chemicals, and avoid reheating food more than once, because each time
you heat something, it gives bacteria a chance to multiply.
Unfortunately, because not even organic and free-range foods are
guaranteed to be free of damaging substances, thoroughly wash your food
and your hands before you eat.
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According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, milk
thistle has been used for 2,000 years as a treatment for liver problems
and its effects have been studied in scientific settings. While its
efficacy has not been firmly established, science speculates that a
compound (silymarin) within milk thistle helps to protect the liver from
toxins and helps to repair liver cells. Discuss milk thistle with your
primary care physician to determine if you could benefit from taking it
as a supplement.
