Shaping Up: 10 Ways to a Healthier Liver

Your liver, the second-largest organ in your body, is responsible for many critical processes that keep your body healthy. Your liver removes all toxins and medication from your body. It also helps break down all your food. Your liver can adjust cholesterol levels, build proteins, and help you absorb fat and store sugar. It also helps regulate hormone levels. 

Taking care of your liver is essential for a healthier life. 

Alcohol can cause damage and scarring to your liver. Limiting how much alcohol you drink can reduce liver damage. Giving up alcohol completely might be needed if you already have liver damage.

It’s not just people who drink a lot that get liver damage. Four ounces a day of hard liquor for men and two for women can scar your liver. 

Eat balanced meals by avoiding high-calorie foods with saturated fat, refined carbohydrates, and sugars. A healthy diet includes fiber from fresh fruits and vegetables, whole-grain bread, rice, and cereals. Lean meat, low-fat dairy, and good fats are essential parts of a healthy diet. 

30% of people in the U.S. have nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. This is caused by the buildup of extra fat in your liver cells, not caused by alcohol. It’s a common form of liver disease in children.

You can avoid this condition by maintaining a healthy weight. You can work towards a healthy weight with proper exercise and a good diet. 

Ensure you’re taking the correct medications. Taking too much, the wrong type or mixing medicines can hurt your liver. It’s important to tell your doctor all the over-the-counter medications, supplements, or natural remedies you are using. This helps them keep you from mixing the wrong medications. 

Protect yourself against viruses that cause hepatitis. Hepatitis A, B, and C are the most common viruses. Hepatitis A doesn’t cause lasting liver damage. But hepatitis B and C can cause long-term liver disease and liver cancer. 

Ways to protect yourself from hepatitis include not sharing razors, nail scissors, or toothbrushes. Cover your wounds. Use only licensed tattoo and piercing studios.

Keep away from toxins. Make sure you wash produce before eating it. Avoid coming in contact with other toxins that could damage your liver. 

Be careful taking herbal remedies and supplements. According to one study, 20% of liver damage in the U.S. is caused by supplements. They are not regulated and can include substances toxic to your liver. 

Several studies have shown that drinking coffee can reduce your risk of liver damage and liver cancer. These benefits come with all types of coffee, so you can enjoy whatever you like. 

Unprotected sex or sex with multiple partners increases your risk of getting hepatitis B, or C. Keep yourself and your partner safe with contraceptives like condoms to reduce your risk of catching a virus. 

Keep your hands clean with warm soap and water. Ensure you're washing your hands if your hands come in contact with something considered unclean or unsanitary.