Ways to protect your liver

The liver is the second largest organ in the human body after the skin, which is situated below the diaphragm in the abdominal-pelvic region of the abdomen. This organ has a wide range of functions, including detoxification, protein synthesis, production of some bio-chemicals necessary for digestion, glycogen storage, decomposition of red blood cells, and hormone production. It produces bile, an alkaline compound which aids in digestion via the emulsification of lipids.

The liver is virtually responsible for processing every nutrient consumed – protein, fat or carbohydrate. This means that everything consumed passes through the liver, so this organ is subjected to an array of toxins – pesticides, hormones, food additives, alcohol, medications, microorganisms, and more-on a regular basis. The liver works as a filter for these harmful substances. To protect the body from their influence, it converts these toxins into less harmful ones or eliminates them entirely. However, sometimes, some toxins get left behind, hiding in certain liver cells or creating free radicals that can damage the liver and endanger the state of health. This is the reason why it is relly important to support your liver health in every way you can: through the food you eat, the medications you take, the drinks you consume.

How can you protect your liver?

1.       Eat organic foods – Eating foods that are not contaminated with pesticides, growth hormones and chemical additives, is a good way to protect your liver’s health. Organic foods is the food free from genetically modified organisms, synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, antibiotics, growth hormones and other drugs.

2.       Avoid fructose and trans fats – It was scientifically proven that a diet high in fructose and trans fats leads to obesity and fatty liver disease.

3.       Eat fresh fruits and vegetables – Sulfur-rich foods, such as onions, garlic, broccoli, kale, collard greens, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower are the best option for detoxifying your liver from environmental toxins, including prescription drugs and pesticides.

4.       Avoid alcohol – The alcohol can destroy liver cells and lead to liver damage that causes fatty liver, inflammation, alcoholic hepatitis or cirrhosis.

5.       Limit the use of chemical household products – The more chemicals you are exposed to, the harder your liver has to work to keep you healthy. Natural cleaning products and natural personal care products for your body are highly recommended.

6.       Detoxify your body regularly – Detoxing can help to support and enhance the process of elimination of toxins from your body.

7.       Use medication correctly – Taking medications in improper doses, for too long, or mixed with other substances, such as alcohol or other drugs, can harm your liver.

8.        Avoid smoking – Smoking makes the process of elimination of the toxins from the body really hard.

9.       Take liver supportive supplements – It can help support liver health.

Keep in mind that a strong liver is one of your best defenses against the toxins bombarding your body on a daily basis.

References:

• Hepatology- 2010 Sep; 52(3):934-44.
• American Liver Foundation – “Ways You Can Take Care of Your Liver”