Improving Liver Function

The liver is one of the most important organs in the human body. One of its main responsibilities is to purify and cleanse the blood of toxins. It also produces a substance called bile, which helps break down fats, and it is a storage site for carbohydrates called glycogen. The way to improve liver functioning and keep it in good working order is to make some lifestyle adjustments and honor the diet.

Step 1

Cut down on alcohol. Drinking alcohol may give you feelings of happiness and relaxation for a while, but it can also take quite a toll on the liver and cause a condition called cirrhosis. If you already have a low liver function, do not drink at all.

Step 2

Avoid drugs. The consistent use of illicit and prescription drugs can harm the liver. It has to work really hard to break this stuff down and filter it out of the body, which can weaken it.

Step 3

Drink plenty of water. It helps flush toxins out of the organs and the rest of the body, which makes it beneficial to the liver.

Step 4

Try some milk thistle. Milk thistle is an herb that has been used to treat low liver function. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, substances in milk thistle have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help the liver repair itself by growing new cells.

Step 5

Keep the diet clean. Eliminate fruits and vegetables that are conventionally grown, as they have pesticides on them. The liver has to work harder to rid the body of those chemicals. Also cut down on processed sugars and foods that are high in saturated fats.

References

Article reviewed by Elizabeth Nickelaid Last updated on: Nov 23, 2011

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