According to the American Liver Foundation, the liver is the second largest and most important organ in the human body. It treats toxic substances and eliminates them from the body. Other responsibilities include changing food into energy, filtering blood, storing vitamins, maintaining water balance and metabolizing fat. Years of poor eating and bad lifestyle habits can affect the liver. The whole body suffers if it functions improperly. Deciding to improve your liver health is the first step to keep your liver running for the long haul.
Step 1
Organize your lifestyle routine. Avoid over consumption of alcohol. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse reports indulging in three to four alcoholic drinks a day for males and two to three drinks for females can cause damage and promote cirrhosis of the liver.
Step 2
Drink plenty of water. Regularly drinking water helps the liver flush toxins and impurities from the system. The Institute of Medicine recommends that women consume 9 cups a day and men consume at least 13 cups of total beverages a day. Check with your doctor or direction to determine the best fluid intake for you.
Step 3
Avoid toxic fumes. Breathing in fumes and toxic air can affect the liver. Often, your hobbies or job can trigger this scenario. Avoid breathing in solvents, pesticides, paint thinners or toxic smoke. In addition, remain in well-ventilated areas and avoid skin contact with skin-absorbing chemicals.
Step 4
Eat enough fiber. Examples of fiber-packed foods include apples, pears, oatmeal, oat bran, legumes and beans. fiber is beneficial because it binds to impurities and toxins that relieve liver stress.
Step 5
Consume detoxifying foods such as garlic, onions, brussel sprouts, broccoli, beets, carrots and cabbage. Avoid foods that are deep fried, high in saturated fat and highly processed.
Step 6
Keep your weight under control because being obese or overweight can negatively affect the liver, causing a condition called "fatty liver." When this happens, fat deposits build up on the liver, causing it to function improperly. Exercise daily to keep your weight in check. Some beneficial exercises including walking, jogging, biking, weight training and swimming.
