Most of your body's organs are vital to your health, but the liver performs tasks for your body that you wouldn't be able to survive without. Most importantly, the liver acts as a filter, eliminating unwanted toxins and other chemicals from the body--this can include everything from alcohol and illicit drugs to cholesterol and other unwanted natural nutrients. The more your liver has to work to keep your system clean, the less healthy the organ becomes, and liver problems can quickly become a serious issue for most individuals. Fortunately, there are several ways you can promote liver health and prevent these ailments.
Step 1
Limit your alcohol consumption. While some moderate alcohol consumption can be good for your health, excessive drinking can damage and destroy your liver's cells. This can lead to several liver problems, such as fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, and cirrhosis. Alcohol is especially damaging to individuals with liver disease.
Step 2
Monitor your consumption of prescription medications, and talk to your doctor about ways your prescriptions might be changed to lessen the workload placed on your liver. Prescription medications put the liver to work as it flushes them out of your system, and if these medications or taken incorrectly, either at the wrong times, in the wrong quantities or with other medications, the liver can suffer. Be sure to follow the instructions provided by the medication itself as well as your doctor.
Step 3
Avoid chemicals, pollutants, and toxins that can enter your system and harm your body. Any toxins entering the body can damage the liver and even kill liver cells. Smoking cigarettes is a prime example of toxin consumption that can damage the liver. Aerosol products and outdoor and indoor pollution can also harm your liver.
Step 4
Exercise regularly. Working out at least three or four times each week can lead to improved health across the board, and the liver is no exception, according to the American Liver Foundation. If you are obese, lowering your weight can also improve your liver's health.
Step 5
Eat a well-rounded diet featuring foods that can promote liver health. According to WHFoods.com, foods high in fiber, such as whole grain products, as well as fruits and vegetables, can all promote liver health. Avoid fatty or fried foods, as well as foods that have been smoked or cured.
