Your liver plays a central role in many of your body's key functions. According to family physician Dr. Michael Cutler, your liver is responsible for removing unhealthy toxins from almost 100 gallons of blood on a daily basis. He also says it "produces 13,000 essential chemicals and hormones and manages more than 50,000 enzymes," regulates blood sugar and stores important vitamins. Your liver has to work extra hard to filter out harmful pollutants, food additives, water chlorination, prescription drugs and a host of other toxins. But it can't do it all on its own; it needs your support to function optimally.
Step 1
Drink plenty of water every day. Water helps flush toxins from your organs, thus relieving the liver of some of its duties. If you are dehydrated, the liver will have to work overtime and endure unnecessary stress. The Mayo Clinic recommends drinking at least eight 8 oz. glass of water a day, but fluids needs vary by person. Those who live in a hot climate, exercise, or sweat a lot will need to drink more. A good rule of thumb is to never allow yourself to become thirsty and to keep an eye on the color of your urine--your urine will be colorless or slightly yellow if you are properly hydrated.
Step 2
Cut down on alcohol consumption. According to UK cancer information charity, CancerActive.com, alcohol poisons your liver and places a large amount of undue stress on it. DoctorYourself.com reports that one in three Americans drinks heavily, a habit that could lead to liver damage or even cirrhosis, which can render your liver completely useless. Moderation in alcohol consumption is key. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, moderate drinking is defined as no more than one drink per day for women and two for men.
Step 3
Cut down on fat intake. Fat from red meat, fast foods, hydrogenated oils and too much dairy increases your cholesterol level and puts a strain on your liver, which plays a leading role in the breakdown and metabolism of fats.
Step 4
Supplement your diet with liver-supporting herbs and nutrients like milk thistle, alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), artichoke leaf and burdock root. Milk thistle helps support your body's ability to replace and repair damaged liver cells; ALA helps reduce liver enzymes that can lead to liver damage; artichoke leaf encourages bile secretion which makes the breakdown of fats more efficient; and burdock root neutralizes toxins in the liver.
