The liver is one of the most important organs in the human body. It performs vital functions, including metabolism, enzyme production, conversion of nutrients to energy and detoxification. It even has the ability to regenerate itself if part of it becomes damaged. A healthy liver is essential to the body's overall well-being. Therefore, it is imperative to take care of the liver through healthy lifestyle and dietary practices.
Function of the Liver
The liver is the size of a football, the largest organ in the body, the Hepatitis Foundation International says. Its primary function is to filter the blood and remove foreign substances absorbed through the skin or from eating and breathing. It detoxifies the body by eliminating these toxins. It is responsible for converting food into energy, regulating hormones and producing immunoglobulins. The liver controls the production and excretion of cholesterol and helps resist infection by removing bacteria from the bloodstream.
Foods to Protect the Liver
The Diet Channel emphasizes the importance of a healthy diet to support proper liver function. A healthy diet is one that includes a variety of nutrient-rich foods from each of the food groups. It will help protect the liver from damage and promote proper functioning. A good diet is also high in fiber. Fiber binds to cholesterol in the liver and bile in the intestines, transporting toxins out of the body. Therefore, a diet high in fiber aids the liver in its detoxification responsibilities.
Importance of Antioxidants
According to the Liver Transplant India website, antioxidants protect against free radicals, or byproducts of human metabolism. Beta-carotene, found in sweet potatoes, carrots, apricots, pumpkins and mangoes, assist in liver detoxification. A potent antioxidant, lycopene, found in tomatoes, guava, watermelon and papaya, suppresses cancer-causing free radicals. Selenium, found in rice and wheat, and vitamin E, abundant in almonds, oils and broccoli, protect the liver from damaging toxins. Vitamin A, from lemons, oranges, cereals, poultry and fish, promotes detoxification.
Other Essential Nutrients
Women Fitness discusses the significance of consuming foods containing folate, magnesium, iron, B vitamins, methionine, cysteine and choline. Toxicity in the body may be secondary to a deficiency of these nutrients the liver needs for detoxification. A diet including beans, fresh fruits and vegetables, healthy oils, nuts, seeds and yogurt will ensure adequate intake of these nutrients. Additionally, complex carbohydrates, such as brown rice and beans, and lean proteins, including lentils, eggs, chicken and fish, provide the body with essential vitamins and minerals that protect the liver.
What to Avoid
As reported by the Hepatitis Foundation International, the liver acts as a filter for alcohol in the body and therefore can be damaged by consuming excessive amounts of alcohol. Alcohol consumption can overwork the liver, causing permanent damage or scarring. Environmental pollutants, including fumes from paint thinners, bug sprays and other aerosol sprays, should also be avoided. They are picked up by blood cells in the lungs and carried to the liver, where they are detoxified and discharged in the bile. These chemicals can overwhelm the liver, causing irreversible damage.
