According to the Mayo Clinic, the liver is the body's major multitasker. The liver plays a primary role in the body's digestive, metabolic and regulatory systems. Some of its functions include regulation of blood sugar, converting consumed fats into fuel for cells and converting cholesterol in the diet to bile to aid in digestion. The liver also helps to break down and deactivate toxins in the body. Consuming specific nutrients can help maintain good liver health.
Vitamins A, C, E
According to the Mayo Clinic, vitamins A, C and E are important for good liver health. Vitamin C aids in immunity and helps conduct metabolic processes in the body. Vitamin A is mainly stored in the liver and plays a role in vision and cell division and health. Vitamin E is important to proper immune function and helps support healing in the body. These vitamins can be obtained in supplemental form or through diet. Good dietary sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits, such as lemons, limes and oranges. Vitamin A can be found in sweet potatoes, carrots, pumpkin and squash. Vitamin E-rich foods include olive oil, almonds, avocados and nut butters. Adding these foods to the daily diet can ensure your body is receiving vitamins and nutrients for a healthy liver.
Moderate Protein Intake
According to the International Hepatitis Foundation, too much protein daily can lead to hepatic encephalopathy, a condition characterized by mental confusion. This occurs because the consumption of dietary protein is higher than the liver's ability to use the protein. The result is an accumulation of toxins in the body that can disrupt proper brain function. The International Hepatitis Foundation states the exact type of protein diet to follow remains unclear. However, it says vegetable and dairy protein may be better tolerated than meat protein and protein restriction should only occur with a doctor's advice.
Niacin
Niacin is a B vitamin that helps the body convert food into fuel. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, niacin is also important in helping the body metabolize fats and proteins and maintain healthy skin, hair and liver. Niacin is helpful in reducing cholesterol levels in the blood, which puts less workload on the liver. Dietary sources of niacin include beets, beef liver, fish, salmon, sunflower seeds and peanuts. Niacin may also be added to breads and cereals, making these good food choices, also.
