How to Recover Your Liver Health

How to Recover Your Liver Health
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A number of conditions and problems can affect the health of your liver. According to MayoClinic.com, a few of them include liver failure, hepatitis, fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, liver poisoning and parasitic infections. Before you try to bring your liver back to health, talk to your doctor to figure out what is causing the problem. Don't try to diagnose the problem yourself and don't take herbs or other liver supplements without talking to your doctor first.

Step 1

Take any appropriate prescription medication for as long as needed. Some liver problems may require surgery. Depending on your condition, your doctor may also recommend dietary changes. If you want to try herbs or other natural therapies, confirm with your doctor that they won't interfere with your prescription medication.

Step 2

Stop drinking alcohol. Since alcohol is processed through the liver, it puts a lot of pressure on your organism, especially when your liver is ill. You might be able to resume drinking later on, but until your liver is in optimal health, stay away from alcohol and alcohol-containing products, such as real vanilla extract and rum-flavored cookies or ice cream.

Step 3

Take licorice. Licorice is used to treat a number of ailments, including liver disorders. Licorice is available in tincture, extract and capsule form. Follow the instructions on the label regarding how much to take and how often. This varies among brands. For example, the University of Maryland Medical Center recommends taking 2 to 5 ml of licorice tincture three times daily.

Step 4

Buy milk thistle tablets or capsules at your local pharmacy. Also known as silymarin, milk thistle can be used to treat viral hepatitis, mushroom poisoning and alcoholic hepatitis, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Take up to 450 mg per day divided in two or three doses throughout the day.

Step 5

Make changes to your diet. According to MedLine Plus, people with liver problems should reduce their intake of protein and increase their intake of carbohydrates. Eat less salt, as sodium can cause fluid buildup in the liver.

References

Article reviewed by Sharon Last updated on: Nov 22, 2010

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