The liver performs more than 500 bodily functions and chemical reactions every day, according to the Dr. Cutler website. Having an unhealthy liver can cause liver cancer to develop. According to the American Cancer Society, 18,910 people die each year due to this cancer. There are various steps you can take to keep your liver healthy or restore it back to health.
Step 1
Discontinue your intake of alcohol. Alcohol can have significant negative effects on the health of your liver, even in small amounts. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, if little or no scarring has developed on your liver, stopping your intake of alcohol can allow your liver to begin restoring itself back to health. If you continue drinking, do so in moderation -- no more than two drinks a day if you are a man and one drink a day if you are a woman.
Step 2
Limit your intake of prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications, and do not take them with alcohol. Many medications are filtered by your liver, and even when taken in small amounts, they can increase the damage to your liver. Talk with your doctor and pharmacist about specific drugs you should avoid. Drugs such as acetaminophen can be particularly hard on the liver and if taken in high enough amounts can be toxic.
Step 3
Shed excess weight. Being overweight can contribute to unhealthy changes to your liver. By losing weight, you can help reverse these changes and restore your liver health. Consume fewer calories than you burn throughout the day. Fit regular exercise into your day for at least 30 minutes. Add strength training to your exercise routine because building muscle mass will help you increase the calories you burn.
Step 4
Incorporate healthy foods into your diet and decrease the amount of unhealthy fats and sugar in your diet. Eat fruits and vegetables with all of your meals. Avoid meats high in saturated fat and cholesterol, such as red meat and processed meat. Eat some plant-based proteins such as beans, nuts and soy. Add whole grains to your diet, and avoid refined grains as much as possible.
Step 5
Talk to your doctor about adding milk thistle to your diet. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, some research has shown that adding milk thistle to your diet can help protect your liver from damage due to toxins. Your doctor will be able to discuss any specific risks or drug interactions and determine how much milk thistle is right for you.
Step 6
Go to regular check-ups with your doctor to determine your liver health. Ask your doctor about your risks and any medical tests you need to have done.
