Good nutrition is necessary for healthy liver function. Eating an unhealthy diet can lead to liver disease. While some liver problems are temporary and go away on their own, others can lead to serious health complications. Good nutrition can help prevent these problems and promote healthy liver function.
Liver Function
The liver is the largest organ in the body and performs a number of essential jobs. Without the liver, you couldn't digest food, absorb nutrients, or eliminate toxic substances from your body. The liver also controls the production and excretion of cholesterol and helps you resist infection. In short, healthy liver function will help you feel well and stay properly nourished.
What To Eat
You should eat a variety of fruits and vegetables to protect your liver. Be sure to eat whole-grain breads, rice and cereals too. Consuming foods with a lot of fiber will help the liver function well. Omega-3 fatty acids may protect the liver from some diseases. A diet high in omega-3 fatty acids significantly inhibits the growth of liver cancer cells. Fatty fish, especially salmon, is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. Walnuts and flaxseed oil are also good sources of omega-3 fatty acids.
What to Avoid
Excessive amounts of some vitamins can harm the liver. Avoid mega-vitamin supplements, particularly if they contain vitamins A and D. Excess vitamin A is very toxic to the liver. Alcohol can damage or destroy liver cells. Heavy drinking of beer, wine or other alcohol leads to fatty liver disease. It can also cause inflammation of the liver, known as alcoholic hepatitis, or cirrhosis, which is scarring of the liver.
Tips
Staying at a healthy weight will help protect your liver. Obesity is a risk factor for liver problems. Obesity can lead to a serious condition called nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, which can be life-threatening in severe cases. If you take prescription or over-the-counter medicines, be sure to take them correctly. The Liver Foundation warns that taking too much medicine, the wrong kind or mixing them can damage the liver. Finally, beware of herbs, which are sometimes called nutritional supplements. Some herbs can be harmful to the liver.
