Your liver is an organ on the right side of your abdomen that breaks down harmful toxins and removes them from your body. It also aids in digestion, neutralizes chemicals in your body and helps your body absorb nutrients. The cause of liver damage varies, but alcoholism, injury, hepatitis, cirrhosis, medication overuse and digestive disorders can contribute to its development. Symptoms of liver damage include jaundice, abdominal distention, loss of appetite, fatigue and diarrhea. A variety of vitamins can accelerate the healing process, improve liver function and restore your liver to optimal health.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a water-soluble antioxidant that strengthens your immune system and protects your liver from further damage, according to Beth Ann Petro Roybal, author of the book "Hepatitis C: A Personal Guide to Good Health." Roybal says that vitamin C also repairs damaged tissues and organs, reduces jaundice, accelerates the healing process, lowers your risk of developing cirrhosis and improves liver function. The recommended daily dosage for vitamin C is 1,000mg for adults. Foods rich in vitamin C include cranberries, blackberries, tomatoes, strawberries, pineapples, grapefruits, kiwifruit, kale, Swiss chard, broccoli and spinach.
Calcium
Calcium is a mineral that heals wounds, improves liver function, supports growth and development, repairs damaged organs and tissues and aids in cellular reproduction, says Steve Blake, author of the book "Vitamins and Minerals Demystified." The recommended daily dosage for calcium is 1,000mg for adults. Foods rich in calcium include plain yogurt, instant breakfast drinks, kale, turnip greens, soy beverages, corn tortillas, sour cream, white bread, spinach, pink salmon, fortified orange juice, buttermilk, milk, frozen yogurt, pudding and soft tofu.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that improves immune system function and protects your liver from harmful free radicals that can cause irreversible liver damage, according to Howard Worman, author of the book "Liver Disorders and Hepatitis Sourcebook." Worman says that vitamin E also decreases liver inflammation and lowers your risk of developing fatty liver disease, a condition that occurs when excess fat accumulates within your liver. The recommended daily dosage for vitamin E is 15mg for adults. Foods rich in vitamin E include wheat germ oil, almonds, spinach, tomatoes, mangoes, kiwifruit, peanuts, sunflower oil, broccoli and corn oil.
Zinc
Zinc is a mineral that boosts your immune system and protects your liver from damaging free radicals, according to Michael Zimmermann, author of the book "Burgerstein's Handbook of Nutrition: Micronutrients in the Prevention and Therapy of Disease." Zimmermann says that zinc also speeds the healing process, improves liver function and aids in blood clot formation. The recommended daily dosage for zinc is 11mg for men and 8mg for women. Foods rich in zinc include oysters, roasted chicken legs, lobster, pork tenderloin, milk, almonds, boiled peas, instant oatmeal, Swiss cheese and raisin bran.
References
- "Liver Disorders and Hepatitis Sourcebook"; Howard J. Worman; 2006
- "Diseases of the Liver and Biliary System"; Shiela Sherlock and James Dooley; 2005
- "Burgerstein's Handbook of Nutrition: Micronutrients in the Prevention and Therapy of Disease"; Michael Zimmermann; 2001
- "Hepatitis C: A Personal Guide to Good Health"; Beth Ann Petro Roybal; 2002
- "Vitamins and Minerals Demystified"; Steve Blake; 2007
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