Your liver is an important organ located in the upper right quadrant of your abdominal cavity. According to the American Liver Society, your liver helps you turn the food you consume into useable energy, eliminate toxic substances from your body and generate substances that are essential for digestion. Certain foods may be helpful in improving the health and function of your liver. Ask your doctor about the effect of diet and nutrition on your liver health.
Liver Dysfunction
Liver dysfunction, or liver disease, is a relatively common health problem in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that almost 30,000 Americans die every year from chronic liver disease or cirrhosis. Possible liver-related conditions include non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, hepatitis A, B, C, D and E, hemochromatosis, autoimmune hepatitis, enlarged liver, liver cancer and parasitic infection. Alcohol abuse, obesity and unprotected sex are some of the most significant risk factors that can boost your chances of liver problems.
Helpful Foods
Certain foods may be helpful in treating your liver problems or improving your liver function. Certified nutritional consultant and nutrition researcher Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," states that the following foods may be beneficial in treating liver inflammation and cirrhosis: almonds, brewer's yeast, raw goat's milk, bananas, kelp, prunes, raisins, alfalfa sprouts and green leafy vegetables. Foods that contain the amino acid arginine -- peas, soybeans, kidney beans -- may help your liver detoxify ammonia, which is formed by protein digestion. Dandelion greens, beets and mustard greens may also be helpful in improving your liver function.
Featured Food
Beets may be one of the most helpful foods in improving the health and function of your liver. Beets, notes nutritionist and biologist George Mateljan, author of "The World's Healthiest Foods," contain powerful antioxidants and have historically been used in treating or preventing liver damage. One of the healthiest methods of beet preparation involves steaming beets for approximately 15 minutes, which helps make these vegetables tender while optimizing their nutritional profile.
Disclaimer
Serious liver problems should always be managed by a licensed medical professional. In most cases, a combination of complementary alternative and conventional medical therapies may produce the most beneficial health effects in treating your liver condition or improving the health and function of your liver. Some foods historically used for these health purposes may require a larger body of scientific research evidence to validate their purported health effects. Review all nutrition-related topics with your doctor before using this natural treatment approach.
References
- American Liver Society: Liver Health
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Chronic Liver Disease or Cirrhosis
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- "The World's Healthiest Foods"; George Mateljan; 2007
