Every day we hear smoking and drinking can affect the liver. While this is true, there are other habits that can be emulated or avoided to have a healthy liver. Below are some:
Coffee
There is extensive research on the benefits of coffee and liver disease. According to Rockford Yapp, MD, a member of the board of directors for the American Liver Foundation:
Several studies have shown that coffee helps to slow or prevent liver cancer. It also has been shown in several studies to help prevent fibrosis, which is a scar tissue that can be so damaging to the liver. Some research also shows that patients with hepatitis C, a common liver infection, who drink one to four cups of coffee per day slow down the virus.
The specific reason coffee helps is unclear, and Dr. Yapp notes that some people should avoid coffee because of other health conditions such as high blood pressure.
Mediterranean diet
A Mediterranean diet is filled with lots of healthy fats like avocados, lower carbs, and healthy proteins, especially fish. Although fats such as olive oil, walnuts, and avocados help the liver perform well, maintaining an overall healthy weight by ingesting an appropriate number of calories will benefit your liver more. A healthy and balanced diet is good for your liver because it processes most of the foods we eat.
Limit alcohol intake
When it comes to liver disease, the most obvious and detrimental risk factor is alcohol intake. Dr. Lucero advises drinking in moderation, meaning no more than the daily recommended amounts of one drink per day for women or two drinks per day for men. Women and people with a family history of alcohol-related problems are at a higher risk for liver disease, so it is essential to honestly discuss your current and past alcohol intake with your doctor.
Antioxidant-rich foods
Antioxidants from different foods likely benefit the liver by replacing the natural antioxidants the liver uses to detoxify the foods, chemicals, and other substances that people are exposed to. Broccoli, spinach, carrots and potatoes, artichokes, cabbage, asparagus, avocados, beetroot, radish, lettuce, sweet potatoes, squash, pumpkin, collard greens, and kale are rich in antioxidants.
Avoid supplements
Liver toxicity from supplements and alternative medicines is common. Often, the safety and effectiveness of supplements are not evaluated before they’re marketed. So it is advisable to talk to your doctor before you use anything before it causes trouble for your liver.
The medical information provided in this article is provided as an information resource only. This information does not create any patient-physician relationship and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment.
