How to improve liver health
The liver is source of power of an organ. It performs a variety of vital tasks, ranging from producing proteins, cholesterol and bile to storing vitamins, minerals, even carbohydrates, making glucose and detoxing the body. It also breaks down toxins like alcohol, medications, and natural byproducts of metabolism. It also stores nutrients which is necessary to digest and absorb the nutrients in food properly. There are many foods and drinks that a person can consume to help protect the liver. Keeping your liver in good form is important for maintaining health. Liver health is vital for overall health. Liver dysfunction can lead to liver disease, metabolic disorder, and even type 2 diabetes. While it may be impossible to manage all risk factors, consuming certain foods and drinks may help promote liver health.
According to the studies of Hindustan pharmaceuticals the best foods for liver health, their beneficial effects for the organ, and some foods to avoid are given below:
Coffee
Coffee increases antioxidant levels in the liver, all while decreasing irritation. It also helps lower the risk of developing liver disease, cancer, and fatty liver.
Tea
Black and green tea may help improve enzyme and fat levels in the liver.
Grapefruit
The antioxidants in grapefruit protect the liver by helping reduce irritation and increase its shielding mechanisms.
Blueberries and cranberries
Berries are high in antioxidants, which help protect the liver from damage. They may even help improve its immune and antioxidant responses.
Grapes
Grapes and grape seed extract protect the liver from damage, increase antioxidant levels and fight soreness.
Prickly pear
Prickly pear fruit and juice may help with hangover symptoms by reducing redness. They may also help protect the liver from damage caused by alcohol consumption.
Beetroot juice
Beetroot juice helps protect the liver from oxidative damage and irritation, all while increasing its natural detoxification enzymes.
Cruciferous vegetables
Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and Brussels sprouts may help increase the liver’s natural detoxification enzymes, protect it from damage, and improve blood levels of liver enzymes.
Nuts
Nut intake has been associated with improved liver enzyme levels in people with NAFLD. Conversely, low nut intake has been allied with a higher risk of developing the disease.
Fatty fish
Eating omega-3-rich fatty fish has many benefits for the liver. However, it is just as important to keep your omega-6 to omega-3 ratio in check.
Olive oil
Olive oil consumption helps decrease the levels of fat in the liver, increase blood flow, and improve liver enzyme levels.
Garlic
Adding garlic to the diet may also help stimulate the liver. Garlic consumption reduces body weight and fat content in people with NAFLD.
Oatmeal
Consuming oatmeal is an easy way to add fiber to the diet. Fiber is an important tool for digestion, and the specific fibers in oats may be especially helpful for the liver.
Milk and other low-fat dairy
Dairy is high in whey protein, which may protect the liver from further damage.
Therefore, Hindustan pharmaceuticals recommend the foods listed above have established beneficial effects on the liver.
Foods to avoid
Fatty foods: These include fried foods, fast food, and take away from many restaurants. Packaged snacks, chips, and nuts may also be surprisingly high in fats.
Starchy foods: These include breads, pasta, and cakes or baked goods..
Sugar: Cutting back on sugar and sugary foods such as cereals, baked goods, and candies may help reduce the stress on the liver.
Salt: Simple ways to reduce salt intake include eating out less, avoiding canned meats or vegetables, and reducing or avoiding salted deli meats and bacon.
Alcohol: Anyone looking to give their liver a break should consider reducing their intake of alcohol or eliminating it from the diet completely.