The liver is a massive organ. It is the largest internal organ that weighs around 3 to 3.5 pounds. It is called the chemical factor of the body. It plays a vital role in digestion and numerous metabolic activities.
It plays a particularly important role in fat metabolism and produces bile. In addition, it stores glucose in the form of glycogen. Furthermore, the liver helps build proteins and other vital compounds.
It gets its blood supply from the only vein in the body that brings blood to the organ (instead of taking blood away from the organ). The vein is called the portal vein. The portal vein is among the largest veins bringing blood to the liver from the stomach, intestines, pancreas, and spleen.
Since most nutrients (from the digestive system) first come to the liver, it decides what to do with them. It may either process them, store them, or release them for use by other body organs.
It plays a vital role in detoxification. For example, most medications work only for some hours as they are neutralized by the liver or secreted unconverted by the kidneys.
It has more than 500 known functions in the body, making it a vital organ for existence.
Fortunately, it is also one of the highly regenerative organs. It means that much liver damage can be reversed through lifestyle interventions and natural supplements. Using natural ways to support the liver would help keep it healthy forever.
Below are some of the natural ways of keeping the liver healthy:
Lose bodyweight
Studies show that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects almost 25% of individuals. It is the primary cause of liver cancer. The American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases recommends weight loss as one of the most effective ways of managing NAFLD. Reducing daily calorie intake by 30% may considerably help reverse the condition.
Other ways to improve liver health could be intermittent fasting and a Mediterranean diet.
Drink coffee and tea
It could be one of the pleasant ways of maintaining a healthy liver. Studies show that those who drink coffee or tea have a lower risk of liver cancer.
Coffee appears to help in many ways. It reduces liver inflammation, is rich in antioxidants, prevents the growth of fibrous tissues, and also has some chemoprotective action. In addition, those who drink coffee regularly are less likely to develop NAFLD.
Similarly, tea may be pretty good for liver health. It appears that green tea is especially good for the liver. Moreover, unlike coffee, it is safe to drink green tea more frequently. Studies show that those who drink four or more cups of green tea a day are at a much lower risk of liver cancer.
Grapefruit
It is packed with vitamins and other antioxidants. In addition, it seems to have phytocompounds that alter the activity of liver enzymes. Thus, grapefruit may also help protect the liver. In addition, it may help detoxify the body, increase the metabolism of certain toxins.
However, one should be careful when taking medications. Grapefruit is known to interact with many medications.
Eat berries more frequently
Berries are a good source of vitamins and antioxidants. They are especially rich in flavonoids. They get their color due to anthocyanins, which are potent antioxidants. Berries may help boost regenerative processes. They also help suppress the growth of cancer tissues.
Berries like cranberry or blackberry are not just good for liver health. They have numerous other health benefits. For example, they might improve kidney function, prevent urinary tract infections, boost metabolism, and are even suitable for eyesight.
Eat more grapes
Grapes are the natural source of one of the best-known antioxidant resveratrol. Thus, regular consumption of grapes may help protect the liver. Studies show that grape juice may even protect the liver from various toxins. Grape juice seems to boost the production of certain liver enzymes like cytochrome C, having an important role in the body’s detoxification.
Beetroot juice for healthy liver
In recent years beetroot juice has gained lots of attention due to its ability to boost physical performance, reduce fatigue. It is rich in antioxidants and can boost NO levels. New studies show that many of its benefits could be due to its ability to lower liver inflammation.
Increase omega-3 intake
Omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation, help lower bad cholesterol. In addition, omega-3 fatty acids are good for heart health and brain health and help prevent metabolic disorders. It appears that omega-3 fatty acids are also suitable for liver health.
A systemic review of studies shows that high omega-3 fatty acids intake reduces inflammation, improves liver function tests, and even helps reduce NAFLD.
Fish oil or fatty fish are the best sources of omega-3. However, omega-3 fatty acids are also in abundance in flaxseeds, hemp seeds, walnuts, and so on.
Consider using milk thistle
Milk thistle is one of the natural sources of silymarin. It is a classical remedy for liver ailments. Humans have used milk thistle for liver health for thousands of years. Therefore, it is undoubtedly among the most recommended of all the natural remedies.
Its active ingredient, silymarin, is mainly found in the seeds of the plant. It is not only a cytoprotectant but also helps fight against cancer.
Moreover, it has an excellent safety profile. It appears to be relatively safe for prolonged use. Thus, one may use it regularly for more than three years without severe side effects. In addition, it does not have any significant drug interactions.
It may also help with gall bladder diseases. In addition, it may help overcome cholestasis. Additionally, it may exert antioxidant activity too.
To conclude, the liver is one of the most vital organs. It is also quite resistant to damage. Thus, liver damage only occurs due to years of neglect, exposure to various toxins, wrong dietary choices, and a sedentary lifestyle.
Fortunately, the liver is among the few organs with an excellent ability to regenerate. It means that with lifestyle changes and using natural methods, one can reverse most of the damage done to the liver.
whoah this weblog is great i love studying your articles. Keep up the good work! You already know, lots of persons are looking round for this information, you can help them greatly.