How to Promote Good Liver Health
According to the American Liver Foundation, liver wellness is a way of life. It is the key to overall good health. This is largely due to the function the liver plays in our bodies. The liver actually acts as an internal filter and aids our cells in getting the proper amount of nutrients they need to survive and thrive. To promote good liver health, there are a few very simple things you can do on a daily basis.
Things You'll Need
- Well-balanced diet
- Water
- Exercise program
- Dietary supplement (optional)
Instructions
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Adhere to a well-balanced diet that is high in complex carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins and nutrients, yet low in fat, sodium, sugar (refined) and cholesterol. By making sure you get enough foods that are rich in fiber, complex carbohydrates, vitamins and nutrients, like broccoli, cabbage, legumes, onions, artichokes and beets--to name a few--you can help preserve the health of your liver.
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Stick to lean proteins. Though you needn't cut proteins out of your diet, you should make sure to keep them lean if you're looking to maintain good liver health. Cold-water fish, like salmon and mackerel, are really your best options for a healthy liver, but you can eat lean meats like chicken and beef.
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Drink plenty of water. This is just a good rule of thumb for your overall health, but can do wonders to promote good liver health. This is largely due to the process of detoxification that happens in the body (including the liver) when you get enough water in your diet. Shoot for 48 to 64 ounces each day.
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Start taking supplements specifically formulated for the liver. There are currently a number of dietary supplements on the market that can promote good liver health. Many "standard" multivitamins can do the trick, but you may also want to consider using alpha lipoic acid (a water-soluble antioxidant), silybum marianum (an herbal supplement believed to detoxify and protect the liver) or dandelion extract (an alternative medicinal herb believed to improve both digestion and liver function).
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Exercise daily. If you're serious about promoting good liver health, you should also get serious about your overall health, as the two often go hand-in-hand.
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Maintain a healthy weight. According to the American Liver Foundation, one of ways in which a person can promote good liver health is to maintain a healthy weight.
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Consult a physician before starting any sort of diet and exercise program. Talking to a doctor before starting a diet and exercise program can be beneficial as you may currently be on a medication or other treatment program that may require a modification to either your diet or exercise routine.
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Tips & Warnings
Limit alcohol consumption to less the two eight-ounce glasses per day, according to the American Liver Foundation.
