The liver is a powerful organ that produces enzymes needed for the metabolism of food and also flushes out harmful toxins from the body. Furthermore, the liver has high regenerative power. Did you know a human liver can grow to a normal size even after 90% of it gets removed? However, this does not mean you can ignore its health. In this blog, we have 5 simple measures that can you can do at home to keep your liver healthy.

1. Eat a balanced diet.

Your diet can help your liver function healthily and allow it to fight against illnesses. The following are a few liver-healthy foods that must form a part of your daily diet:

• Garlic: Garlic contains selenium which is known to trigger liver enzymes that help flush out toxins.
• Avocado: Truly a superfood, avocados are packed with glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that helps the liver flush out toxins and keep it healthy.
• Leafy greens: Leafy vegetables like spinach and kale also contain glutathione that helps the liver function normally.
• Beetroot: This vegetable is packed with vitamins A, B6, and iron, all of which reduce oxidative stress on the liver. The higher the oxidative stress, the higher the risk of organ damage.
• Olive Oil: Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, which are considered good for the liver as they reduce fatty deposits and improve its functioning.
• Green tea: It contains powerful antioxidants called catechins that protect the liver from some types of cancer.
• Fish: Fishes that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help maintain liver health.
• Fruits: Fruits like apples and grapes are antioxidant-rich, which helps reduce oxidative stress in the liver.

On the contrary, foods that may end up harming your liver include:

• Red meat
• Processed foods like chips, and cookies
• Foods made of white refined flour (maida)

These foods are high in unhealthy saturated and trans fats along with carbohydrates, which puts excess pressure on the liver. Regular consumption of these foods may lead to inflammation and scarring of the liver, which is medically called liver cirrhosis.

2. Wash your hands frequently.

Believe it or not, the easiest way to get a liver infection is by not practising adequate personal hygiene and sanitation. Failing to wash hands regularly allows germs (bacteria and viruses) to enter the body and infect the liver. Hepatitis A and Hepatitis C viruses can reach the liver through the contaminated hands of an individual.

Make it a habit to wash your hands with soap and warm water, especially before eating any food, after using the washroom, or after returning home from outside.

3. Avoid self-administering herbal medication and health supplements.

With the growing popularity of herbal medication and health supplements, people have started taking them indiscriminately. These medications may form toxic metabolites, which can cause irreversible damage to the liver, especially if you are already taking some other prescribed medication.

4. Drink plenty of water.

Staying hydrated has innumerable health benefits, one of which is keeping the liver healthy. Drinking water boosts metabolism, increases energy levels, and assists the liver in removing toxins and breaking down fat.

5. Avoid exposure to harmful chemicals.

The liver is responsible for the detoxification of the body as it eliminates waste products, toxins and chemicals. Furthermore, the liver also processes the chemicals that we inhale or come in contact with through our skin. Exposure to harmful chemicals like vinyl chloride (found in kitchen plasticware or PVC pipes) and carbon tetrachloride (used for dry cleaning) can lead to hepatitis. To care for your liver health, opt for environment-friendly, reusable products like glass cutlery, use masks and rubber gloves while cleaning homes, and change unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as smoking and overuse of over-the-counter medications like painkillers.

Though we don't pay enough attention to our liver, it works constantly to keep our body toxin-free. Taking good care of your liver is easy by making certain changes in your lifestyle. If you wish to know more about maintaining liver health, contact our experts.

To ensure the well-being of your liver: Book Apollo's Liver Check Test

Medically reviewed by Dr. Sonia Bhatt.