How to Maintain a Healthy Liver

The liver is one of the most important organs in the human body. Without a functioning liver, a human being can only survive up to 24 hours. The liver has many vital functions including detoxifying the body of dangerous compounds, decomposition of red blood cells, storing glycogen and producing bile to aid in digestion. Thus, it is important to do everything possible to maintain a healthy liver.

Things You'll Need

• Doctor's appointment
• Drinking water
• Exercise routine
• Antioxidant-rich foods

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Instructions

• 1

  Drink in moderation. Try to drink as little as possible although one glass of wine a day is acceptable. However, avoid hard liquors such as scotch, whiskey and vodka, which cause the most damage to your liver.

• 2

  Eat liver-healthy foods. Consume foods rich in antioxidants such as kale, spinach, blueberries, broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage. These foods help your liver detoxify damaging chemicals.

• 3

  Drink lots of non-alcoholic fluids, especially water. Water is a natural detoxifier that flushes the toxins from your body, relieving the burden from your liver.

• 4

  Get regular check-ups at the doctor's office. Have your doctor administer the hepatic function test at least once a year to make sure that everything is in good order and to spot possible liver damage before it's too late.

• 5

  Cut down on caffeine-rich stimulants such as coffee, soda and tea. These substances harm your liver, especially when consumed in abundance. Try to moderate your consumption of these substances just as you moderate your alcoholic intake.

• 6

  Avoid excessive intake of salt and sugar. These are also liver-damaging toxins that may lead to complications if consumed too often. Choose foods that are low in salt and sugar, and avoid adding extra salt to your meals.

• 7

  Try some light exercises a few times a week. Exercise increases liver activity by causing you to sweat and stimulating your body to rid itself of toxins and damaging wastes. It also increases fresh oxygen into your blood stream.