Your liver is one of the most vital organs in your body, responsible for a variety of functions, including filtering the blood, producing bile, and metabolizing drugs.

However, your liver can become damaged or inflamed due to poor lifestyle choices, such as excessive alcohol consumption, a high-fat diet, or exposure to toxins. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to support your liver’s health and prevent liver disease. Here are eight important things you can do for your liver:.

1. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Obesity is a major risk factor for liver disease, particularly nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). When you carry excess weight, fat can accumulate in your liver, causing inflammation and scarring that can lead to cirrhosis and even liver failure.

To reduce your risk of liver disease, aim to maintain a healthy weight through a combination of healthy eating and regular exercise.

2. Eat a Healthy Diet

A poor diet can also contribute to liver damage. To support your liver’s health, eat a diet that is high in fiber, fruits, vegetables, and lean protein sources.

Avoid or limit your intake of fatty, fried, and processed foods, as well as added sugars and salt. A healthy diet can help reduce inflammation in the liver and prevent fat buildup.

3. Limit Alcohol Consumption

Excessive alcohol consumption is a leading cause of liver disease, including cirrhosis and alcoholic hepatitis. If you drink alcohol, limit your intake to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.

If you have cirrhosis or other liver damage, you should avoid alcohol altogether.

4. Exercise Regularly

Regular exercise not only helps you maintain a healthy weight, but it can also improve liver function. Exercise can reduce inflammation and insulin resistance in the liver, which can help prevent NAFLD.

Aim to get at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.

5. Protect Yourself from Toxins

Your liver is responsible for detoxifying your body, but exposure to certain toxins can overload and damage the liver.

To reduce your risk of liver damage from toxins, avoid exposure to environmental pollutants, chemicals, and medications that can be harmful to the liver. If you work with or are exposed to toxins, follow proper safety protocols and use protective equipment.

6. Get Vaccinated

Hepatitis B and C are both serious viral infections that can cause liver damage and lead to liver cancer.

If you are at risk for these infections, such as through unprotected sex or IV drug use, talk to your healthcare provider about getting vaccinated for hepatitis B and getting screened for hepatitis C.

Sharing personal items that can be contaminated with blood, such as razors or toothbrushes, can increase your risk for hepatitis B and C.

To reduce your risk, avoid sharing personal items and make sure any sharp objects, such as needles, are properly disposed of.

8. Manage Chronic Conditions

Chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure can contribute to liver damage.

To manage these conditions and reduce your risk of liver disease, follow your healthcare provider’s treatment plan, take medications as prescribed, and make healthy lifestyle choices.

Conclusion

Your liver plays a crucial role in your overall health and well-being.

By making healthy lifestyle choices, such as maintaining a healthy weight, eating a healthy diet, limiting alcohol consumption, and protecting yourself from toxins, you can support your liver’s health and prevent liver disease.