The liver helps to process digested food from the intestine. It breaks down food into glucose which is then stored as glycogen in the liver and muscles. When energy is needed, the liver converts the glycogen into glucose and provides a quick source of energy. The liver also helps to control fat, amino acid and glucose levels in the blood. Liver damage may cause people to lose the ability to control glucose in the blood.

The liver also works to cleanse the blood of waste products which are not excreted by the kidneys. It helps to detoxify the body of toxins. The liver also has the important role of mobilising the macrophage system which is the body's defense mechanism and helps to destroy bacteria and other infections especially those that occur in the bowel.

It produces bile and various enzymes and proteins including those that help in blood clotting and repairing damaged tissues.

The liver is therefore vital to the normal functioning of the body. Impaired liver function can lead to exhaustion, mental problems, depression, lack of sex drive, jaundice and infections. Severe damage can lead to liver failure and death.

There are several natural foods and herbs that can help maintain liver health. However there are certain dietary precautions that must be taken to prevent or avoid liver damage.

What to avoid for liver health

• Avoid alcohol. The link between alcohol and liver cirrhosis has been well documented. The more alcohol you drink and the greater the frequency of drinks, the more likely you are to develop cirrhosis. Cirrhosis refers to the damage of liver cells. Apart from cirrhosis, people who drink heavily can develop alcoholic hepatitis which is an inflammation of the liver.
• Take medications with care. Certain over the counter medications that are used for common cold and minor aches and pains such as acetaminophen (tylenol) and antibiotics and birth control pills also can cause damage to the liver.
• Avoid exposure to household and industrial chemicals and toxins.
• Avoid excess salt and sugar

What to eat for optimum liver health

• Your diet should include plenty of fruits, vegetables, grains, milk and protein. Cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli contain chemicals that help to neutralize some toxins and also help the liver to produce enzymes needed for detoxification. Artichokes are also excellent as they contain caffeoylquinic acids, which help in liver cell regeneration.
• Bitter roots, greens and vegetables such as dandelion, bitter melon, neem, chicory and endive promote bile flow and detoxification
• Garlic, onions and egg yolk contain sulphur which help the liver in neutralizing various toxins.
• Spirulina, chlorella, wheat grass and barley grass are high in chlorophyll which help to purify the liver
• Herbs such as turmeric, neem, punarnava, bitter melon, milk thistle, licorice (high amounts can cause problems) aid in liver cleansing
• Organic foods are best as they cut down largely on pesticides and other toxins that tax the liver
• Kidney beans, garbanzo beans, peas and soybeans contain arginine which help in the detoxification of ammonia which is produced during protein digestion
• Liv.52 is blend of herbs and minerals that is considered the best natural support for the liver. Liv.52 helps to regenerate liver cells and helps to heal and protect the liver.

You may also be interested in reading on

Liver Damage - Cirrhosis causes, symptoms, natural remedies

Foods and Supplements for the liver

More info on Liv.52

Research and Benefits of Liv-52

References:

National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse

Himalaya Herbals Company



Other Products for Liver Health & Detoxification

Neem
Helps in detoxification

Triphala
Contains Amla along with 2 other fruits. Promotes digestive health & well-being

Punarnava
Punarnava is excellent for liver & kidney health