Maintain Healthy Liver

Well over 30 million Americans suffer from some sort of liver disease. The most common is nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). 50-75% of obese and diabetics suffer from liver disease, often not being aware of it. The good news is that liver is one of the very few organs in the body that can naturally regenerate lost tissue. This means that given the proper care and conditions we can help diseased liver become healthier.

Exercise, proper nutrition and reduced stress can work together to reverse NAFLD. Here are some simple guidelines:

EXERCISE

Maintaining a moderate level of physical exercise increases one's metabolism, helps reduce weight, helps better modulate insulin, and reduces fat. Fat around the belly is especially bad for the liver (see http://hubpages.com/hub/Cortisol__the_stress_hormone).

NUTRITION

Reduce or avoid your intake of hydrogenated fats, trans fats, saturated fats, alcohol, sugar, white flour, caffein, artificial substances. Increase your intake of liver friendly foods such as: beets, blueberries, apples, radishes, artichokes, bitter leafy greens, legumes, whole grains, fresh fruits. Maintain a normal 3 meals/day plan and don't skip meals.

HERBAL SUPPLEMENTS

There are a number of herbs which are know to support the liver function. Milk thistle is helpful for liver damage, cirrhosis and inflammation of liver. Other herbs such as: fennel seed, dandelion root, fenugreek seed, turmeric, fresh parsley, fresh mint in tea form or additives to your food will help strengthn the liver through detoxification and improved fat metabolism.