How to Take Care of Your Liver (Because You Probably Should)

Can you point to your liver? Or name three things it does for you? 

Most people can’t. And it’s totally understandable. You don’t really think about your liver unless something goes wrong with it. After all, it’s not like your heart or lungs – organs you know are working because you can feel a pulse and watch your chest expand. Your industrious liver is humbly silent, making it easy to take for granted. 

But don’t overlook it! With almost one-fourth of the US population currently diagnosed with fatty liver, it’s time to wake up and pay attention to your liver. 

This remarkable organ is a workhorse for you – and if you give it what it needs, one that can bring great benefits to your overall health and longevity.

Where is your liver located?

Your liver sits in the upper part of your abdomen, above your stomach. Take your hand and place it at the bottom of your rib cage on your right side, and you’ve got it! Your hand is right over your liver.

It’s the largest solid organ in your body, typically weighing between 3 to 3.5 lbs. But its size varies from person to person, based on height and weight. It’s shaped like a wedge and about the size of a football. 

You can’t live without your liver

Your hard-working liver basically processes everything you consume. It does this by filtering your blood – about 22 gallons per hour, performing some 500 functions vital to your well-being as it does. (Only your brain performs more tasks!) 

Some of the liver’s life-giving activities include:

• Detoxification: Breaks down and removes toxins and other harmful substances to be further processed by the kidneys and excreted in the urine
• Digestion: Produces bile that breaks down fat in the small intestine so it can be properly absorbed
• Metabolism: Converts food into energy, stores vitamins and minerals, and regulates amino acids
• Blood Sugar Regulation: Breaks down carbohydrates into glucose and stores it as the energy source glycogen for later use as needed
• Maintains a Healthy Microbiome: Bile produced by the liver maintains a healthy level of microorganisms in the small intestine 

Helping your liver live its best life

Modern life puts a strain on your liver. You get exposed daily to toxins in your environment, and the Western diet is rich in processed foods. Add a sedentary lifestyle, and your liver has to work hard to keep up! And for many Americans, there’s the addition of something really modern – GLP-1 therapy for weight loss. 

These factors can impact the liver and hamper its ability to carry out functions you depend on for your health and comfort.

Symptoms your liver could use a boost include:

• Abdominal discomfort
• Frequent indigestion
• Nausea
• Bloating
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Brain fog

Fortunately, there are relatively simple lifestyle changes you can implement that can really pay off for your liver and your health.

Think about what goes in: Topping the list, not surprisingly, is considering everything you put in your mouth, both food and drink. Some specific tips?

• Eat a nutritious diet with plenty of foods high in fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats.
• Avoid processed foods and, yes, your favorite fast-food restaurant.
• Try drip coffee and organic oatmeal with ground flax meal for breakfast. Studies show coffee and oatmeal, properly prepared, are good for your liver.
• Consider reducing or eliminating alcohol. (It’s really hard on your liver.)
• Include fermented food in your diet. Not only will it support a healthy microbiome, but it promotes the release of bile and provides vital nutrients for detoxification.
• Spice it up! Oregano, sage, rosemary, and garlic all support liver health. Cinnamon, curry powder, and cumin are also helpful.

Watch the scale: People who are overweight or obese are at greater risk for liver problems, so maintaining a healthy weight is essential. Make regular movement and exercise a daily thing. (Even 10 minutes helps!) Your liver will be healthier – and so will you!

Monitor your medications: Closely follow guidelines for acetaminophen, NSAIDs, antibiotics, and prescription drugs – all of which have serious potential to damage the liver if not used correctly. 

Consider supplements: The right liver supplements can also provide additional support. Clinical trials show that adding certain botanicals – like milk thistle and artichoke leaf – along with nutrients like bile acid derivatives can support healthy liver function.

Bottom line: Love your liver!

Your liver is a superhero organ ... but even superheroes need support! Be proactive and pay attention to what's going on with this strong and steady processor. 

Fun fact!

Your liver can regenerate itself! (Whoa, right?) No other organ can do that. If up to 70% of your liver is removed or damaged, it can regrow to its full size and function within weeks.

So show your liver some love and invest in its future vitality. Through mindful eating, active living, and targeted supplementation with proven ingredients, you can help your hardest-working organ do its job even better.