Second only to the skin, the liver is the largest organ in the human body. It has quite a few responsibilities, some of which are more well-known than others. Some of the liver’s primary jobs include filtering the body’s blood, storing energy, and processing nutrients. Due to the liver’s many responsibilities, it is highly vulnerable to scarring (cirrhosis) and complete failure, which can lead to cancer. 

Although most people associate liver damage with alcohol abuse or misuse, other factors can play a role. In this article, we aim to highlight the various health conditions, drugs, and lifestyle habits that can damage your liver. 

Health Conditions That Damage The Liver

Various health conditions, one of the more notable ones being hepatitis, can directly damage the liver, or increase the risk of liver complications. Some of the primary health conditions include genetic diseases, obesity, and certain autoimmune disorders. 

Hepatitis

Chronic hepatitis B and C are the root cause of most liver cancer cases worldwide. Hepatitis C is the more common cause in the United States, while hepatitis B is less common because of vaccine availability. Hepatitis C is spread via contact with infected blood, e.g. sharing needles, unprotected sex, and (rarely) blood transfusions. Chronic hepatitis C is a silent killer because most people don’t know they have it. If left untreated, the condition can cause liver damage, cirrhosis, liver failure, and even death. 

Autoimmune Disorders

There are certain autoimmune disorders that can harm the liver. Autoimmune hepatitis is characterized by the immune system mistakenly attacking the liver. Medical experts don’t fully understand why the body turns on itself, but genetic factors may play a role. This disease usually affects people assigned female at birth, and it is more common in people with existing autoimmune disorders. Even people with autoimmune diseases can keep things under control and live a normal life if they have the right treatment and lifestyle habits. 

Lifestyle Factors That Damage The Liver

When it comes to genetics and autoimmune disorders, you may not have complete control of your risk of liver damage. What you do have control over, however, is how you live your life. Certain lifestyle habits, including the medications you take, the foods you eat, and exercise you do or don’t do, can influence liver health. 

Alcohol

Alcohol remains a major cause of cirrhosis and other forms of liver disease. Roughly 10-15% of heavy drinkers will develop liver scarring, but those with liver damage should abstain from alcohol. Drinking in moderation, or not at all, goes a long way in keeping the liver healthy. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines recommend no more than one alcoholic beverage a day for women and no more than two for men. One drink is considered to be 12 ounces of beer or five ounces of wine. 

Sugary Beverages And Sodas

Popular in the Standard American Diet, sugary beverages and sodas can cause weight gain and liver damage. A 2015 study found that people who drank one or more sugar-sweetened beverages per day had increased markers of fatty liver disease than those who didn’t drink any sugary drinks. That isn’t to say that diet drinks are healthier; rather, it highlights that sugary beverages do more damage than you think. Additional research found that people who consumed two sugary drinks a day for six months showed signs of fatty liver disease. 

Smoking

Yet another reason to quit, smoking can increase the risk of liver cancer and cirrhosis. According to a 2013 study, smoking was linked to an increased risk of liver cirrhosis independent of alcohol intake. Additionally, the toxins in cigarettes can cause inflammation, which can eventually lead to cirrhosis. If you have hepatitis B or C and you smoke, the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma increases drastically. 

Medications That Damage The Liver

If you have ever read the “Directions” section on certain cold and flu medications, you know not to take too much. Some ingredients, like acetaminophen, in these medications can be harmful in high doses. There are many other medications, both over-the-counter and prescription, that can damage the liver. 

Acetaminophen 

Acetaminophen exists in many medications, including DayQuil and NyQuil, Tylenol, and prescription medications like Vicodin or Percocet. In high doses, acetaminophen can cause liver failure and even death. Never take more than the recommended dose of acetaminophen, or any medication for that matter. Acetaminophen is a common ingredient in over-the-counter cold and flu medications, so always check the ingredient labels and directions to ensure that you don’t exceed the recommended dose.

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The liver is a vital organ in the body that is responsible for breaking down carbohydrates, primarily glucose, and detoxing the body. It works to clean the blood of potential toxins and harmful pathogens, synthesize proteins, process hemoglobin, and aid with digestion. It also helps to store energy, create bile, and break down byproducts of metabolism. Needless to say, if the liver doesn’t function optimally, your overall health suffers.

The liver may be one of the hardest working organs in the body. It’s easy to make the liver’s duties more difficult by eating unhealthy foods and maintaining poor lifestyle habits. Too many processed foods, animal proteins, refined sugars, alcoholic beverages, and saturated fats can harm the liver. Additionally, lack of exercise or regular exposure to pesticides and airborne pollutants can detract from optimal liver health.  

Fortunately, there are many foods that can encourage a healthier liver. Some of the best ones are detailed below. 

Grapefruit

Grapefruit contains a plethora of beneficial plant compounds, but the two antioxidants that benefit the liver are naringenin and naringin. These protective compounds may work to lower inflammation and keep cells healthy. Several studies found that these antioxidants may help reduce the development of hepatic fibrosis, which causes connective tissue build-up in the liver. More animal studies found that naringenin increased the amount of enzymes necessary for fat burning. This helped to ward off fat accumulation in the liver. 

Carrots

Carrots are commonly associated with with eye health, but it turns out that these tasty root vegetables are great for your liver. The plant flavonoids and beta-carotene in carrots work to stimulate overall liver function and performance. The liver converts the beta-carotene into vitamin A, which may decrease the risk of liver disease. 

Prickly Pear

Prickly pear is an edible fruit that grows on a popular type of cactus. The fruit and juice are commonly consumed to help reduce fatigue, liver disease, and ulcers. An animal study observed mice that consumed prickly pear extract along with a pesticide that is harmful to the liver. The prickly pear extract worked to normalize enzyme and cholesterol levels in this study and similar studies. A different human study monitored 55 people who consumed prickly pear extract after a hangover. The extract helped to reduce nausea, dry mouth, and lessened other symptoms of the hangover. 

Leafy Greens

It’s always a good idea to include more leafy greens in your diet. In addition to packing a diverse mix of antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins, leafy greens contain a lot of chlorophyll. This works to reduce the toxic load on the liver by counteracting the toxins during the digestive process. If you consume bitter greens like arugula, kale, dandelion greens, or endives, you’ll help the liver produce more bile. 

Apples

Apples offer fiber, they are low calories, and high levels of pectin, which is a chemical compound that works to aid the body’s natural cleansing process. Pectin helps the the body release toxins from the digestive tract, which has a positive effect on the liver. Apples may also help manage the amount of toxins that the liver has to filter.

Oats

Just like apples, oats contain a lot of beneficial fiber that helps move waste through the digestive tract. Oats contain beta-glucans, which are specific fiber compounds that benefit the liver. According to a 2017 study, beta-glucans have a lot of biological activity in the body. They may help to fight against obesity, diabetes, and inflammation, all the while aiding immune function. One animal study concluded that beta-glucans from oats helped decrease the amount of fat on mice livers. More human research is necessary, though. 

Avocados

Avocados are known for their monounsaturated fats, specifically the omega-3 fatty acids. The healthy fats and other micronutrients in avocados work to encourage glutathione production. Glutathione actually helps the liver remove environmental pollutants, toxins produced by stress, and heavy metals from the body. 

Beets

Are you familiar with oxidative stress? This is the imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants in the body. It’s your job to consume antioxidant-rich foods to fight oxidative stress, which can increase the risk of cancer and inflammation. Beets are naturally rich in antioxidants like beta-carotene that work to enhance liver production and fight oxidative stress. They also contain betaine, which helps liver cells release toxins.

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For those who want a little taste of the holidays while also being nutritious, this juice is exactly what you need. The rich ruby color of this juice is quite striking, but the flavor is out of this world. Beets have a notoriously earthy flavor, but the sweetness of the carrots and apple balance that out.

Beets are rich in antioxidants known as betalains, which help to encourage Phase 2 detox reaction in the liver. During this reaction, sulphur binds to preservatives, toxins, and other food additives. They become water soluble and the body starts to eliminate them. Both the apple and lemon contain vitamin C, which supports healthy immune function and collagen production. Lastly, the carrots contain vitamin A and potassium, which encourages a healthier heart.

Enjoy this peppermint beet juice any time you like! The ingredients and flavor won’t let you down!

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10 Day Liver Cleanse – 10 Day Herbal Cleanse designed to nourish and rejuvenate the liver, organs, and skin.

• 10 day cleanse designed to naturally nourish and rejuvenate the liver and closely connected organs
• Improving Liver and Gallbladder function
• Promoting a feeling of increased energy
• Helping skin appear clearer, smoother, and more luminous
• Helping your body to cleanse and purify your blood
• May aid in weight management efforts along with diet and exercise
• Assisting in more effective food digestion and absorption

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Cleansing Bath Drops – herbal bath drops that help to detoxify and cleanse the colon, liver, kidney, lungs, lymph and skin and promote a sense of relaxation for the mind and body.

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Liver, Spleen & Gallbladder is a powerful, stimulating formula which is cleansing, healing, and strengthening to the both the liver and gallbladder. The plants in this formula work synergistically to help heal and detoxify these vital organs. Increased bile flow allows the liver and gallbladder to flush out thousands of toxins, chemicals, antibiotics, pollutants, drugs, and cholesterol safely from the body.

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Liver, Spleen & Gallbladder is an herbal formula intended to help cleanse the liver and gallbladder, helping them function at normal levels.

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People with IBS can shutter at the thought of cleansing. The last thing they want to do is spend all day in the restroom, fearing that they won’t be able to control their bowels if they leave. Cleansing can be tough, and almost everyone struggles during the first few days. That being said, the accompanying diet to the cleanse, which focuses on plant-based, nutrient-dense foods, is free of the foods that typically worsen symptoms of IBS.

What Causes IBS?

The exact cause of IBS, also known as irritable bowel syndrome, is not known, but the theory is that it is attributed to a combination of circumstances. The intestinal walls are lined with a layer of muscles, which contract and relax in unison as food enters the intestines from the stomach. If you are affected by IBS, these contractions can be stronger or weaker. Strong contractions can induce bloating, gas, or diarrhea, while weaker contractions may slow the digestive process and lead to constipation. Common causes are: 

• The foods you eat
• Stress
• Hormonal changes
• Bacterial overgrowth in the intestines
• Dietary allergies
• Infectious diarrhea

Foods To Avoid If You Have IBS

A healthy diet plays are large role in one’s ability to manage IBS symptoms, while unhealthy foods can trigger symptoms. Symptoms will vary because each person will reach to foods differently, based on the severity of the condition. Nutritionists advise that people with IBS should avoid the following foods if they want to manage symptoms:

• Gluten (commonly causes diarrhea in IBS patients, a high percentage of which are gluten intolerant)
• Fried foods (frying food changes the chemical makeup, and makes it more difficult to digest)
• Processed foods (processed foods contain additives and preservatives that can trigger flare-ups)
• Dairy products (most people with IBS are lactose intolerant, but dairy also contains fat, which can increase diarrhea)
• Chocolate (chocolate candies have a high concentration of sugar and caffeine, two things that trigger IBS symptoms)
• Alcohol (IBS patients who drink are in big trouble because it can dehydrate the body, affect liver function, and impair digestion)

Foods To Focus On If You Have IBS

There is a lot of old news about things that you should eat if you have IBS. People with IBS should focus on certain fresh vegetables, fiber, fruits, and dairy-free alternatives like almond milk or cashew milk. It can be beneficial to consume the following foods if you have IBS:

• Prebiotics (these foods, which include asparagus, leeks, mango, carrots, bell peppers, cabbage, apples, and bananas, help to improve immune health and establish healthier gut flora)
• Water (the importance of water cannot be stressed enough because water is necessary for a healthy digestive system)
• Raw apple cider vinegar (many anecdotal reports have shown that apple cider vinegar helps to establish healthier pH levels in the gut)
• Probiotics (these work in conjunction with prebiotics to help improve gut flora, and these foods include kimchi, fermented vegetables, and non-processed sauerkraut)
• Fruits (like kiwi, honeydew, cantaloupe, and berries)
• Vegetables (lettuce, cucumber, carrots, bok choy, turnips, and sweet potatoes)

How Does Cleansing Help IBS?

Cleansing is beneficial for the entire body, especially for the digestive system. Many foods in the Standard American Diet are hard for the body to process, and they can accumulate in the digestive tract. This waste accumulation can aggravate IBS symptoms, so cleansing them from the digestive tract has been known to aid people with IBS. It is also worth noting that cleansing the body is extremely beneficial for the liver, which is the primary detoxification organ.

It’s All About The Liver

The liver can become overworked because people consume more toxins than it can process. An overworked liver can become sluggish or impaired, leading to symptoms like nausea, fatigue, anxiety, moodiness, and even IBS symptoms. The liver can become overwhelmed by simple carbs, sugars, stress, and pharmaceuticals. Cleansing can assist the liver and help it relax, in addition to stimulating bile flow. In case you didn’t know, healthy bile flow assists with regular bowel movements and the digestion of fats. You may find that your IBS symptoms drastically reduce as your liver becomes less taxed and healthier.

Each person with IBS may react differently to cleansing. It may be more beneficial for some and not as beneficial for others. The main takeaway is that the digestive system is complex and you need to get to know your body for healing to begin.

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The liver’s primary job is to filter blood that comes from the digestive tract before it goes to the rest of the body. It also detoxifies chemicals and secretes bile, which ends up in the intestines. Too many toxins, bacteria, chemicals, and medications in the body can cause the liver to function improperly, so give it some assistance and rejuvenate it with this juice.

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The liver is one of the hardest working organs in the body, being at the forefront of the body’s natural defense system. Working to detoxify blood that comes through the digestive tract, the liver essentially decides what is nutritious and what is waste. Let it be known that this is no easy task, and the liver requires assistance from foods that enhance its functionality.

Based on the increased amount of liver disease cases within recent years, it is evident that the combination of more environmental pollutants and poor diet is not doing the liver any favors. We advise making the conscious effort to incorporate liver-boosting foods into your diet, and to make small dietary changes for the sake of the liver. Enter beets into the equation.

Beets are some of the most antioxidant-rich vegetables, containing nutrients that have been proven to have cleansing and detoxifying abilities. Two of these nutrients are pectin and betaine. The former is a fiber that clears toxins that have been removed by the liver, while the latter assist liver cells with the toxin elimination. They are also rich in anti-inflammatory properties that encourage healthy detoxification.

Beets Push Out Toxins

The phytonutrients in beets are known as betalains, and they support the liver during detoxification process. As the liver detoxifies certain toxins from the body, it is possible to experience an imbalance of hormones, energy, and cholesterol levels. The phytonutrients help to keep the balance during the detoxification process.

Beets Improve Liver Function

Not only do beets aid detoxification, but they also are one of the liver’s best resources for optimal function. The B-vitamins, iron, calcium, betaine, and other antioxidants in beets help to improve liver function by thinning the bile, making it easier for it flow freely from the liver to the small intestine. According to the American Liver Foundation, beets should be consumed by anyone who is trying to heal liver disease.

Beets And Beyond

While beets are essential for maintaining a healthy liver, diversifying your nutritional intake is encouraged for improving liver function. Many foods contain nutrients that help to cleanse the liver and support overall liver health. Other foods that boost liver health include licorice root, turmeric, lemons, cabbage, apples, celery, cinnamon, artichokes, and oats. Herbalists often recommend dandelion root and burdock root for optimal liver health.

Incorporating Beets Into Your Diet

In order to add beets to your diet, you have to know the best ways to prepare them. Beets can be roasted, spiralized, grated, shaved, steamed, juiced, or baked. The leaves should not be thrown away because they are rich in folate, fiber, iron, and other essential nutrients. See the following recipes to learn how to incorporate beets into your diet.

Beet Hummus

This isn’t your average dip. The flavors in this hummus are un-beet-ably delicious and you’ll find yourself coming back for more, one dip at a time.

Click here to make the recipe.

Beet & Berry Juice

Give your liver a helping hand by drinking this juice, which is filled with nutrients that help to optimize liver function.

Click here to make the recipe.

Beet, Carrot, And Apple Salad

Beet the heat (haha!) with the refreshing flavors in this salad of julienned carrots, beets, and apples. You’ll absolutely love it.

Click here to make the recipe.

Beet Pizza Crust

This raw pizza is filled with powerful earthy flavor combinations. If you’re craving pizza after you finish cleansing, make this recipe.

Click here to make the recipe.

Beet And Berry Ice Pops

These ice pops are a refreshing take on dessert. You can enjoy them without worrying about unnecessary calories that are in normal desserts.

Click here to make the recipe.

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