You made it through the first part of the holiday madness – up next is New Year’s Eve. You probably have been eating poorly and above all drinking lots of alcohol. You probably feel quite sluggish and are gearing up for the end of the year, but it’s essential that you take the time now to stock up on foods that can help ease all the trauma to your liver.
It would appear that your liver goes into overdrive this time of year. You’re eating more calories, you’re eating more unhealthy foods, and you’re definitely drinking more alcohol. A sick liver can have dire consequences in the long run and if you already have liver disease, then this time of the year can be particularly stressful.
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But you don’t need to fall into the trap of the holiday binge. You can take steps to eat and drink the right items to promote a healthy liver rather than leave it unhealthy.
Here is a list of the best food and beverages you should be consuming not just now, but all year round to keep your liver healthy.
Best Foods and Drinks for Your Liver
Coffee: Coffee has been shown to help protect the liver against fatty liver disease, a growing problem in the US. Other studies have shown that coffee may reduce the risk of chronic liver disease – coffee influences liver enzymes, which makes it a great health drink for the liver. Coffee is also packed with powerful antioxidants to help support the liver and reduce fat accumulation of the liver.
Oatmeal: Oatmeal is high in fiber, which is important for healthy digestion. Specific fibers may even help benefit the liver. Oats and oatmeal are high in beta-glucans, which are biologically active in the body. They can help fight off inflammation and promote a healthy immune system. Beta-glucans have also been shown to help reduce fat storage in the liver of mice.
Green tea: Green tea has been shown to help reduce overall fat and may help fight against oxidative stress.
Garlic: Adding garlic to your diet may help stimulate the liver along with helping in the reduction of body weight and fat content in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients.
Berries: Berries like raspberries and blueberries are high in antioxidants, which can help protect the liver against damage.
Grapes: Grapes are high in antioxidants and may help the liver reduce inflammation and prevent liver damage.
Grapefruit: The antioxidants in grapefruit help protect the liver by reducing inflammation along with protecting liver cells. Grapefruit compounds may also reduce fat buildup and increase fat-burning enzymes.
Fatty fish: The good fats in fatty fish can help reduce inflammation and reduce the risk of buildup of fat. Fatty fish can also maintain liver enzymes.
Nuts: Nuts are packed with nutrients and antioxidants, which help prevent inflammation and oxidative stress. Be mindful of how many nuts you consume because they are high in calories.
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Olive oil: Olive oil may help reduce oxidative stress and improve liver function.
By adding these foods and drinks into your diet you can help get over the holiday binge along with supporting your liver all-year round.
Also read:
- Natural foods for liver repair and liver cleansing
- Yoga for Liver: 9 Best Yoga Poses for Healthy Liver
Mohan Garikiparithi got his degree in medicine from Osmania University (University of Health Sciences). He practiced clinical medicine for over a decade before he shifted his focus to the field of health communications. During his active practice he served as the head of the Dept. of Microbiology in a diagnostic centre in India. On a three-year communications program in Germany, Mohan developed a keen interest in German Medicine (Homoeopathy), and other alternative systems of medicine. He now advocates treating different medical conditions without the use of traditional drugs. An ardent squash player, Mohan believes in the importance of fitness and wellness.
