How often do you think about your liver? Chances are, not enough! But this hardworking organ – the largest in the body – plays a vital role, from breaking down fats and absorbing nutrients to producing proteins and filtering waste and toxins from the blood. In short, if your liver isn’t healthy, YOU won’t be healthy!

Symptoms of an unhealthy or damaged liver include fatigue, headaches, digestive problems, impaired metabolism, immune system disorders, and hormone dysfunction. Not a pretty picture!

Here’s how to eat (and drink) well for your liver:

• Drink in moderation. Alcohol (along with drugs and cigarettes) can stress the liver and interfere with its ability to perform its vital functions. Limit your consumption to one drink a day, max.
• What about caffeine? Some studies suggest that caffeinated drinks like coffee and green tea might be good for the liver, but don’t overdo it. High doses can actually be damaging.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Fatty deposits can damage the liver. Avoid saturated fats, hydrogenated oils, and excess meat, sugar, fried foods, and processed foods. (And, on the flip side, keeping your liver healthy can help keep your weight down, too!)
• Focus on fresh, unprocessed foods. Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, and foods high in fiber and vitamins B, C, and E. Beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, bitter greens, brown rice, carrots, garlic and onions, tomatoes, wheat germ, avocados, and almonds are all especially good for the liver.
• Take liver-cleansing herbs. Liver-cleansing herbs include milk thistle, dandelion root, liquorice, ginger, and turmeric, which can be ingested as tea. For ready-made tea bags, try Traditional Medicinals EveryDay Detox or Dandelion Root.

Images: American Liver Foundation