Your liver works nonstop—filtering blood, making bile, storing nutrients, and breaking down drugs. Small changes in daily habits can keep it running well. Below are clear, practical steps you can use right away to protect your liver and know when to seek help.
Cut back on alcohol. Aim for minimal drinking—standard guidance is no more than one drink per day for women and two for men, but less is better if you have liver concerns. Watch your weight. Losing 5–10% of body weight can improve fatty liver for many people. Move more—30 minutes of moderate activity most days helps with weight, blood sugar, and liver fat.
Eat real food. Focus on vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats like olive oil. Limit sugary drinks, fried foods, and processed snacks that raise liver fat. Control diabetes and high cholesterol—good blood sugar and lower triglycerides reduce liver stress.
Check every medicine you take. Some drugs can damage the liver—acetaminophen (Tylenol) is the most common risk if taken too much or mixed with alcohol. For most adults, don’t exceed 3,000 mg of acetaminophen per day unless your doctor says otherwise; follow package directions. Ask your pharmacist about other meds that can affect the liver, like certain antibiotics, anti-seizure drugs, and herbal products.
Be cautious with supplements. Milk thistle is often used for liver support, but evidence is mixed. Avoid known risky herbs such as kava, and be careful with high-dose green tea extracts—these have caused liver injury in some people. Buy supplements from reputable brands and tell your doctor about everything you take.
Get simple tests if you have risk factors: liver enzymes (ALT, AST), bilirubin, and an ultrasound when needed. Risk factors include heavy alcohol use, obesity, diabetes, long-term medication use, or a history of viral hepatitis. Your doctor can recommend how often to check.
Know the red flags. See a doctor right away for jaundice (yellow skin or eyes), dark urine, pale stools, persistent belly pain, unexplained swelling in the legs or belly, easy bruising, or confusion. These can signal significant liver trouble and need prompt care.
Vaccination matters. If you’re not immune, vaccines for hepatitis A and B can prevent infections that damage the liver. Talk to your healthcare provider about your vaccination status.
Final tip: use trusted sources and pharmacies. If you order medicines online, choose reputable sites and check that they require prescriptions when needed. When in doubt, ask a pharmacist or your doctor—early action prevents bigger problems later.
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