The liver is the main site of detoxification processes in the body and has hundreds of critical jobs.

Our environment and lifestyle choices greatly affect how well and efficiently the liver carries out its work.

What is the liver’s role in health?

Molly Knudsen, M.S., RDN

Some of theliver’s array of responsibilities1include:

In a healthy body, these processes run relatively smoothly.

But over time, putting too much strain on your liver can have detrimental and whole-body implications.

But fatty liver is preventable.

But less is considered betterespecially for liver health.

And women may be more sensitive.

And this relationship was not noted among men.

In addition, hormone shifts interfere with blood flow to the liver, damaging cells.

“But also reducing sources of stress where possible and scheduling downtime and rest are beneficial.

Improve sleep

Yes, sleep and your liver are actually connected.

A 2021 study of young Korean adults found thatnot sleeping enough is a risk factor7for fatty liver.

Choose healthy fats

Eating fat doesnotautomatically translate to storing fat in the liver.

Thetype of fat(as well as overall calorie intake) is what matters.

Here are a few of thebest healthy olive oilsto choose from.

“Plastics are a source of chemicals that the body has a hard time removing,” says Muzzy.

“Microplastics can enter the body and accumulate in the liveramongst other organsand cause damage and increase inflammation.”

So, how can you do this in a world filled with plastic?

Avoid smoking

This one is probably not a shocker, but it’s still worth reiterating.

Understand that some medications & supplements impact liver health

The liver processes all medications that you take.

“Overdoing certain supplements can also harm the liver,” warns Cording.

Stay hydrated

Simply drinking enough water can help the liver out.

“Dehydration makes it harder for all organs to function, including the liver,” says Cording.

FAQ:

What are signs I need to improve my liver health?

However, there are often no signs or symptoms linked to fatty liver.

What foods are good for liver repair?

Foods that are high in health fats, fiber, and antioxidants all support the liver and detoxification processes.

How do you fix poor liver function?

The takeaway

Supporting liver function requires a holistic approach.

Which supplements are right for you?