Keep your liver healthy with these foods

Your liver is one of the most important and powerful organs in your body. It does a lot for a single organ. It helps clean toxins from your blood, helps give you energy, and produces bile vital for your digestion. And that's not even it all it does.

Your liver is also the only organ that regenerates its own tissue. It's an amazing part of your body. So, if it's so impressive, why does it need any help from us? Multiple forms of liver disease that affect millions of Americans every year. According to the American Liver Foundation:

• Approximately 5.5 million Americans live with chronic liver disease or cirrhosis.
• Approximately 4.4 million Americans live with hepatitis B or C.
• The rate of liver cancer has more than tripled since 1980.
• On average, 30,000 Americans die from liver cancer every year.

The best way to fight all these types of liver disease is to avoid them. One way you can help prevent liver disease is by eating liver-healthy foods.

Liver-healthy foods

Coffee

Studies showthat drinking coffee can help reduce the risk of developing a common type of liver cancer. It can also reduce the effects of liver disease and decrease inflammation.

Blueberries

Blueberries supply the body with antioxidants and polyphenols. These can increase your immune cell response and help protect against fatty liver disease. Blueberries not your thing? Many other types of berries offer the same benefits.

Broccoli

Vegetables like broccoli and brussels sprouts are high in fiber. Studies showthis can raise the level of detoxification enzymes. This means your liver won't have to work as hard to remove toxins in your body.

Almonds and other nuts

Most nuts, and particularly almonds, provide a strong source of vitamin E. A 2019 studyfound a connection between a diet high in nuts and a reduced risk of fatty liver disease.

Fish

The omega-3 fatty acids in fatty fish can help reduce inflammation. They can also lower triglycerides. High triglycerides can contribute to the thickening or hardening of the walls of your arteries. A 2016 analysisshowed a connection between these factors and reduced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal provides another excellent source of fiber. A balanced diet with fibercan help your liver work at an optimal level. Your liver already does a lot of work. Anything you can do to make that job easier can help.

Making liver health part of your normal life

As a fun and flavorful challenge, you can incorporate these foods into your everyday meals. You can add broccoli or brussels sprouts to your pasta dish. Put almonds in your salad. Have oatmeal for breakfast a couple of times a week. Make a fruit salad with cranberries or blueberries.

Feel free to get creative with other ideas. Keeping your liver healthy doesn't have to feel like a chore. Make liver health part of your meal prep plansand take advantage of these tips for a healthier breakfasteach morning. WPS offers a variety of preventive care tools to help our customers stay healthy. Find out more with our preventive services resourcesor call 800-332-3297.

(This material is not intended as medical advice. Be sure to talk with your doctor about this or any other subjects pertinent to your health.)

@2021 Wisconsin Physicians Service Insurance Corporation. All rights reserved.

JO20999 36378-100-2110

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.