The liver contains different enzymes, such as alanine transaminase ALT , that help the body function properly. This article looks at how to reduce liver enzyme levels and what happens when they are high. It also covers the major causes of high liver enzymes and the effect this has on the body.

Many factors could lead to high liver enzymes, so it is important to tell a doctor as soon as symptoms arise. Aside from that, there are other things to try that may help lower liver enzymes. A review found that coffee may protect the liver by lowering liver enzymes.

Another study from found that drinking 1 to 4 cups of coffee daily can lower liver enzymes, particularly ALT levels, which reduces the risk of liver disease and cancer. Introducing folate -rich food to the diet and taking folic acid supplements can help lower elevated liver enzymes.

One study linked folate deficiency with increased ALT levels and liver damage and found that folic acid reduced ALT levels in people with liver damage. Examples of folate-rich food include :. A person can also take a folate supplement if they find it difficult to get sufficient amounts through their diet.

A study found that 8 weeks of aerobic training and resistance exercise helped in reducing hepatic fat content and elevated liver enzymes in people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease NAFLD. Eating a balanced diet can help in lowering elevated liver enzymes, which reduces the risk of getting a liver disease.

In , a clinical trial found that consuming a low sugar diet for 8 weeks reduced liver enzymes in adolescent boys with NAFLD compared with those on a standard diet. Generally, cutting down on fats and carbohydrates can help in preventing NAFLD, which is a common cause of high liver enzymes.

A study found that people who smoked had a higher risk of liver disease or cancer. Older research also reports that smoking can increase levels of the liver enzymes gamma-glutamyl transferase GGT and alkaline phosphatase ALP , which leads to liver damage.

According to a study , giving up alcohol for as little as 1 month may significantly reduce levels of GGT. Liver enzymes are substances that hasten chemical reactions in the body. Some of these chemical reactions include the secretion of bile and other substances to help with blood clotting, the breakdown of toxins and food, and the response to infections.

Examples of these liver enzymes are :. When the liver sustains an injury, it releases its enzymes — mostly ALT or AST — into the bloodstream. Having elevated liver enzymes means the level of liver enzymes in the blood is higher than normal. Although these high levels could be temporary, they may indicate that a person may have underlying medical conditions such as hepatitis or liver disease.

Also, some drugs, such as acetaminophen, can cause elevated liver enzymes. The doctor will usually check these enzymes through a liver function test LFT. An LFT is a blood test that screens the liver for infections such as hepatitis, determines how well a treatment is working, and checks the side effects of medications.

However, LFTs typically only include AST, ALT, ALP, total bilirubin, and albumin and do not determine the cause of elevated liver enzymes. If the result of an LFT shows that a person has elevated liver enzymes, a doctor will try to determine the possible causes.

Some medications, such as pain killers acetaminophen , can cause high liver enzymes. Although high liver enzymes are asymptomatic, the causes may contribute to the signs and symptoms. A high level of liver enzymes could stem from various conditions, such as liver disease, liver injury, or the side effect of a medication.

High liver enzymes may also be temporary. Talk with a doctor if a liver function test shows a high liver enzyme level. A doctor can discuss with a person the possible causes of their high liver enzymes and how best to tackle them. A person is at a greater risk of liver damage or injury if their liver enzyme levels are high.

There are various underlying conditions that can influence liver health. For this reason, doctors use a special blood test — an LFT — to check for signs of elevated liver enzymes. Having high liver enzymes does not typically produce symptoms, which is why doctors may check for symptoms of other conditions known to increase liver enzyme levels.

Liver function tests can help doctors determine whether a person has liver damage and what might be causing it. Learn about the tests and what the…. Folate is commonly known as vitamin B9. Please note that fatty liver disease has been newly renamed to steatotic liver disease. Liver Disease Diets. What is Liver Disease?

How Many People Have Liver Disease? A Healthy Diet, a Healthier Liver, a Healthier You So, what should you eat to ensure that your liver can function normally? Stay away from a lot of fried foods including fast food restaurant meals.

Raw or undercooked shellfish such as oysters and clams are a definite no-no. Talk to your doctor about alcohol and your liver health : Depending on the state of your liver, you should avoid alcohol. Eat a balanced diet : Select foods from all food groups: Grains, fruits, vegetables, meat and beans, milk, and oil.

Eat food with fiber : Fiber helps your liver work at an optimal level. Drink lots of water : It prevents dehydration and it helps your liver to function better.

Including more nutrient-dense foods in your diet is a simple but effective way to improve the health of your liver. This is because many foods contain compounds like antioxidants , which can support liver health by reducing inflammation, easing oxidative stress, and preventing cell damage.

Some foods are also high in fiber , which can help promote weight management and ensure that your liver is functioning properly.

Additionally, other foods may contain nutrients like protein or healthier fats, which could be beneficial for the treatment or prevention of other conditions associated with liver disease , such as diabetes.

In addition to making changes to your diet, you can take several other to keep your liver healthy. A few examples include :. Many foods contain specific compounds or antioxidants that have been shown to support liver function.

A few examples include grapefruit, blueberries, cranberries, fatty fish, olive oil, and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts.

Consuming certain foods in excess is associated with an increased risk for NAFLD. You should try to limit your intake of the following foods to help keep your liver healthy:. In particular, some studies in humans and animals suggest that green tea , coffee , and beetroot juice may help promote liver function.

The 11 foods listed above have demonstrated beneficial effects on the liver. These benefits include the following:. Incorporating these foods into your diet is a natural and healthy way to help keep your liver functioning at its best. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

VIEW ALL HISTORY. This article is based on scientific evidence, written by experts and fact checked by experts. Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strive to be objective, unbiased, honest and to present both sides of the argument. This article contains scientific references.

The numbers in the parentheses 1, 2, 3 are clickable links to peer-reviewed scientific papers. The foods you consume are important for your liver health. This is especially true if you have a liver condition that can affect how your liver….

The gallbladder is a sensitive organ, and maintaining a diet full of nutrient-dense foods helps keep it healthy. There are many types of liver disease, ranging from those that are treatable to those that require a liver transplant.

Learn about symptoms, causes…. Many people are interested in herbal supplements to support their liver health. Here are 10 of the best herbs for your liver, including benefits and…. Hepatic encephalopathy is a decline in brain function that occurs as a result of liver disease. In this condition, your liver cannot adequately remove….

Prednisone can increase your risk of NAFLD. If you already have or are at high risk of NAFLD, you might need to take alternative medications.

The gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase test measures the amount of an important liver enzyme in your blood. Read on to learn more about the test and what…. Learn how jaundice appears in people with darker skin tones and what symptoms to look out for. Bile duct cysts are areas of dilation within the biliary system that connects the liver, gallbladder, and small intestine.

VBDS is a rare but serious medical condition that affects bile ducts in your liver. It's usually caused by certain medical conditions, medications…. A Quiz for Teens Are You a Workaholic? How Well Do You Sleep? Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect.

Nutrition Evidence Based 11 Foods That Are Good for Your Liver. Medically reviewed by Katherine Marengo LDN, R. Foods for liver health Important nutrients Other healthy habits FAQs Bottom line Diet plays a key role in maintaining liver health. What are the best foods to eat for your liver?

What makes food good for your liver? What else can you do to keep your liver healthy? Frequently asked questions. The bottom line.

However, there is little research that supports the use of supplements in people with healthy livers. If you think you may need a liver health supplement, talk with a healthcare provider. American Liver Foundation.

The healthy liver. Food and Drug Administration. Questions and answers on dietary supplements. Johns Hopkins Medicine.

Liver: anatomy and functions. Herbal medicine. Gillessen A, Schmidt HHJ. Silymarin as supportive treatment in liver diseases: a narrative review. Adv Ther. Kołota A, Głąbska D. Dietary intake of milk thistle seeds as a source of silymarin and its influence on the lipid parameters in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease patients.

Appl Sci. Tedyanto CP, Wihanto L, Hendrata AP, Tedyanto CP, Wihanto L, Hendrata A. Hepatoprotective effect of dried red jujube fruit extract against acetaminophen-induced acute hepatotoxicity. Maddahi SZ, Jokar A, Kamalinejad M, Behnampur N.

The efficacy of Jujube syrup on the prevention of drug-induced hepatotoxicity in pulmonary tuberculosis patients: a pilot randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial.

Pharmacol Res Perspect. Fateh HL, Rashid SA, Muhammad SS, Al-Jaf SH, Ali AM. Comparing effects of beetroot juice and Mediterranean diet on liver enzymes and sonographic appearance in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a randomized control trials. Front Nutr. Srivastava S, Siddiqi Z, Singh T, Bala L.

Beetroot supplementation on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients. Curr Res Nutr Food Sci. Amini MR, Sheikhhossein F, Talebyan A, Bazshahi E, Djafari F, Hekmatdoost A.

Effects of artichoke supplementation on liver enzymes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Clin Nutr Res. Panahi Y, Kianpour P, Mohtashami R, et al. Efficacy of artichoke leaf extract in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a pilot double-blind randomized controlled trial.

Phytother Res. Pfingstgraf IO, Taulescu M, Pop RM, et al. Protective effects of taraxacum officinale l. Dandelion Root extract in experimental acute on chronic liver failure.

Antioxidants Basel. Hamza AA, Mohamed MG, Lashin FM, Amin A. Dandelion prevents liver fibrosis, inflammatory response, and oxidative stress in rats. Ezzat MI, Okba MM, Ahmed SH, et al.

In-depth hepatoprotective mechanistic study of Phyllanthus niruri : In vitro and in vivo studies and its chemical characterization.

PLoS One. Sowjanya K, Girish C, Bammigatti C, Prasanna Lakshmi NC. Efficacy of Phyllanthus niruri on improving liver functions in patients with alcoholic hepatitis: a double-blind randomized controlled trial. Indian J Pharmacol. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Chai C, Chen L, Deng MG, Liang Y, Liu F, Nie JQ.

Dietary choline intake and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease NAFLD in U. adults: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey NHANES [published online ahead of print, Aug 26]. Eur J Clin Nutr. Nayila I. Effect of ascorbic acid supplementation on liver function tests in hepatitis c patients.

He Z, Li X, Yang H, et al. Effects of oral vitamin C supplementation on liver health and associated parameters in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A randomized clinical trial. Bloom A, Bloom S, Silva H, Nicoll AJ, Sawhney R. Zinc supplementation and its benefits in the management of chronic liver disease: an in-depth literature review.

Ann Hepatol. Hosui A, Kimura E, Abe S, et al. Long-term zinc supplementation improves liver function and decreases the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma.

Lin Y, He F, Lian S, et al. Selenium status in patients with chronic liver disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Xu L, Lu Y, Wang N, Feng Y. The role and mechanisms of selenium supplementation on fatty liver-associated disorder. Abdel-Maboud M, Menshawy A, Menshawy E, Emara A, Alshandidy M, Eid M.

The efficacy of vitamin E in reducing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression. Therap Adv Gastroenterol.

Usman M, Bakhtawar N, Usman M, Bakhtawar N. Vitamin E as an adjuvant treatment for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in adults: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

Sy AM, Kumar SR, Steinberg J, Garcia-Buitrago MT, Arosemena Benitez LR. Liver damage due to hypervitaminosis. ACG Case Rep J. Published Jul By Brittany Lubeck, MS, RDN Brittany Lubeck, RD, is a nutrition writer and registered dietitian with a master's degree in clinical nutrition.

Use limited data to select advertising. Create profiles for personalised advertising. What is Liver Disease? How Many People Have Liver Disease? A Healthy Diet, a Healthier Liver, a Healthier You So, what should you eat to ensure that your liver can function normally?

Stay away from a lot of fried foods including fast food restaurant meals. Raw or undercooked shellfish such as oysters and clams are a definite no-no. Talk to your doctor about alcohol and your liver health : Depending on the state of your liver, you should avoid alcohol.

Eat a balanced diet : Select foods from all food groups: Grains, fruits, vegetables, meat and beans, milk, and oil.

Avoid alcohol if the label says the combination is unsafe. Liver supplements make a lot of big claims. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Liver cleanses are said to boost your digestive health, but they can actually do more harm than good. Here's how to get the benefits without the risk…. Milk thistle is an herbal remedy with many potential uses.

Here are 7 benefits of milk thistle that are backed by science. The liver produces and clears cholesterol in the body.

Learn how liver damage can affect cholesterol and what treatments you can explore. Hepatic encephalopathy is a decline in brain function that occurs as a result of liver disease. In this condition, your liver cannot adequately remove…. Prednisone can increase your risk of NAFLD.

If you already have or are at high risk of NAFLD, you might need to take alternative medications. The gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase test measures the amount of an important liver enzyme in your blood. Read on to learn more about the test and what…. Learn how jaundice appears in people with darker skin tones and what symptoms to look out for.

Bile duct cysts are areas of dilation within the biliary system that connects the liver, gallbladder, and small intestine.

VBDS is a rare but serious medical condition that affects bile ducts in your liver. It's usually caused by certain medical conditions, medications…. Rock musician David Crosby died this month at age In Crosby underwent a liver transplant, and experts say the long-term success of his….

A Quiz for Teens Are You a Workaholic? How Well Do You Sleep? Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. What You Should Know Before Taking Liver Supplements. Medically reviewed by Jillian Kubala, MS, RD , Nutrition — By Stephanie Watson — Updated on March 10, What are the claims?

How the liver works. Popular supplement ingredients. How to keep your liver healthy. What to do next. How we reviewed this article: Sources. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations.

We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Mar 10, Written By Stephanie Watson. Commonly eaten throughout North America, Europe and the Mediterranean, artichoke leaf is now known as an important remedy for liver support 6. It contains cynarin, which has been found to increase the production of bile in the liver.

This makes detoxification processes in the body more efficient, helping various organs to clear out harmful toxins such as alcohol and other chemicals. Like milk thistle, artichoke leaf contains the important flavonoid silymarin. Silymarin is best known for its abilities in protecting the liver.

Artichoke leaf also contributes to overall health and welling by helping to maintain healthy cholesterol levels in people at risk of coronary heart disease. A well-known anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, the polyphenols in turmeric root are also shown to be beneficial in reducing the risk of fatty liver disease caused by stress.

Studies in cows have found that stressful conditions can lead to physiological changes in the liver, which affects the endoplasmic reticulum. This contributes to the development of fatty liver. However, when the cows in the study were fed a blend of turmeric and green tea, the researchers noted a significant reduction in irritation markers for fatty liver.

A Korean study on mice found that dandelion root helped to prevent damage to the liver caused by environmental toxins such as alcohol and chemicals. Researchers found that the high concentration of antioxidants in dandelion root can protect liver cells, as well as warding off free radicals that can harm the cells 9.

When tested in rabbits on a high-cholesterol diet, treatment with dandelion root was found to improve plasma antioxidant enzyme activities and lipid profile This liver supplement has therefore been categorized as harboring many potential hypolipidemic and antioxidant effects.

As an added bonus, it also helps to protect against oxidative stress linked to atherosclerosis, and contains a variety of vitamins and nutrients that help to cleanse the liver and keep it working properly.

An amazing herb for detoxification, yellow dock root helps to cleanse the liver and lymphatic system of toxins. Research suggests that it helps to stimulate the action of the lymphatic system throughout the body, increasing the rate at which harmful pollutants are flushed out Yellow dock is often included in many traditional blood cleansing formulas, including Essiac Tea.

Yellow dock root acts as a diuretic, increasing the frequency of urination to assist in toxin elimination. It also helps to stimulate peristalsis and increase the secretion of mucus and water in the colon, improving the rate at which waste is removed from the body.

As an important source of anthraquinones, yellow dock is also useful for regulating bowel movements and preventing constipation. In this way, yellow dock root is great for people who have a sluggish digestive system as it helps to stimulate the bowels and speed bowel transit time.

A root vegetable known for its bright purple color and exceptional nutritional content, beetroot is not only an excellent source of fiber but also folic acid, manganese, and potassium. Beetroot is grown around the world and is now used in many liver supplements as a nutritive tonic and detoxifier.

For the liver, the high fiber content of beetroot is an important part of the detoxification process as it helps to move waste through the digestive tract. One of the fibers in beetroot is pectin, which is considered to stimulate the cleansing action of the liver and assist in the removal of toxins.

Beetroot juice is also used as a treatment for a range of chronic illnesses associated with oxidative stress and inflammation. Beetroot contains important antioxidant compounds such as betalain pigments which have been found to scavenge free radicals and reduce inflammation throughout the body.

Known all over the world for its anti-inflammatory properties, ginger is vital to liver health. Talk to your doctor about alcohol and your liver health : Depending on the state of your liver, you should avoid alcohol. Eat a balanced diet : Select foods from all food groups: Grains, fruits, vegetables, meat and beans, milk, and oil.

Eat food with fiber : Fiber helps your liver work at an optimal level. Drink lots of water : It prevents dehydration and it helps your liver to function better.

How you should eat if you have… Bile Duct Liver Disease Diet Bile is a liquid made in the liver that helps break down fats in the small intestine. Diet Recommendations: Use fat substitutes Use kernel oil i. canola, olive, corn, sunflower, peanut, flax seed oils because it needs less bile to break down fats than other types of oil Cirrhosis Liver Disease Diet Cirrhosis is the scarring and hardening of the liver.

In particular, some studies in humans and animals suggest that green tea , coffee , and beetroot juice may help promote liver function. The 11 foods listed above have demonstrated beneficial effects on the liver.

These benefits include the following:. Incorporating these foods into your diet is a natural and healthy way to help keep your liver functioning at its best.

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. VIEW ALL HISTORY. This article is based on scientific evidence, written by experts and fact checked by experts. Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strive to be objective, unbiased, honest and to present both sides of the argument.

This article contains scientific references. The numbers in the parentheses 1, 2, 3 are clickable links to peer-reviewed scientific papers. The foods you consume are important for your liver health. This is especially true if you have a liver condition that can affect how your liver….

The gallbladder is a sensitive organ, and maintaining a diet full of nutrient-dense foods helps keep it healthy.

There are many types of liver disease, ranging from those that are treatable to those that require a liver transplant. Learn about symptoms, causes…. Many people are interested in herbal supplements to support their liver health.

Here are 10 of the best herbs for your liver, including benefits and…. Hepatic encephalopathy is a decline in brain function that occurs as a result of liver disease. In this condition, your liver cannot adequately remove….

Prednisone can increase your risk of NAFLD. If you already have or are at high risk of NAFLD, you might need to take alternative medications.

The gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase test measures the amount of an important liver enzyme in your blood. Read on to learn more about the test and what…. Learn how jaundice appears in people with darker skin tones and what symptoms to look out for.

Bile duct cysts are areas of dilation within the biliary system that connects the liver, gallbladder, and small intestine. VBDS is a rare but serious medical condition that affects bile ducts in your liver.

It's usually caused by certain medical conditions, medications…. A Quiz for Teens Are You a Workaholic? How Well Do You Sleep? Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Nutrition Evidence Based 11 Foods That Are Good for Your Liver.

Medically reviewed by Katherine Marengo LDN, R. Foods for liver health Important nutrients Other healthy habits FAQs Bottom line Diet plays a key role in maintaining liver health.

What are the best foods to eat for your liver? What makes food good for your liver? What else can you do to keep your liver healthy?

Frequently asked questions. The bottom line. How we reviewed this article: Sources. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations.

We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Oct 30, Written By Taylor Jones, Rachael Ajmera, MS, RD. Medically Reviewed By Katherine Marengo, LDN, RD. Jun 30, Written By Taylor Jones, Rachael Ajmera, MS, RD. Share this article. Evidence Based This article is based on scientific evidence, written by experts and fact checked by experts.

related stories 6 Liver-Friendly Foods to Eat. Eat a balanced diet : Select foods from all food groups: Grains, fruits, vegetables, meat and beans, milk, and oil. Eat food with fiber : Fiber helps your liver work at an optimal level.

Drink lots of water : It prevents dehydration and it helps your liver to function better. How you should eat if you have… Bile Duct Liver Disease Diet Bile is a liquid made in the liver that helps break down fats in the small intestine.

Diet Recommendations: Use fat substitutes Use kernel oil i. canola, olive, corn, sunflower, peanut, flax seed oils because it needs less bile to break down fats than other types of oil Cirrhosis Liver Disease Diet Cirrhosis is the scarring and hardening of the liver.

Diet Recommendations: Limit foods that are high in calories Eat foods that have fiber Hemochromatosis Liver Disease Diet Hemochromatosis is the build-up of iron in the liver.

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant substances found in fruits and vegetables, such as carotenoids and polyphenols, can help prevent inflammation-related liver injury. Diets rich in fruits and vegetables, such as the Mediterranean diet , have been shown to be effective in preventing and treating fatty NAFLD.

Ginger is a root derived from the Zingiber officinale plant. Its consumption is linked to a variety of benefits, including improved liver health.

Ginger contains a number of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds, such as gingerols and shogaols, that may benefit people with certain liver conditions, such as NAFLD.

These compounds may help prevent and improve liver diseases by reducing oxidative stress and the production of proinflammatory substances that may otherwise lead to cellular damage. In a study that included 46 people with NAFLD, treatment with 1, milligrams mg of ginger powder per day for 12 weeks led to significant reductions in markers of inflammation and liver disease, including the liver enzyme alanine aminotransferase ALT , fetuin-A, and C-reactive protein CRP , compared to placebo treatment.

Ginger powder and fresh ginger can be added to a number of sweet and savory dishes, making it a smart kitchen ingredient for those with liver conditions. Like ginger, garlic is packed with liver-supportive substances, including allicin, allinin, and ajoene, which have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in the body.

Regularly consuming garlic may help improve liver health in people with liver disease and even reduce the risk of liver cancer.

A study that included 90 people with NAFLD showed that the group who were supplemented with 1, mg of garlic powder per day for 12 weeks had lower levels of the liver enzymes ALT and aspartate aminotransferase AST as well as significant reductions in liver fat compared to a placebo group.

Additionally, studies show that regularly eating raw garlic may lower the risk of liver diseases, such as NAFLD and liver cancer, in certain populations. Chia seeds and flaxseeds are incredibly rich in fiber, which is important for people with liver disease.

High-fiber foods can help protect against liver disease by reducing overall calorie consumption and supporting healthy body weight, as well as stimulating the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, which can reduce inflammation and protect against liver injury.

Flax seed consumption has also been shown to decrease markers of liver disease and liver fat accumulation in people with NAFLD and may help protect against liver cancer. Olive oil has high levels of monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, which may help reduce the accumulation of fat in the liver, lower the risk of heart disease in people with liver conditions like NAFLD, and prevent liver disease.

The protective effect of olive oil against NAFLD was greatest in people with obesity. Moreover, the antioxidant compounds found in olive oil could help promote general liver health by protecting liver cells against oxidative damage and preventing inflammation. Seafood is rich in liver-protective nutrients, such as anti-inflammatory fats, and antioxidant nutrients, like selenium and vitamin E.

Studies show that diets rich in seafood may help reduce liver fat and protect against liver diseases like NAFLD and liver cancer. Coffee and some types of tea, such as green tea, are rich in antioxidants.

Drinking coffee and certain types of tea has been shown to be protective against liver conditions such as liver cancer. High consumption of coffee and green tea has been linked to a significant reduction in liver cancer risk as well as other liver diseases.

Eating more cocoa products, like chocolate , may help protect the health of your liver. Some research suggests that chocolate consumption can help lower liver enzyme levels and improve other aspects of health in people with liver disease.

Legumes, like lentils and beans , are rich in fiber, a nutrient that supports the health of the liver. They are also a good source of antioxidants. Studies show that adding legumes to your diet could help protect liver health by reducing body weight, decreasing liver enzymes, lowering blood pressure levels, and more.

Nuts and seeds are highly nutritious and may help decrease the risk of liver diseases such as NAFLD when consumed regularly as part of a healthy diet.

However, certain nuts, such as imported peanuts, can be contaminated with toxins called aflatoxins, which can be dangerous for people with liver disease. While a diet high in nutrient-dense foods can help protect the health of your liver and support optimal liver function, consuming certain foods and beverages too often could trigger and worsen liver conditions.

The following foods and drinks should be kept to a minimum for optimal liver health:. Though not all risk factors for liver disease are within your control, cutting back on the foods and drinks listed above can help protect your liver.

Here are a few ways to incorporate liver-healthy foods into your diet:. Adding nutritious foods to your meals and snacks can help support your liver and reduce your risk of a number of health conditions.

In addition to following a healthy diet, other factors can positively influence liver health. The following lifestyle modifications can help protect against liver disease and promote overall liver health:.

Following a healthy diet and lifestyle and protecting your liver by avoiding medication overuse and toxins like cigarette smoke can help keep your liver healthy and reduce your risk of liver diseases.

Adding certain foods to your diet, such as fruits, vegetables, ginger, garlic, and seafood, can help promote liver health by reducing inflammation, protecting against cellular damage, and lowering liver disease markers.

Following a nutrient-dense, well-rounded diet and leading a healthy lifestyle by avoiding practices known to negatively impact the liver, such as excessive drinking, is an easy way to support and protect the liver and promote overall health.

Kalra A, Yetiskul E, Wehrle CJ, Tuma F. Physiology, liver. In: StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; Mega A, Marzi L, Kob M, Piccin A, Floreani A.