Many people ask me questions on how to heal their liver, how to keep their liver healthy, how long does it take for the liver to heal, and a variety of other questions related to liver health. One of the biggest concerns is how much alcohol is considered excessive, does a small amount of daily consumption affect the liver's ability to heal itself, and is alcohol the only thing that affects or hinders the healing process.  You should try to heal your liver regardless of your alcohol consumption since many of us indulge in an excessive consumption of foods which can damage the liver. We discover how to heal your liver naturally using tips on diet & supplements.

It is estimated that there are over 100 types of liver diseases which may be caused by genetics or by factors such as viruses and excess alcohol consumption. The most common signs and symptoms of liver disease may include:

• Lower abdominal pain
• Fatigue
• Irritated itchy skin
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Swelling of the legs
• A yellow tinge of the skin and the eyes

Tips on how to heal liver damage

One of the most important facts about the liver is that it is self-healing, just like our skin. A good example is if you cut yourself, the wound eventually scabs over as you heal and sometimes a scar is left behind. Your liver can regenerate and heal itself as long as you allow it to rest and repair from the myriad of possible toxins. . It is currently thought that healing of the liver beings as early as a few days after you stop drinking and often a few weeks to heal but severe damage, healing may take several months.  If the aggressors, such as alcohol, remain constant then the scar tissue continues to build up until the liver cannot function properly.

Eating the right foods

Eating the right foods can have a great impact on the healing of damaged liver cells. Eat plenty of antioxidant and fibre rich foods. Some of the best foods for the liver include blueberries, cruciferous vegetables, including broccoli, sprouts and cauliflower, oily fish, olive oil, grapes, grapefruit as well as nuts. Reduce the consumption of saturated fats, processed foods and sugar laden foods. Incidentally, coffee appears to be good for the liver. It is thought that coffee provides protective antioxidants as well as encouraging the production of liver enzymes which help to rid the body of toxins.

Avoid weight gain

Try to maintain your Body Mass Index within the normal range, between 18 and 25, by eating healthily and by exercising regularly. This may help decrease your chances of liver concerns. If you are overweight and drink regularly then cutting back on your alcohol intake will not only safeguard your health, but will also help you to lose weight.

Quit smoking and avoid chemical toxins wherever possible

Smoking can cause liver scarring and damage. Cigarettes contain hundreds of chemicals that have to be processed by the liver increasing the risk of liver damage. Abstaining from smoking will therefore encourage the healing process.

It is difficult to avoid environmental toxins, but you can definitely reduce the exposure to chemical toxins from aerosols and chemically laden body care products.

Cut down on your alcohol intake

When the liver attempts to break down alcohol, the chemical reactions that occur can cause inflammation leading to damage to the liver cells, which causes scarring and often a build-up of fats. Moderate consumption of alcohol is generally considered as safe and routinely men should not consume more than three drinks a day and women no more than two to prevent alcohol-induced liver disease.

Prevent and Protect

Hepatitis is one of the leading causes of liver damage and can be transmitted from blood or sexual fluids. If you get manicures or pedicures, then please ensure that this is from a reputable shop or person.

Consider Supplements

According to WebMD, “antioxidant vitamins such as C, E, and beta-carotene, minerals such as zinc and selenium, B-vitamins that aid alcohol metabolism and herbs said to cleanse the liver such as milk thistle, dandelion root, and schizandra, might help protect liver cells while ridding our body of poisons.”

A supplement that I recommend for a healthy liver is DoSe by VH Milk Thistle Complex. This healthy liver supplement contains a trio of liver cleansing herbs including Milk thistle, Artichoke and Dandelion as well as turmeric, which may enhance liver repair and function. These milk thistle capsules provide turmeric standardised to curcumin because curcumin is a potent anti-inflammatory. it is the inflammation within the liver that hinders regeneration of healthy levels cells and prevents the healing of your liver. 

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