Scientists Explain 9 Ways to Heal Liver Damage

As estimated, there are more than 100 different types of liver disease. “Liver disease can be inherited (genetic) or caused by a variety of factors that damage the liver, such as viruses and alcohol use,” according to Mayo Clinic.


Per World Gastroenterology Organization, the rates of liver disease are “steadily increasing” with time. In the U.K, liver diseases are 5th leading cause o death.  In the US, the rate of liver disease is also rising.  Death rate from chronic liver disease increased over 30% from 2000 to 2015.

Signs and Symptoms of Liver Disease
Nausea and vomiting
Abdominal pain and swelling
Bruising easily
Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
Dark-colored urine
Irritated, itchy skin
Loss of appetite
Chronic fatigue
Swelling of legs and ankles
In addition to long-term alcohol abuse, there are countless other factors that contribute the development of liver disease. Problems with the liver can arise from:

Genetic predisposition
Abnormalities of the immune system
Infection from parasites and viruses
Cancer and cancerous growths of the bile duct and liver
Fat accumulation in the liver (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease)
Risk Factors for Liver Cancer
Obesity
Diabetes
Alcohol abuse
Body piercings or tattoos
Exposure to other people’s bodily fluids and blood
Unprotected sex
Exposure to certain chemicals or toxins
9 Ways to Heal Liver Damage
1. Eat the right foods
Eating healthy is one of the best ways to boost liver health. Eating plenty of fiber, vegetables, and antioxidants is the key.  Limit the intake of processed foods and sugar. Some of the most liver-friendly foods include cranberries and blueberries (antioxidants), cruciferous veggies, nuts, grapes, grapefruit, coffee, and fatty fish.


2. Lose weight, if needed
If you are overweight, cutting back on alcohol is a great idea.  This will not only help you maintain good health, but also help shed pounds. It has been scientifically proven that obese people who drink a lot are up to 4 times as likely to develop liver disease.

3. Exercise regularly
Obesity is a significant risk factor.  Exercise is a great way to boost your immune system, maintain a healthy weight, and reduce the risk of liver cancer.

4. Quit smoking
For those at risk of liver disease, smoking can cause further liver damage.

5. Quit alcohol
While alcohol is okay in moderate amounts for most people, problematic drinking is a problem. If you have a history of heavy drinking, consider quitting it to heal liver damage.

6. Avoid exposure to toxins
Toxins are poisonous for the liver, so avoid exposure to toxins like fungicides, insecticides, spray paints, and aerosol at all costs.

7. Monitor your medications
The liver metabolizes everything you consume, including prescription drugs.  Medications like hormone replacement drugs, heart drugs, birth-control pills, and anti-psychotics.

8. Protect yourself
Hepatitis is one of the major causes of liver damage and it can be transmitted through sexual fluids and blood.  If you get tattoos, body piercing, manicures, or pedicures, ensure that you are being serviced by a creditable shop.

9. Consider supplementation
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.”