The liver is a football-shaped organ in the abdomen. It's responsible for pulling nutrients out of food and filtering toxins out of your body.
More than 100 diseases can affect the liver, including hepatitis, cirrhosis and fatty liver disease — a fairly common liver disorder that may remain undiagnosed. Most people won't know they have a liver problem until it's advanced.
The good news is that the liver is resilient. It can regenerate after damage and regrow to typical size even after 90% of it has been removed.
But the liver isn't invincible. Mayo Clinic experts offer this advice for supporting your liver and preventing liver diseases.
Take only as directed
Carefully follow the instructions on medicines, including medicines available without a prescription and supplements. And tell your healthcare team and pharmacist about all the medicines and supplements you take.
Taking too much of a medicine, combining some medicines or taking some medicines with alcohol can damage the liver.
Taking more than the recommended doses of acetaminophen (for example, Tylenol) can lead to severe liver damage over time.
Wash fruits and vegetables
Research suggests that exposure to pesticides on fruits and vegetables can increase the risk of fatty liver disease. To reduce your exposure, rinse produce under running water before eating. Even produce you plan to peel should be rinsed.
Hold the fries
Foods that cause fluid or fat buildup and swelling make it difficult for the liver to do its job. Limit or avoid:
- Foods high in sugar, fat or salt.
- Fried foods including fast-food restaurant meals.
- Raw or undercooked shellfish like oysters and clams.
Get your shots
Get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B. This is especially important if you're planning to travel to a country where hepatitis is common. These viruses reduce liver function.
Show you care and don't share
Avoid hepatitis infections by practicing safe sex and using trusted (and clean) salons and tattoo or body piercing shops. Don't share needles or hygiene products like toothbrushes and razors that might carry traces of blood.
Seek medical care if you're exposed to someone else's blood.
Drink responsibly
If you drink alcohol, limit it to 1 drink a day for women and 2 for men. Heavy alcohol use can damage or destroy liver cells. If you have underlying liver disease, talk to your healthcare team about limiting or avoiding alcohol.
Choose whole grains
Eat a healthy diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains for fiber. Limit fats and added sugars because they're associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.