How can I reduce workload on the liver and increase immune function of the liver?

The liver is an important organ for metabolism, which is capable of self-recovery. But if the liver is constantly damaged, serious diseases may develop. Therefore it is essential to maintain liver health, especially for those who are at high risk of liver diseases (e.g. those who have fatty liver or are infected with hepatitis virus) and chronic liver disease patients (e.g. chronic hepatitis, NASH, cirrhosis).
These people should focus on adopting lifestyle changes to reduce workload on the liver, avoiding harmful substances to the liver and enhancing immune function of the liver.

Reduce workload on the liver:

⬥　Maintain healthy weight
Being overweight or obese is one of the main risk factors for fatty liver. If a balanced and healthy diet is not followed, fatty liver may advance to NASH or even cirrhosis. Here are some dietary recommendations for a healthy liver [1][2]:

• Take in foods with rich sources of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Antioxidants are especially of great help to liver cell repair
• Consume adequate amounts of protein, as they are essential for liver cell recovery
• Reduce the use of oil in food preparation, cook in oven or steam instead of deep fry
• Reduce fat intake, choose lean meat instead of fat meat
• Avoid greasy, spicy and irritating food
• Avoid manufactured foods as food additives such as preservatives, artificial food colouring and sweeteners are all processed by the liver

Avoid harmful substances to the liver:

⬥　Cut out alcohol
Alcohol can damage or destroy liver cells. If alcohol abuse continues, it can lead to alcoholic hepatitis or permanent scarring of the liver (cirrhosis). The individual will tire more quickly since his blood is dirtier. Alcohol also thickens the blood and slows its circulation. It reduces the liver’s capacity to cleanse the blood from impurities and pathogens. [2] In 2013, almost half of the total liver disease deaths among individuals aged 12 and older in the USA involved alcohol. [3]

⬥　Quit smoking
Toxic substances such as nicotine and tar in cigarettes are absorbed into the bloodstream through the lungs, which must then be detoxified by the liver before being discharged from the body. [1]

⬥　Consider viral hepatitis vaccination
Acute hepatitis A or B infection can be lethal in patients with chronic liver disease. To prevent further damage to the liver, chronic liver disease patients can consider getting vaccinated against hepatitis A and B. [4][5]

⬥　Avoid unnecessary medications
Bear in mind that all kinds of medications are processed by the liver after being absorbed in the digestive system. Common painkillers and cold remedies with aspirin and acetaminophen can be toxic to people with damaged livers, so it is best not to take medicine casually. If medications are required, take prescribed medicine in the right doses as instructed. [2][4]

Enhance immune function:

⬥　Take YHK liver supplement
Research shows that YHK natural liver therapy can improve the immune function of the liver, enhance the growth of new liver cells and repair damaged liver cells. [6] A clinical study also indicates that this natural compound can normalize ALT levels, restoring normal liver function in liver disease patients. [7] This demonstrates the possibility of repairing liver cells and improving liver function. Further studies on this supplement can be found in PubMed or our website.

⬥　Get enough sleep & rest
Adequate sleep and rest can help the body to recover from daily activities. Lying down can improve blood flow to the liver, facilitate metabolic function of the liver and help to provide nutrients for regenerating liver cells and recovering liver function. [1]