“Water is the best at keeping your body well hydrated and allowing your vital organs, like your liver, to do their jobs,” Prest says. “If you are not drinking enough water aim to double your water intake to support your overall health, and especially your liver health.”
Therefore, drinking five cans of beer and 5 shots of vodka will put the same amount of alcohol-related pressure on your liver. Despite the volume of fluid from five cans of beer being a lot more than five shots. In summary: There is no type of alcohol that is easier on your liver.
By abstaining from alcohol, drinking lots of water, and eating a liver-friendly diet, you can reverse some of the effects of alcohol abuse. Yes, the good news is, the liver can repair itself after years of drinking.
Research shows that people who drink a lot of soft drinks are more likely to have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Studies don't prove that the drinks were the cause. But if you down a lot of sodas and have been meaning to cut back, this could be a good reason to switch what you sip.
"Alcohol is the worst drink for your liver as it makes it harder on the liver to break down and remove toxins from the body," says Minerva Valencia, RD.
Orange Juice
This juice is high in vitamin C and potassium, which safeguard the liver cells from toxins. Orange juice protects against chronic liver illness and aids in the elimination of contaminants and toxins from the body. Orange flavonoids also function as antioxidants and help to reduce liver steatosis.
Advocates claim that conducting a cleanse with apple cider vinegar helps to flush toxins from the body, regulate blood sugar levels, and encourage healthy weight loss, all of which can improve liver health. However, there's little scientific support for these claims.
Many citrus fruits, including lemon, can be added to water to help stimulate and flush out the liver. Lemons are high in nutrients like vitamin C and antioxidants. To help prevent liver disease, enjoy four to six tablespoons of lemon juice mixed with water each day.
Eat too many foods that are high in saturated fat and it can make it harder for your liver to do its job. Over time it may lead to inflammation, which in turn could cause scarring of the liver that's known as cirrhosis. So next time you're in the drive-thru line, think about ordering a healthier option.
The Bottom Line
If you do drink alcohol, do so in moderation, and keep fried foods, processed meats and added sugar to a minimum.
Egg whites are good for your liver, but over-consumption can lead to digestion issues and the yellow yolk is a source of bad cholesterol. These are the foods that are bad for the kidneys and liver.
So what happens when you stop drinking? The good news is that the liver is the only organ that can restore and regenerate itself. Because the liver is in a constant state of regeneration, in many cases the healing process can begin within just weeks after foregoing alcohol.
Bananas: Bharadwaj also suggests bananas for fatty liver disease patients. They are a storehouse f vitamin B6, C and A and also high in resistant starch, which is good for liver health.
The liver, however, is able to replace damaged tissue with new cells. If up to 50 to 60 percent of the liver cells may be killed within three to four days in an extreme case like a Tylenol overdose, the liver will repair completely after 30 days if no complications arise.
It is estimated that alcohol-related fatty liver disease develops in 90% of people who drink more than 40g of alcohol (or four units) per day. That's roughly the equivalent of two medium (175ml) glasses of 12% ABV wine, or less than two pints of regular strength (4% ABV) beer.
Fill your fruit basket with apples, grapes, and citrus fruits like oranges and lemons, which are proven to be liver-friendly fruits. Consume raw grapes and grape juice or supplement your diet with grape seed extracts to increase antioxidant levels in your body and protect your liver from toxins.