Alcoholism takes a heavy toll on your body. Cirrhosis of the liver, high blood pressure, increased risk of cancer, and an increased risk of dementia are just some of the health concerns that are certain to arise after years of heavy drinking. The liver is usually the internal organ most affected by alcohol abuse. Throw in a diet that includes animal fats and the taking of almost any medication and your poor liver is taking a serious beating.
The good news is that, given the chance, your body is designed to heal and repair itself. Once you stop drinking and your body is no longer forced to process copious amounts of alcohol many of your systems begin working to get themselves back to a state of functionality.
One of the most remarkable organs in the human body, especially in terms of regeneration, is the liver. It is fully capable of replacing its damaged tissues with brand new cells if given the chance. While liver damage from cirrhosis cannot be undone, further damage can be stopped if you stop drinking early enough in the disease process and the parts of your liver that were able to regenerate will be healthier than they would otherwise be.
Is there anything, besides drinking, that you can do to help your liver along its path to regeneration? Yes! Food is fantastic medicine so let’s take a look at the top five foods you can eat that will help your body repair some of that liver damage.
COFFEE
Studies show that drinking coffee on a daily basis protects the liver from disease, even if you are already having liver-related issues. It also reduces inflammation. The benefits of coffee are rooted in its ability to increase antioxidant levels while preventing the buildup of fat and collagen in the liver, which are the two main markers of many types of liver disease. The greatest benefit from the coffee was reaped by those who drank at least three cups per day.
TEA
Drinking anywhere from five to 10 cups of green tea each day has been shown to improve the blood markers of liver health. Enzyme and liver fat levels also improved. Other studies have shown that people who drink at least four cups of green tea each day are far less likely to develop liver cancer. This refers to actual cups of tea, not green tea supplements, which have been shown to have the potential to cause additional liver problems. As with most things, it is best if you stick closest to the form found in nature. Here that would be loose leaf green tea.
GRAPEFRUIT
Grapefruits contain many antioxidants that naturally work to protect the liver. The positive effects of these antioxidants in the liver work by reducing inflammation and also by helping to protect healthy cells. The two main antioxidants found in grapefruit are called naringenin and naringin. The latter has been proven to help metabolize the sugars found in alcohol and reduce some of its negative effects on the liver. Please be aware that if you are taking certain prescriptions for mental health, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol grapefruit may be contraindicated.
LEAFY GREENS AND CRUCIFEROUS VEGETABLES
“Plant based antioxidants have preventative and therapeutic effects on various liver diseases, including alcoholic liver disease… “ Leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and collard greens are loaded with antioxidants. Antioxidants help to neutralize the free radicals in your body and reduce the amount of damage to your liver. Cruciferous vegetables include broccoli, cauliflower, and brussel sprouts. All of these plants are known as hepatoprotective, which means they all help prevent damage to the liver. Positive compounds in these foods are found in higher quantities in their ‘sprout’ forms.
OATMEAL
Foods high in fiber will help to protect your liver from inflammation. Oatmeal and other sources of high fiber whole grains will also help to regulate your blood sugar. In diets lacking the proper amount of fiber the bile produced by the liver, instead of being replaced continuously with fresh bile, will be repeatedly recirculated into your system, each time becoming more toxic. A low fiber diet can ultimately contribute to a higher level of toxicity throughout the body, not just in the liver. The consumption of whole grains is also associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Learning self-care while recovering from any drug or alcohol addiction is tricky. There is a wealth of information out there but how do you know which information is trustworthy? Things like diet management, exercise, and sleep all play a crucial role in the success of your recovery. Fortunately, or detox and residential treatment programs both have a highly trained and empathetic staff that is just waiting here to help you succeed. Reach out to them via phone, or chat on our website. Don’t put off your health or your quality of life any longer. We are here to help you heal.
