Your liver is one of the hardest-working largest organs in your body. It helps regulate blood clotting, digest food, store energy, get rid of toxins, and maintain healthy blood sugar levels. But did you know that some of your habits could be hurting your liver? Here are five bad habits that can damage your liver and how you can avoid them.

Drinking Too Much Alcohol Is Hard on Your Liver

Alcohol is one of the worst things for your liver. Your liver breaks down alcohol, but drinking too much can overwhelm it. This can cause your liver cells to get inflamed and eventually die. Over time, heavy drinking can potentially lead to fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, and even cirrhosis, which is serious scarring of the liver and can be life-threatening.

Experts say that men should limit their alcohol intake to two drinks per day, and women should stick to one. Taking breaks from alcohol and drinking lots of water can help keep your liver healthy.

Eating Too Much Sugar Can Cause Fatty Liver Disease

Your liver helps control sugar levels in your body, but eating too much sugar can lead to an ailment called non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD happens when excess fat builds up in your liver, which can cause inflammation and damage.

Foods like sodas, candies, and pastries have a lot of sugar and are often the main cause. To protect your liver, try cutting back on sugary snacks and choose healthier options like fruits and vegetables. If you want something sweet, eat some berries or an apple instead of candy or cookies.

Taking Too Many Painkillers Can Hurt Your Liver

Many painkillers and over-the-counter medicines can harm your liver if you take too much of them. For example, acetaminophen (Tylenol) is safe if you use it as directed, but too much can be toxic and is one of the main causes of acute liver failure.

Always follow the dosage instructions on medications, and do not mix different kinds without asking your doctor. This can help you avoid accidental liver damage and serious health problems.

Not Exercising Enough Can Lead to Liver Problems

If you don’t exercise much, it can affect your liver health too. Not being active can lead to weight gain and fat buildup in your liver, increasing the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week to keep your liver healthy.

Even simple activities like walking or doing yoga can help your liver. Exercise not only helps your liver work better but also improves your energy and mood.

Eating Too Much Fast Food

Fast food often contains unhealthy fats, sugars, and salt, which are all hard on your liver. Eating too much fast food can potentially lead to obesity and fatty liver disease. When you eat too much unhealthy fat, it makes it harder for your liver to process and store fat, causing fat to build up.

Instead of eating fast food often, try cooking meals at home with fresh ingredients. Foods like lean proteins, whole grains, and lots of vegetables are much better for your liver. Plus, eating a balanced diet will help you feel better overall.

The Takeaway

Your liver works hard to keep you healthy, but it needs your help. Avoiding these five bad habits can help keep your liver in good shape. Drink alcohol in moderation, cut back on sugar, use medications responsibly, stay active, and eat a balanced diet. These simple changes can help your liver do its job and keep you feeling your best.