World Liver Day 2024: If liver disease is not addressed in time, it can develop silently and become a serious health concern. Sometimes showing no obvious symptoms, liver damage can eventually progress to liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, or liver failure. Fat accumulation in or around the liver can cause inflammation and hardening of cells in the vital organ. This can cause tissue injury and liver dysfunction. Drinking too much alcohol, viruses, poor diet, obesity, autoimmune disease or genetics can be some of the causes of fatty liver disease. Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, jaundice should not be ignored as these could be signs of problems with your liver. (Also read | Dangers of fatty liver: 5 reasons why it is increasing in youth, it can be prevented by lifestyle changes)
Taking care of your liver and taking corrective lifestyle measures can boost its function and slow down fatty liver disease. There are certain foods and drinks containing specific compounds or antioxidants that may support optimal liver function.
Top Homemade Drinks for Liver Health
On the occasion of World Liver Day (Friday, April 19, 2024), here are some home drinks that can work wonders for your liver, as suggested by dietitian Rashi Tantia, HOD, Dietitian, Metro Hospital Faridabad Is.
1. Aloe Vera Juice
Aloin and saponin, two substances found in aloe vera juice, may help detoxify by stimulating bowel movements and removing toxins from the liver. Aloe vera also contains lots of antioxidants, including vitamins A, C, and E, which help protect the liver from damage caused by free radicals. When taken regularly, its calming properties can also help with digestive problems like bloating and constipation, promoting liver health and digestion.
2. Carrot Juice
Beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant that helps reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the liver, is abundant in carrot juice. Additionally, the vitamins A, C and K contained in carrot juice enhance liver function by stimulating detoxification and promoting bile synthesis. Carrot juice is a great addition to your summer beverages list as when consumed regularly it can help protect against many liver diseases and maintain liver function.
3. Lemon Water with Ginger
Lemon adds vitamin C and eases digestion, while ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce liver damage.
4. Mint and Cucumber Drink
Apart from being cooling and hydrating, cucumber and mint water have cleansing properties. Cucumber and mint work together to support the liver’s natural detoxification activities by removing toxins from the body. Additionally, the antioxidants present in mint can help improve liver function, making this DIY drink a refreshing and healthy option for general health, especially in summers.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar Tonic
A diluted version of vinegar can aid the liver and help the body become more alkaline.
6. Lemon juice
Squeezing the juice of fresh lemon makes a delicious drink known as lemonade. The citric acid in lemons encourages the formation of bile, which helps break down lipids more effectively in the liver. Additionally, lemon water’s high vitamin C concentration acts as an antioxidant, protecting liver cells from damage caused by free radicals.
7. Turmeric tea
Turmeric tea is considered to be one of the best beverages for liver detoxification. According to studies, turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce key pro-inflammatory chemicals that cause, aggravate, or worsen conditions like liver disease.
8. Oat Tea
Oats, being rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals, aids digestion and has a cleansing effect on the intestines and liver. For this reason, oat tea is considered by many to be an ideal detox drink. It facilitates your body to remove pollutants.
9. Coffee
Coffee is believed to prevent conditions like fatty liver disease, so it may be beneficial for the liver.
10. Beetroot Juice
Apart from being rich in betalains, an antioxidant, beetroot juice also contains important nutrients like vitamin C, potassium and folate. These substances aid in the detoxification activities of the liver and work to counteract toxins. By stimulating bile production and enhancing general liver health, regular beetroot juice consumption can improve liver function. Its vivid color serves as a visual indication of its strong cleaning properties, making it a healthy and revitalizing complement to your summer beverage selection.
