Table of Contents > Your Liver: Healthy choices make a difference
Your Liver: Healthy choices make a difference
For most former addicts it’s not too late to repair the damage of abuse
The liver is one of the organs most affected by the excessive use of alcohol and drugs. Cirrhosis of the liver is a common result of alcohol abuse. Long before the liver reaches the point of disease, people may experience symptoms of liver dysfunction including abnormally high levels of LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol), triglycerides, reduced HDL (good cholesterol), excessive weight gain, inability to lose weight, cellulite, fatty liver as well as depression, allergies and blood sugar problems.
One good way to support liver health and healing is to add lots of vegetables to your diet, especially the liver-loving veggies like artichokes, asparagus, beets and dark green leafy vegetables such as kale, chard, dandelion greens, watercress, beet tops and mustard greens. Additional vegetables excellent for good liver health are the cruciferous varieties like broccoli, cabbage and Brussels sprouts.
Research also indicates that taking a supplement of Milk Thistle can be beneficial for liver healing. Silymarin, the active ingredient in this herb has antioxidant properties and is said to protect liver cells from toxins. 
When adding supplements to your diet, be sure to talk to your doctor before you begin.