Coconut water is a great alternative to water when it comes to liver health. [2] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source You should drink 2–3 liters (0. 53–0. 79 US gal) of water every day to keep healthy. If you have liver pain and have not been drinking that much water, make it your goal. [3] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
If you raise your legs when you lie down and you feel pain in your left shoulder, you don’t have liver pain—your spleen is rupturing. Get emergency medical help immediately. [5] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source If you have any liver swelling, see your doctor. This is an early sign of liver cancer. [6] X Trustworthy Source Cancer Research UK U. K. -based cancer research and advocacy charity Go to source
Don’t add sugar to your coffee or tea, since sugar is uniquely bad for your liver. Honey in your tea is excellent, though![8] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School’s Educational Site for the Public Go to source
Foods that are uniquely good for your liver include: chicken, fish, olives, olive oil, nuts, berries, and leafy vegetables. [10] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Unproductive foods for your liver include: Anything deep fried, pizza, fast food, sugar, and high-fructose corn syrup. Your body processes sugar the same way as alcohol, so avoid candy, sweets, and soda. [11] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School’s Educational Site for the Public Go to source Don’t overdo it on the protein. Excessive consumption of protein can contribute to fatty liver disease. [12] X Research source
Taking too much acetaminophen or ibuprofen is specifically problematic. These medications are very difficult for your liver to break down.
Natural ingredients that are known to be toxic for the liver (even when it’s healthy) include: chaparral, comfrey tea, kava, skullcap, and yohimbe. Diet pills and muscle builders are also dangerous for the liver.
If you already have liver pain, don’t start working out 150 minutes a week and pumping iron without talking to a doctor first.
You are at risk of getting alcoholic liver disease if you consume more than 15 drinks a week. There are some liver problems that are caused by alcohol that can be reversed by simply stopping drinking. For instance, fatty liver and inflammation can be cleared up within 6 weeks of not drinking alcohol. [18] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source If you have alcoholic liver disease, hepatitis C, hepatitis B, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, or any condition that can cause cirrhosis, you should not drink any alcohol. [19] X Research source
Get immediate emergency medical care if the pain is severe and combined with nausea, dizziness, hallucinations, or if the pain is so severe that you can’t sit still. [21] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Liver pain is actually fairly rare if you don’t have a disease causing it. Your doctor may come up with an alternative theory based on your symptoms. Liver pain can be a symptom of hepatitis A,non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, gallbladder disease, cirrhosis, Reye syndrome, hemochromatosis, and liver cancer.
It is likely that you will need both medication and lifestyle changes, such as weight loss or a special diet, to treat your liver pain. Your doctor may tell you to take over-the-counter pain relievers. Be sure to follow their recommendations for dosage, as exceeding recommended doses could tax your liver. Your medical treatment will vary depending on what is causing your pain. If you have a less serious illness, such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, it may be managed exclusively by making your diet healthier and reducing your cholesterol. [23] X Research source
