Caring for Your Liver During the Summer Season

By Gastro MD

Maybe you can’t help but think of outdoor fun, picnics and barbecues when summer comes around, promising us warmer weather. However, while the summer season is the best time to travel and celebrate with good times and great food, it’s essential to be careful not to put your liver health at risk. Here are some tips for caring for your liver this summer.

Avoid alcoholic temptations.

Maybe you can’t imagine summer without thinking of cold beers and mixed drinks with colorful umbrellas served poolside. But before you give into these stereotypical summer staples, think about the consequences to your liver.

Every 30 seconds, someone dies from an illness linked to hepatitis. That’s why each year, on the 28th of July, national and international organizations use the opportunity to raise awareness on the impacts of hepatitis. Hepatitis may be caused by a viral infection; however, one of the other possible causes include alcohol.

When alcohol is processed in the liver, it can produce highly toxic chemicals that injure the liver cells, causing inflammation. However, alcoholic hepatitis doesn’t only occur in people who drink excessively; genetic factors, malnutrition, obesity and existing liver infections may be contributing factors. Therefore, if you’re at high risk of developing hepatitis or already experience liver problems, avoiding alcohol improves your chances of avoiding other issues with your liver, such as cirrhosis.

Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water.

Drink plenty of water and eat food with a high-water content, such as watermelon, lettuce and cucumbers. Drinking more water helps detox the liver, improving how it moves toxins through the body to push them out. Drinking water also helps prevent overeating.

Even without exercising or engaging in physical activity, just sitting in the summer heat can make you sweat more, making it important to monitor your fluid intake to ensure you don’t become dehydrated. The liver needs adequate water levels to effectively break down fat, store energy and maintain blood glucose levels. And when the liver doesn’t function properly, it can lead to food cravings, including foods that are damaging to the liver.

Choose anti-inflammatory foods and healthy fats.

From picnics and potlucks to camping and barbecues, summer has always provided the best weather for meeting with family and friends for good food. However, your host may not be aware that you have liver issues and serve a menu that can put your liver health at risk. When this happens, don’t give in out of embarrassment. You also shouldn’t be ashamed to admit that you can’t eat certain things; after all, family and friends are looking out for your health as well and shouldn’t be offended. While this may mean having to turn down certain foods, it’s better than suffering from the damaging effects later.

If you have a damaged liver or are at risk for fatty liver disease, avoid foods that may trigger inflammation and affect healthy liver function. This includes refined sugars and saturated fats that impact liver health. Some foods that help keep your liver healthy include cruciferous vegetables, fatty fish, whole grains and colorful fruits.