One of the hardest working organs in our body, the liver is responsible for breaking down the food we consume and turn it into energy for other organs to utilize. Think of it as our personal filter to all the toxins in our daily lives. Think about it, from the foods we eat to the air we breathe, a large portion of what enters our bodies are 100% clean and pure; therefore, it’s the job of our liver to filter out the bad and keep the good flowing throughout our entire system. To keep the liver operating at its peak, essential vitamins are required. The essentials are best consumed from a well-balanced diet; however, supplements can be used to boost key levels that are being met through food intake. Let’s go over a few key essential vitamins you should have in your diet to maintain a healthy liver; which will enable the rest of your body to function as it should.

VITAMIN B12

Vitamin B12, also known as folate, can be found in animal products: including fish, meat, poultry, eggs, milk, and milk products. For the vegetarians out there, Vitamin B12 can also be found in breakfast cereals.VitaminB12 is a water-soluble, so it must be consumed daily. 

VITAMIN E

The main role of Vitamin E in our bodies is to act as an antioxidant. It also serves as an ‘enhancer’ for our Immune System; so, think of its functions as a BOGO!(buy one get one)Vitamin E can be found in foods such as sunflower and soybean oil, sunflower seeds, almonds, peanuts, spinach (eat your greens), pumpkin, red bell pepper, mango, as well as avocado –a personal favorite. Vitamin A and IronVitamin Ais an essential micronutrient, found in dairy products, fortified cereals, and fish oils; it is also referred to as retinol. The essential aspect behind Vitamin A is that it maintains the integrity and function of all surface tissues; the skin. Iron, on the other hand, provides a very different yet important job; it helps blood carry oxygen throughout the body. Signs of iron deficiency are: feeling tired, short of breath, dizziness, chronic headaches, and a constant feeling of being cold. Foods high in iron are abundant; meat in general but red meat has the most, leafy green vegetables, fruits, fortified cereals, rice, pasta, nuts, and other seeds. The list of foods that contain iron truly goes on and on.

 VITAMIN D

Last on our list, but not certainly least, is Vitamin D. It’s commonly referred to as the ‘sunshine vitamin’. It’s definitely the easiest to get since a solid source shines upon your face on a daily basis; unless you live in an area where the sun doesn’t shine often. In this case, food intake rich full of Vitamin D, is most certainly required. Reports show that a high percentage of people with the chronic liver disease produce low levels of Vitamin D within their diet. To avoid falling into this high percentage of deficient individuals, foods such as salmon, eggs, shrimp, milk, cereal, yogurt, and orange juice will provide all solid sources of Vitamin D.

Above all remember; A healthy liver is a healthy life!