Your liver is a large organ that’s found in the upper right-hand side of your abdomen. It has several functions that are critical to your health, including:

• Detoxification. Your liver works to break down drugs, alcohol, and other harmful substances in order to clear them from your blood.

• Bile production. Your liver produces a substance called bile that helps you digest fats and absorb vitamins in the food you eat.

• Energy storage. Your liver can store extra glucose in the form of glycogen, which can be converted back into glucose when you need additional energy.

Several substances and conditions can damage your liver and potentially lead to scarring. When scar tissue accumulates in your liver, it can replace healthy liver tissue. This means that your liver has to work harder to do its job.In its early stages, it may be possible to reverse liver damage. In fact, there are several ways you can help give your liver a rest and prevent permanent damage.In this article, we’ll look at the steps you can take to improve the health of your liver.

What can cause liver damage?

Alcohol is a leading factor in liver damage. During moderate alcohol consumption, enzymes in your liver work to effectively break down alcohol.

However, when you drink too much alcohol, it can’t be broken down as quickly.

Alcohol and its byproducts can damage liver cells and lead to an increase in inflammation in your liver. Alcohol can also inhibit the breakdown of fats, leading to an accumulation of fat in your liver (fatty liver).

Alcohol isn’t the only factor that can lead to liver damage. Other potential causes of liver damage include: