6 foods and drinks to choose when drinking alcohol to be good for the liver

The role of liver detoxification

An article by Dr. Vu Hong in the Health & Life Newspaper states that the liver is a very important organ responsible for storing, metabolizing and eliminating toxins from the body. Detoxification is the liver's primary physiological function.

To protect the body, the liver acts as a barrier to prevent harmful elements from entering the digestive tract. The liver reduces toxicity and eliminates some substances created during the body's metabolism.

Even though we know that alcohol is not good for the liver, it is difficult to refuse invitations to drink alcohol at year-end parties, New Year's Eve parties, and friends' gatherings. So how to protect the liver after drinking alcohol?

Below are 4 effective dishes and remedies that are easy to apply at home for loved ones after drinking alcohol or beer.

To protect your liver, you should not drink too much alcohol, only drink the recommended amount of alcohol and beer. You can replace it with wine, especially the kind made from grapes, during meals, which is very good because it stimulates digestion.

The more you drink, the harder your liver works, increasing the risk of liver cancer and cirrhosis.

If you drink alcohol, you should avoid drinking coffee, tea or products containing caffeine because caffeine can make dehydration worse, adversely affecting the liver. Before and after drinking alcohol to dilute the alcohol and keep the body from becoming dehydrated, limit the consequences of alcohol such as headaches and fatigue... you need to replenish water for the body.

6 foods and drinks to choose when drinking alcohol to be good for the liver

Below are 6 recommended foods and drinks to combine with beer to effectively protect the liver.

Boiled green vegetables (especially spinach)

Dark green vegetables are rich in chlorophyll and antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals and aid the liver in detoxification.

Spinach contains lutein, folate and vitamin K, which reduce liver inflammation and aid in liver cell recovery after alcohol exposure.

Steamed or fried tofu with little oil

Lao Dong newspaper quoted Healthline as saying that an announcement by the American Society for Clinical Nutrition (ASPEN) showed that vegetable protein from soybeans is not only easy to digest but also contains isoflavones that can reduce liver fat and prevent alcoholic hepatitis.

Compared to red meat, tofu is a healthier choice for drinking parties.

Beetroot juice

Beets contain betaine, natural nitrates and anthocyanin antioxidants, which have been shown to reduce liver inflammation, increase detoxification enzymes and improve blood flow through the liver.

Beetroot juice consumption can reduce liver enzyme levels (ALT, AST) in light to moderate alcohol users, while improving liver cell regeneration.

Drink a small glass (150–200ml) of diluted beetroot juice before or after drinking alcohol.

Artichoke tea

Artichokes contain cynarin and silymarin – two active ingredients proven to stimulate bile secretion, protect liver cells and enhance liver detoxification.

Artichoke tea helps reduce fat accumulation in the liver and significantly improves liver function in long-term drinkers.

Drink warm unsweetened artichoke tea before drinking or before going to bed to aid detoxification.

Warm ginger water

Ginger contains gingerol - a compound with powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and digestive support properties. According to WHO, ginger also helps increase blood flow through the liver, promoting ethanol metabolism.

Warm ginger water helps reduce symptoms of nausea, bloating and fatigue after drinking alcohol, and also reduces mild hepatitis in regular drinkers.

Gotu kola smoothie

Gotu kola is a cooling herb, widely used in Oriental medicine to clear heat, detoxify the liver and support micro-blood circulation.

Gotu kola extract helps reduce oxidative stress in the liver and soothes alcohol-induced inflammatory damage.

You should use diluted gotu kola smoothie, without adding sugar, about 1-2 times/week if you have a habit of drinking beer and alcohol.