How healthy is your liver? At that rate, how healthy is your current lifestyle for your liver? You may not know the answers to these questions, but if you are concerned about liver health, it is important for you to learn about everyday lifestyle choices that are impacting liver function.

Following are some bad habits that can damage your liver. Some of these you may be familiar with. Others you may not be aware of right now.

1. You are drinking excessively.

You probably know that drinking too much alcohol is bad for your liver. But how much is too much? Believe it or not, if you are having more than 1-2 drinks a day, you may be taxing your liver more than you should. So, check your alcohol consumption and keep it moderate.

2. The medications you are taking are bad for your liver.

Some medications are particularly hard for your liver to deal with. You may or may not be aware of liver warnings with the medications you are currently taking. If you are worried about your liver, it is worth double checking.

3.You are overusing certain medications.

Some medications used in moderation may not burden your liver too much, but might become problematic if you are taking high doses, exceeding the maximum doses, or taking them for a very long time period. This is something else to check into.

4. You are taking supplements that your liver doesn’t like.

Did you know it isn’t just medications that can impact your liver, but also supplements? A couple of culprits include kava and vitamin A. WebMD explains, “Your body needs vitamin A, and it’s fine to get it from plants such as fresh fruits and vegetables, especially those that are red, orange, and yellow. But if you take supplements that have high doses of vitamin A, that can be a problem for your liver. Check with your doctor before you take any extra vitamin A because you probably don’t need it.”

5. You have an unhealthy diet and/or are overweight.

WebMD also explains the dangers of obesity for your liver, stating, “The extra fat can build up in your liver cells and lead to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). As a result, your liver may swell. Over time, it can harden and scar liver tissue (doctors call this cirrhosis). You are more likely to get NAFLD if you are overweight or obese, middle-aged, or have diabetes. You may be able to turn things around. Diet and exercise can stop the disease.”

Avoid diets that are high in sugars, trans fats, and other unhealthy substances that can contribute to obesity and poor cardiovascular health. Get plenty of exercise, and don’t overeat.

Change Your Lifestyle to Improve Liver Health

You now know a few lifestyle habits that can contribute to poor liver health, some of which you might not have realized were problematic.

Review the medications and supplements you are taking, exercise and eat a healthy diet, and moderate your intake of alcohol. Consider taking a supplement for healthy liver function support as well. Make a long-term commitment to these healthy habits, and your liver will thank you.