Healthy Heart, Healthy Liver

Heart health, fitness, mental sharpness… these are some of the most popular topics when it comes to health. Your liver, one of your hardest working organs, often gets ignored. Your liver has to work hard every day clearing out toxins from pollutants in the air, from chemicals and refined sugars in processed foods, from medications and more.

Yet few people make a conscious effort to give their liver the support it needs. When your liver doesn’t get the nutritional support it needs, it's at higher risk of fatty liver disease—especially if you are overweight.

Fatty liver disease occurs when excess fat begins to build up within your liver. It interferes with your liver's ability to function. Aside from feeling sluggish and experiencing minor abdominal pain from time to time, you might not even notice that something is wrong. However, over time, fatty liver disease can lead to cirrhosis and liver failure. The CDC estimates that nearly one in ten Americans has fatty liver disease, and many don't even realize it.

Fortunately, there is something you can do.

Resveratrol is the compound found in red wine that is often touted for its benefits to the heart. It can also help protect your liver from fatty liver disease. Resveratrol activates your body's fat metabolism and actually helps to clear fat out of your liver.

It may seem funny to suggest that drinking red wine can protect the health of your liver when heavy alcohol use is associated with liver damage, but it's true. A glass of red wine a day can keep your liver healthy and it will benefit your heart, too. Moderation is key, though, so don't overdo it.

Stay well,
Danny Wallace