Healthy-liver tips: Infectious liver diseases, such as hepatitis A, B and C are spread through contaminated body fluids or blood. Avoiding risky behaviors -- unprotected sex and use of contaminated needles -- reduces the risk of liver disease. Vaccines are available to prevent hepatitis A and B.

Another healthy-liver tip is to minimize exposure to toxins, including garden and household chemicals and cigarette smoke. Maintaining a healthy weight is important, too. A diet high in calories and saturated fats can overwhelm the liver's ability to process fats, in turn causing inflammation, an early stage of liver disease. Minimizing alcohol consumption benefits the liver. Excessive alcohol intake can flood the liver and prevent it from working efficiently.

SOURCE Mayo Clinic Health Letter

www.HealthLetter.MayoClinic.