Overview
Your liver is located in the abdomen, on the right side under the rib cage. It is the biggest organ in the abdomen.
The liver does three main types of jobs to keep you healthy.
- The liver plays key roles in nutrition.
- The liver helps your body get rid of things it does not need or that can cause harm.
- The liver produces vital proteins and chemicals.
There are many causes of liver problems, including:
- Infections, especially hepatitis
- Substances like alcohol and certain medicines
- Cancer
The keys to a healthy liver are:
- Prevent problems by avoiding risks and get vaccinations.
- Watch for symptoms. Let your provider know if you notice any problems.
- Avoid alcoholic beverages.
- Be careful about taking certain medicines, even herbal medicines. Always let your provider know what you take.
- Eat well. Good nutrition can give your liver the energy to stay strong.