​​Hydration strategies for liver health

Last updated May 6, 2025, by Roslyn Marano
Fact-checked by Marta Figueiredo, PhD

Staying hydrated is essential for maintaining a healthy liver and supporting your overall liver function.

Your liver works daily to filter toxins, break down nutrients, and regulate your metabolism. By giving it what it needs and following a few key hydration tips for liver disease, you may be able to stay better hydrated, support your liver’s vital functions, and improve your overall health.

Make hydration a daily habit

To help support your liver health, staying consistently hydrated should be part of your everyday routine. One of the most effective ways to do this is by creating small habits that make it easier to drink enough water throughout the day.

Set hydration goals

Hydration is not one-size-fits-all, which is why personalized hydration strategies for liver health are encouraged to ensure people with liver diseases drink enough water each day.

To personalize your hydration needs, consider your age, weight, activity level, health status, and even the climate you live in.

While the general guideline is six to eight glasses of water or other fluids daily, some people may need more, including those who live in hot or dry environments or at higher altitudes.

Track your intake

Trying to manage liver disease and hydration may feel overwhelming at first. If you’re unsure of how much water you’re drinking, try tracking it.

Here are some easy ways to track your fluid intake:

• Download a hydration app.
• Use a water bottle with measurements.
• Set up phone reminders to drink throughout the day.
• Keep a simple log or checklist on your phone or in a journal.

Pick the right hydration options

When it comes to maintaining liver health, what you drink is just as important as how much you drink — but you don’t have to be limited to plain water. There are a few hydrating options at your disposal.

Water first

Water is generally considered the best way to quench your thirst and keep you hydrated. It helps your liver flush out toxins, supports metabolic functions, and keeps your organs and tissues functioning properly.

In fact, one study found that in people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease — a condition now known as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease that is marked by excessive liver fat buildup — higher levels of plain water intake were associated with a lower risk of death, including from conditions like cancer and stroke.

If you aren’t a fan of plain water, consider giving it a natural and tasty boost by adding lemon, mint leaves, or cucumber.

Other hydrating beverages

In addition to water, there are other drinks that can help you stay hydrated and support your liver function. These include:

• herbal teas, such as milk thistle and green tea
• coconut water
• low-sodium broths.

Keep in mind that coconut water and other electrolyte beverages contain potassium, which may need to be limited for some people with advanced liver disease.

Drinks to avoid

Not all drinks are good for liver health. For example, high-sodium drinks, sugary beverages, and sodas can interfere with your body’s fluid balance, lead to liver fat accumulation, and strain the liver.

Finally, it’s important to limit your alcohol intake — or avoid it altogether — as alcohol may add undue strain and damage to the liver, and eventually cause alcoholic fatty liver disease, now known as alcohol-associated liver disease.

Eat hydrating meals and snacks

Hydration doesn’t only come from drinks — many foods are rich in water and can help boost your daily intake. This is especially helpful for people with liver disease who may not enjoy drinking lots of fluids.

Water-rich foods

Eating water-rich foods such as cucumbers, celery, and berries is a great way to increase your water intake. These foods can also provide essential vitamins and minerals that support your overall health.

It is important, however, to talk with your healthcare provider about the types of foods you can or cannot eat. For example, some people may want to avoid grapefruit as it may interact with some medications and put extra strain on the liver.

Hydrating snacks

Snacks that combine fruits, leafy greens, and lean proteins — such as smoothies made with spinach, berries, and Greek yogurt — may provide hydration and essential nutrients and make for delicious snacks.

Because liver dysfunction can cause fluid retention and swelling, be sure to consume low-sodium snacks, as too much sodium can aggravate this, worsening symptoms of liver disease and increasing blood pressure.

Combine your hydration and health routines

Establishing good habits can make it easier to stay hydrated while supporting your liver. Some healthy habits include:

• making regular exercise or physical activity a part of your daily routine to help you maintain a healthy weight
• prioritizing sleep, as sound sleep can help the liver perform essential detoxification and metabolic tasks overnight
• eating a balanced diet of lean protein sources, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Incorporating these key hydration tips into your routine can help your liver filter waste, process nutrients, and regulate your body’s energy needs. Over time, these changes may lead to improvements in your overall health.

Liver Disease News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.