“Ishoku Dogen” is a Japanese saying that means “food and medicine come from the same source” In other words, the food we eat every day can help keep us healthy and even prevent disease — and this really applies when it comes to taking care of your liver.

The liver does a lot of heavy lifting: it filters toxins, processes nutrients, helps with digestion, and keeps our metabolism running smoothly. But if we eat too much processed food, sugar, and unhealthy fats, it can overload the liver and lead to problems like metabolic dysfunction-associated liver disease (MASLD).

On the flip side, certain foods actually help protect the liver and keep it strong. Studies have shown that:

• Green tea can help reduce liver fat and inflammation.
• Turmeric (curcumin) works as an antioxidant and helps protect liver cells.
• Garlic can lower liver enzymes and reduce oxidative stress.
• Leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables help your liver detox more efficiently.
• Omega-3 fatty acids (like those in salmon or flaxseed) can reduce liver fat and inflammation.

So, when you think about Ishoku Dogen, it’s really about making simple, smart food choices every day to help your body — especially your liver — function at its best. Food can really be your first medicine!

– Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver