Not all liver diseases can be prevented, but there are many ways people can reduce their risk of developing liver disease. These strategies include:

• Drinking alcohol in moderation or avoiding alcohol. Excessive alcohol consumption over many years is a leading cause of liver disease. Do not take other drugs, such as acetaminophen, while consuming alcohol because the combination can be toxic to the liver.
  
  
• Avoiding illegal drugs and using care with supplements. Take only recommended dosages of prescription and over-the-counter medications, and only when necessary. Avoid herbal supplements that may be toxic to the liver including kava, comfrey, chaparral, jin bu huan, kombucha tea, pennyroyal and skullcap. High dosages of vitamins A, D, E and K can also be toxic.
  
  
• Exercising caution when using chemicals such as aerosol sprays, insecticides, fungicides and paint. Cover the skin with gloves, long sleeves, a hat and a face mask.
  
  
• Eating a well-balanced and nutritious diet. Restrict intake of foods with high amounts of fat and cholesterol. Increase the amount of fiber in the diet.
  
  
• Maintaining a healthy weight. Obesity is a risk factor in several liver diseases.
  
  
• Exercising regularly. This helps to maintain a healthy weight and also keeps the liver healthy. It is recommended that patients perform at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise on most days of the week.
  
  
• Practicing safe sex. Certain types of the hepatitis virus are spread through sexual contact. Therefore it can often be prevented by using a condom during sexual intercourse. Hepatitis can also be spread by infected needles used in tattooing, body piercing or intravenous (I.V.) drug use.
  
  
• Receiving a vaccination for hepatitis B if at risk for contracting the virus. People at a higher risk of being exposed to hepatitis B include people with multiple sexual partners, people who use I.V. drugs, healthcare workers, staff of institutions for people with developmental disabilities, firefighters, police officers, mortuary attendants and daycare workers.