Everything a gastroenterologist does in the morning for liver health

The liver, the largest internal organ in the human body, plays a crucial role in overall wellness. This organ, which weighs about 3 pounds, performs over 500 functions, including the digestion of proteins, mineral storage, bile production, and blood filtration. The importance of keeping your liver healthy cannot be stressed enough. Maintaining a healthy liver is key to keeping your entire body functioning efficiently.

So, how can you keep your liver healthy and happy? Dr. Joseph Salhab, a gastroenterologist, has now shared his liver-friendly morning routine. The doctor, whose expertise includes digestion, liver, pancreas, and nutrition, is better known online as Dr. GI Joe, and has over 1.3 million followers on Instagram. Here’s what the doctor does in the morning to keep his liver healthy.

Dr. GI Joe begins his day with a glass of warm water with freshly squeezed lemon. Around 5:30 am, he has a glass of this citrus drink. “Starting my day with the intention to nourish my liver and energize my body. Warm water and Vitamin C can stimulate a bowel movement and provide hydration after fasting overnight,” the doctor said in a video shared on Instagram.

Though you don't really need detox drinks for your liver, lemon acts like a gentle detoxifier and supports overall liver function in a natural way. Lemon boosts the production of bile, a fluid made by the liver that helps break down fats and remove toxins from the body.

At 6 am, he hits the gym. The health expert stresses the importance of exercise in liver health. “Move your body to ignite liver function and lower the risk of fatty liver,” he says.

Exercise boosts liver health by reducing fat accumulation, improving insulin sensitivity, and promoting overall metabolic function. It also helps lower inflammation, which can prevent or manage liver diseases like NAFLD.

After 45 minutes in the gym, the doctor has a cup of coffee. He uses cinnamon instead of sugar. “Coffee, or Green Tea with w/Jasmine, will energize the mind and liver with caffeine and liver-protecting chlorogenic acid.” Chlorogenic acid in coffee helps fight the damage caused by free radicals, which studies have suggested may help reduce inflammation, lower cholesterol and even lower your blood pressure.

Dr. GI Joe’s breakfast is all about giving the body what it truly needs. He adds a handful of berries to yogurt, and tops it with chia seeds and honey. The yogurt is packed with probiotics and calcium, both support gut-liver harmony and are key players in liver wellness. The berries are packed with antioxidants, and he notes that “these power fruits defend your liver cells.” The chia seeds, on the other hand, provide much-needed fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. These also help with digestion and have anti-inflammatory properties. Honey, on the other hand, naturally sweetens the breakfast, and the flavonoids present in it are nature’s liver protectors.


Later, around 7:30 am, the doctor grabs some snacks. He loves to munch on dates, walnuts, and dark chocolate. “Walnuts are rich in Omega-3s and Vitamin E, helping reduce fatty liver risk,” he says. Dates are packed with electrolytes, fiber, and slowly absorb sugar to provide energy.

“This balanced routine provides me with steady, sustained energy to thrive throughout the day!” the doctor reveals.

The liver plays a vital role in detoxifying the body, regulating metabolism, and supporting digestion. Maintaining liver health helps prevent chronic diseases and boosts overall energy and immunity. Healthy lifestyle choices like a balanced diet, regular exercise, limited alcohol, and avoiding toxins can protect and support liver function.

Incorporating liver-friendly foods like leafy greens, turmeric, and citrus fruits can further enhance its function. Regular health check-ups and staying hydrated also play a key role in keeping your liver strong and resilient.