How can I keep my liver healthy?

 

How often do you think about your liver? Probably rarely, if ever.

But, whether you realize it or not, your liver is continually working to keep you healthy.

If you look after your liver, it can continue to look after you.

 

What does my liver do?

 

Your liver is located just under your rib cage on the right side. It is one of the largest and heaviest organs in your body.

 

Your liver performs many essential tasks, such as:

• Purifying the blood of toxins
• Breaking down your food to process nutrients
• Processing medications
• Storing sugars in the form of glycogen for when extra energy is required
• Making many proteins needed by the body, such as blood clotting factors
• Preventing infections by making immune factors and removing bacteria from the bloodstream
• Producing bile – a digestive fluid which helps your body break down fats
• Regulating the level of cholesterol and hormones

 

Why should I think about my liver health?

Your liver performs all these functions while you go about your daily life. But your liver is susceptible to diseases which may be caused by infections, alcohol or drug misuse, exposure to toxins, an unhealthy diet or lack of exercise. If your liver gets damaged it won’t be able to keep working properly, causing major problems such as an inability to process food and medications and a build-up of toxins in your body.

 

How can I keep my liver healthy?

 

• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce your risk of non-alcoholic liver disease, linked to obesity.
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet  with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grain breads and cereals. Avoid too much sugar or saturated fats. Drink plenty of water.
• Exercise regularly  to help reduce liver fat
• Avoid smoking, toxic substances and illegal drugs.
• Take any medications according to your doctor’s instructions and tell your doctor about any over-the-counter medicines, supplements, and natural or herbal remedies that you use.
• If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation only as alcohol misuse is one of the biggest risk factors for liver disease.
• Reduce your risk of hepatitis (a group of viruses which cause inflammation of the liver) by maintaining good hygiene and getting vaccinated against hepatitis A and B.

 

Remember:

A healthy liver is essential for a healthy life.

Look after your liver and it will look after you.