The liver is the largest organ of the human body, as well as one of the most important. The liver is not only in charge of filtering all kinds of harmful toxins to be removed from the body, but also helps digest food and store energy. The liver is also one of the organs most susceptible to damage. Liver health needs to be considered so that the organ continues to function properly. This article provides advice on how to maintain optimal liver health by living a healthy lifestyle that does not overload the liver and stays away from exposure to harmful substances that can damage the liver. This article also describes how to recognize some of the common signs of liver disorders that may appear in yourself or others.
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Part 1 of 3: Living a Healthy Lifestyle
Step 1. Have a healthy diet
One of the best ways to keep your liver healthy is to follow a healthy diet low in trans fats and fructose (such as “high-fructose corn syrup”). Trans fats and fructose are found in a variety of processed foods, such as chips, soda, fried foods, etc., and both have been shown to interfere with liver function.
- Processed foods also contain a number of chemicals that keep them looking fresh and durable. The liver must work to filter out the chemicals contained in processed foods.
- The best way to keep your liver (and your body as a whole) healthy is to minimize your consumption of packaged and processed foods. Whenever you have time, make dishes from scratch using fresh ingredients.
Step 2. Buy organic food to minimize exposure to pesticides and other chemicals
Organic food is produced with minimal pesticides, in the case of plant products, and minimal or no hormones or antibiotics, in the case of animal products. This method reduces the amount of chemicals and additives that must be filtered by the liver.
It's important to note that organic foods may still contain some pesticide residue. In addition, the health benefits of organic food are still being debated. However, if you can buy organic food, do it because organic food certainly does not harm the liver and the environment will also be helped
Step 3. Drink coffee
Research in the field of hepatology recently published found that the chance of coffee drinkers, including decaf (decaffeinated) coffee, had impaired liver enzyme levels reduced by up to 25%. Researchers haven't found the reason yet. However, drinking coffee may help keep your liver healthy.
Step 4. Exercise regularly
Exercising regularly not only helps maintain a healthy weight, but is also good for liver health. Studies have shown that exercising for just 150 minutes per week (about half an hour, five days per week) can improve liver enzyme levels and improve overall liver function. Regular exercise also reduces the risk of fatty liver disease.
Step 5. Quit smoking
It's as if you don't have enough reasons to quit smoking: there's been plenty of research showing that smoking drastically increases the risk of cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) and liver cancer.
Step 6. Prevent hepatitis
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver which is usually caused by a viral infection. There are three main types of hepatitis: A, B, and C; everything is contagious. However, hepatitis C is usually transmitted only through the use of used needles. Hepatitis A and B vaccines already exist.
- Keep your body clean: don't forget to wash your hands after using the toilet or changing the baby's diaper.
- Hepatitis B is generally transmitted through unprotected sex. So, always wear a condom during sexual intercourse.
- Do not use used needles or come into contact with other people's blood.
- Get the hepatitis A and B vaccines.
Part 2 of 3: Stay Away from Harmful Substances
Step 1. Reduce alcohol consumption
When the liver processes alcohol, a number of toxic chemicals that can damage the liver are released. Alcoholic liver disease is caused by excessive alcohol consumption and is the cause of 37% of deaths from liver disease. People who are at high risk of developing alcoholic liver disease include alcoholics, women, people who are overweight, and people who have genetic factors related to this disease. Regular alcohol consumption can also cause fatty liver disease. Fortunately, the liver can regenerate better than any other organ in the body. Liver disorders from alcohol consumption can often be stopped and even reversed!
- If you have been consuming alcohol in excess, stop this bad habit altogether. The liver takes 2 full weeks without alcohol before it can begin the healing process.
- After that, alcohol consumption should not exceed 3-4 units per day (720 ml of beer), in men, or 2-3 units per day (480 ml of beer), in women.
Step 2. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) should be taken with caution. Most people consider the over-the-counter pain reliever acetaminophen to be a safe, mild drug. However, acetaminophen overdose is a common cause of liver damage and the cause of death of more than 1,000 Americans per year, most of which are accidental. Remember, acetaminophen is a drug and should be used as directed!
- A single acetaminophen overdose can lead to life-threatening liver failure.
- Always consult with your pediatrician or pharmacist before giving acetaminophen to your child to ensure the correct dosage is given.
- Stay away from alcohol while taking acetaminophen. Consult your doctor first before taking acetaminophen with other drugs.
- The use of acetaminophen for children should be done with extreme caution. Changes in labels and dosage concentrations may be confusing. If unsure, contact your pediatrician or pharmacist for the correct dosage.
- Know the hidden content of acetaminophen. Many drugs containing acetaminophen are not branded "Tylenol". Multiform cold medications, such as Nyquil, Alka Seltzer Plus, and even children's medications, such as Triaminic Cough & Sore Throat, contain acetaminophen. Read drug labels carefully. Be sure not to take other drugs that contain the same active ingredient.
Step 3. Take prescription drugs with caution
All drugs put a strain on the liver because it causes the liver to work harder to process drugs and filter out toxic substances. However, some medications can overload the liver and cause damage, especially when taken with other substances. Drugs that can potentially damage the liver include statins (cholesterol-lowering drugs), amiodarone, and even certain antibiotics, such as Augmentin, which is often prescribed by doctors.
- Always follow the instructions for using your medication and first consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking prescription drugs with alcohol, supplements, vitamins, or over-the-counter medications.
- Not all antibiotics are at risk of causing liver damage. However, it is better to stay away from alcohol while taking antibiotics so that the body recovers quickly.
Step 4. Avoid exposure to toxic substances
Exposure to pesticides, heavy metals, and even environmental toxins contained in polluted water and air increases the risk of liver disorders. Avoid exposure to harmful substances as much as possible. Use protective equipment if exposure to hazardous substances is unavoidable.
- As much as possible, use natural cleaning products at home to reduce chemical exposure.
- Use water and air filters at home to reduce your exposure to environmental toxins.
Part 3 of 3: Recognizing the Signs of a Lever Disorder
Step 1. Recognize the various symptoms of liver disorders
Because the liver works silently, many people don't recognize symptoms of liver damage or disease until it's severe enough. Here are some symptoms of liver disorders that often appear gradually over time. If you experience some or all of the following symptoms, especially jaundice (jaundice), see a doctor immediately:
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Dark urine and pale stools
- Stomach ache
- Jaundice: the skin and/or the whites of the eyes turn yellow
Learn how to recognize the symptoms of acute liver failure. Acute liver failure can appear very quickly in otherwise healthy people and is often not recognized until the condition is severe. If you or someone else suddenly experiences some or all of the following symptoms, especially jaundice (a yellow discoloration of the skin or the whites of the eyes), unusual tiredness, disorientation, or lethargy for no reason, seek medical attention immediately. acute liver include:
Step 1.
- Jaundice: the skin and/or the whites of the eyes turn yellow
- Pain in the upper right abdomen
- Swollen belly
- Nauseous
- Gag
- Malaise: feeling unwell
- Disorientation or confusion
- Unnatural sleepiness
Step 2. Perform the Lever Function Test (LFT)
Because the symptoms of liver disorders appear gradually and quietly, you should take the initiative to have your liver health checked. If you suspect liver damage from alcoholism, overuse of drugs, possible exposure to viral hepatitis, a family history of liver disease, etc., consult a doctor and have regular LFTs, a simple blood test that can save lives!
Warning
If the skin or the whites of the eyes turn yellow, seek medical attention immediately
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