The liver is the largest organ contained in the human body, as well as one of the most important. Not only is it responsible for filtering out every variety of toxins present in the blood, it also aids in the digestion of food and stores energy. The liver is also one of the most easily damaged organs, therefore it requires the right care and attention in order to function properly. This article will provide you with the information you need to keep him in perfect health, through a healthy lifestyle and compatible with his needs, staying away from those harmful substances that could damage him. You will also learn to recognize some of the most common signs of liver disease, in yourself and others.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
Step 1. Feed correctly
One of the best ways to keep the liver healthy is to eat a balanced diet low in hydrogenated fats and fructose (such as in "high fructose corn syrup"). These substances are found in many processed foods, including potato chips, carbonated drinks, fried food, etc. and are known to adversely affect liver function.
- Industrially processed foods also contain a wide range of other chemicals that keep their appearance and taste fresh, forcing the liver to work overtime to be able to filter them.
- The best thing you can do to keep your liver, and your entire body, healthy is to minimize your intake of processed and packaged foods, preparing your meals from scratch and using fresh ingredients whenever possible.
Step 2. Consider opting for organically grown foods to limit exposure to pesticides and other chemicals
Organic foods are generated using only a minimal amount of pesticides, in the case of fruit and vegetables, and little or no amount of hormones and antibiotics, in the case of animal products. This results in fewer chemicals and additives that need to be filtered out of your liver.
It is important to note that organic foods can still contain pesticide residues and there is still debate about the health benefits they can bring. However, if you can afford to buy them, rest assured that your liver cannot be harmed and that the natural environment benefits as well
Step 3. Drink your coffee
A recent study, published in the journal Hepatology, states that coffee drinkers, including those who prefer it decaf, are 25% less prone to having abnormal liver enzyme levels. Researchers don't know the causes yet, but drinking coffee may help your liver.
Step 4. Exercise regularly
Regular movement not only contributes to maintaining a healthy body weight, but also benefits the liver. Studies have shown that 150 minutes of weekly physical activity (i.e. half an hour for five days a week) is enough to improve liver enzyme levels and overall liver function. Exercise also reduces the chances of developing fatty liver disease.
Step 5. Stop smoking
If you still don't feel motivated to do it, numerous studies have confirmed that smoking drastically increases the risk of serious conditions such as cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Step 6. Protect yourself from hepatitis
Hepatitis is usually inflammation of the liver caused by a virus. There are three main types of hepatitis: A, B, and C, each contagious, although hepatitis C is usually transmitted only through the sharing of intravenous needles. Vaccines are available for both hepatitis A and hepatitis B.
- Take care of your personal hygiene: remember to always wash your hands after using the bathroom or changing a baby.
- Commonly, hepatitis B is spread through unprotected sex, so always use condoms.
- When using drugs, do not share needles with other people and be careful not to come into contact with other people's blood.
- Get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B.
Part 2 of 3: Avoid Harmful Substances
Step 1. Moderate your alcohol consumption
When your liver processes alcohol, a large number of toxic substances are released that can damage it. Alcoholic liver disease is the result of alcohol abuse and is responsible for most of the deaths due to liver disease (up to 37%). Among those who are particularly at risk of developing alcohol-related liver disease we can include alcoholics, women, overweight people and those with a family tendency to develop this medical condition. A daily intake of alcohol can also cause a disease known as hepatic steatosis (or fatty liver). Nonetheless, the good news is that the liver is able to regenerate itself better than any other organ in the body and that alcohol-induced liver problems can be stopped or even reversible!
- If you've been drinking large amounts of alcohol, take a break. Your liver needs to stay away from alcohol for 2 weeks to begin its healing process.
- After the detox period, make a commitment not to exceed 3-4 units of alcohol per day if you are a man (750 ml of beer) and over 2-3 units if you are a woman (500 ml of beer).
Step 2. Be cautious when using acetaminophen
Most people consider over-the-counter acetaminophen pain relievers to be safe, almost completely harmless medications. However, an overdose of acetaminophen is a common cause of liver damage and, in the United States, is responsible for the deaths of as many as 1000 people a year, most of them accidental. Remember that paracetamol is a medicine, use it only by strictly following its instructions!
- Even a single overdose of acetaminophen can be enough to cause catastrophic liver failure.
- Always consult a pediatrician or pharmacist before giving acetaminophen to a child to make sure the doses are correct.
- Avoid taking alcohol when using acetaminophen and consult a doctor before combining it with other medications in any way.
- Be extremely cautious when giving paracetamol to a child. Changes in indications, product or dosage concentrations may confuse you. If in doubt, call your pediatrician or ask your pharmacist for help for precise instructions.
- Be on your guard. There are many drugs that contain paracetamol, not just painkillers. Numerous cough and cold products, both for children and adults, contain paracetamol. Read the labels very carefully to be sure not to add the same active ingredients through apparently different drugs.
Step 3. Also be cautious when taking medications prescribed by your doctor
All medicines put the liver under some kind of strain, making it work full time in order to metabolize them and filter out excess toxins. Some particular drugs can also subject him to inappropriate strain and risk damaging him, especially when combined with other substances. Drugs that can potentially damage the liver include statins (cholesterol drugs), amiodarone, and even some antibiotics, such as commonly prescribed Augmentin.
- Always use these and other medicines as directed, and ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before combining them with other products such as over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, supplements or alcohol.
- Not all antibiotics expose us to the risk of liver damage, but it is still advisable to avoid combining them with alcohol to allow for faster healing by the body.
Step 4. Avoid exposure to other toxins
Exposure to pesticides, heavy metals and even environmental toxins contained in polluted air and water can increase the risk of developing liver disease. Avoid any unnecessary exposure to these types of toxins, or, when not possible, use appropriate safety equipment.
- At home, use natural cleaners whenever possible, reducing exposure to chemicals.
- At home, consider using air and water filters to reduce exposure to environmental toxins.
Part 3 of 3: Recognizing the Signs of Liver Disease
Step 1. Learn to recognize the symptoms of liver disease
Because the liver works quietly, many people are unaware of liver damage or disease until the condition becomes severe. The following are some symptoms of liver disease, the onset of which is often gradual. If you suffer from one or more of these symptoms, especially jaundice, consult a doctor quickly and describe your symptoms:
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomit;
- Dysentery;
- Dark urine and pale stools
- Stomach pains
- Jaundice - yellowish skin and / or eyeballs.
Learn to recognize the signs of acute liver failure. It can occur quickly even in a generally healthy person and is often not noticed until an advanced stage. If you or someone you know notice the sudden development of any of the following symptoms, particularly jaundice, unusual tiredness, fatigue, or unexplained disorientation, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. acute liver failure include:
Step 1.
- Jaundice;
- Pain in the upper right side of the abdomen
- Abdominal swelling
- Nausea;
- He retched;
- General feeling of being unwell
- Disorientation or confusion
- Unusual sleepiness.
Step 2. Request a liver function test
Given the gradual and calm nature of liver symptoms, it may be necessary to be proactive and to check the health of your liver. If you have reason to suspect that your liver is damaged due to alcohol abuse, drug use, possible exposure to viral hepatitis, a family history of liver disease, etc., make an appointment with your doctor. and request a liver function test (LFT). This is a simple blood test that could save your life!
