Your liver is all of these things and more. The liver, the second-largest organ in your body, performs over 500 critical functions. Your liver detoxifies your body, eliminates medications, and metabolizes all of your food. It also regulates hormone levels, builds proteins, and produces bile, which aids in fat absorption, stores sugar for later use, and regulates cholesterol levels. That’s all in a day’s work for your liver.
Your liver’s health may not be top of mind right now, but if it were to fail, you wouldn’t have much else on your mind. Cirrhosis, a condition in which liver cells are replaced by scar tissue, can prevent your liver from performing essential functions. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, a rapidly growing epidemic among the obese, can also lead to cirrhosis. If your liver stopped working, toxins would build up, you would be unable to digest food, and medications would never leave your body. Click here to find out more on the best liver doctor in Malaysia.
Here are a few steps on how to take care of your liver:
- Maintain a healthy weight
- If you are obese or even slightly overweight, you are at risk of developing a fatty liver, which can lead to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), one of the most rapidly growing types of liver disease. Weight loss can play an important role in reducing liver fat.
- Eat a balanced diet
- High-calorie meals, saturated fat, refined carbohydrates, and sugars should be avoided. Do not consume raw or undercooked shellfish. Eat fibre for a balanced diet, which you can get from fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grain breads, rice, and cereals. Consume meat, dairy, and fats. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- Exercise regularly
- Consistent exercise aids in the burning of triglycerides for fuel and can help to reduce liver fat.
- Avoid toxins
- Toxins have the potential to harm liver cells. Toxins from cleaning and aerosol products, insecticides, chemicals, and additives should be avoided in direct contact. When using aerosols, make sure the room is well ventilated and that you wear a mask. You should not smoke.
- Drink alcohol responsibly
- Many health problems can be caused by alcoholic beverages. They can cause liver cell damage or destruction, as well as scarring. Consult your doctor about the appropriate amount of alcohol for you. You may be advised to drink alcohol in moderation or to abstain entirely.
- Avoid the use of illicit drugs
- Marijuana/hashish, cocaine (including crack), heroin, hallucinogens, inhalants, or prescription-type psychotherapeutics (pain relievers, tranquilisers, stimulants, and sedatives) are examples of illicit drugs.
- Avoid contaminated needles
- Dirty needles aren’t just associated with intravenous drug use. Following any type of skin penetration involving sharp instruments or needles, you should consult a doctor and seek testing. Though uncommon, unsafe injection practices may occur in a hospital setting and require immediate attention. In addition, only use clean needles for tattoos and body piercings.
- Follow directions on all medications
- When you take medications incorrectly, either by taking too much, the wrong type, or by mixing medications, your liver can be harmed. Even if they are not taken at the same time, never combine alcohol with other drugs or medications. Inform your doctor about any OTC medications, supplements, or natural or herbal remedies you use.