Did you know that your liver performs over 500 different functions to help keep you healthy?
The liver regulates most chemical levels in the blood and excretes a product called bile. This helps carry away waste products from the liver. All the blood leaving the stomach and intestines passes through the liver. The liver processes this blood and breaks down, balances, and creates the nutrients and also metabolizes drugs into forms that are easier to use for the rest of the body or that are nontoxic. More than 500 vital functions have been identified with the liver.
What is liver disease ?
Liver disease is any disturbance of liver function that causes illness. the loss of liver functions can cause significant damage to the body. Liver disease is also referred to as hepatic disease.
What are the symptoms of liver disease?
Liver disease doesn't always cause noticeable signs and symptoms. If signs and symptoms of liver disease do occur, the may include:
• Skin and eyes that appear yellowish (jaundice)
• Abdominal pain and swelling
• Swelling in the legs and ankles
• Itchy skin
• Dark urine color
• Pale stool color
• Chronic fatigue
• Nausea or vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Tendency to bruise easily
How to avoid liver disease ?
The best way to fight liver disease is to avoid it, if at all possible. Here are 13 tried and true ways to achieve liver wellness!
• Maintain a healthy weight.
If you’re obese or even somewhat overweight, you’re in danger of having a fatty liver that can lead to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), one of the fastest growing forms of liver disease. Weight loss can play an important part in helping to reduce liver fat.
• Exercise regularly.
When you exercise consistently, it helps to burn triglycerides for fuel and can also reduce liver fat.
• Avoid toxins.
Toxins can injure liver cells. Limit direct contact with toxins from cleaning and aerosol products, insecticides, chemicals, and additives. When you do use aerosols, make sure the room is ventilated, and wear a mask.
• Wash your hands.
Use soap and warm water immediately after using the bathroom, when you have changed a diaper, and before preparing or eating food.
- Drink Coffee
People who drink a few cups of coffee a day may be less likely to get liver diseases including cancer and scarring (fibrosis, cirrhosis). It might even slow those conditions in some people who have them.
- Check on Your Supplements
They cause almost a quarter of all liver damage. Herbs like borage, comfrey, groomwell, and coltsfoot have “pyrrolizidine alkaloids” that can gum up the tiny blood vessels inside the organ, either over time or all at once (if you take a lot). Other herbs like *Atractylis gummifera*, celandine, chaparral, germander, and pennyroyal oil (used in tea) can also cause liver problems.
- Stop drinking alcohol
When you drink, your liver stops doing other things so it can break down the alcohol and remove it from your blood.
it’s really hard on the organ and could hurt it. Over time, this often leads to “fatty liver,” an early sign of disease. It also might cause bad bacteria to grow in your gut that can travel to your liver and cause damage.
- Eat the fruits and vegetables
That means fruits and vegetables from all the colors of the rainbow, which helps ensure you get all the nutrients and fiber you need. Avoid refined carbs like doughnuts and white bread in favor of whole-grain rice, breads, and cereals. A bit of meat, dairy, and fat can also help. But not too much, and look for “good” (monounsaturated, polyunsaturated) fats from seeds, nuts, fish, and vegetable oils.
When to See a Doctor
It’s especially important for your doctor to do this if you drink heavily or have a family history of liver disease. Early treatment helps, and you might not have symptoms at first. You should also get tested if you’re more likely to have hepatitis C. This includes anyone who:
• Is pregnant
• Is over age 18
• Is on hemodialysis
• Has HIV
• Ever used injectable illegal drugs
• Was stuck by an infected needle
• Was born between 1945 and 1965
Comments
Post a Comment