The liver is one tough organ, and that is why you tend to ignore this organ until you see some serious issue.
Toxic substances, contaminants, viruses, and other diseases can affect a healthy liver. The liver does not complain, and due to this, it often is unnoticed by the person.
Even if it shows any symptoms, they are minimal.
Your liver is a resilient organ, and it keeps on working even if two-third of its portion has damaged.
Tips for keeping liver healthy
It is important to take care good care of such a tough organ. Some of the ways are:
1. Avoid alcohol
Avoid alcohol as it damages liver cells and further causes cirrhosis (scarring), which is a fatal condition.
According to US government guidelines, two drinks are recommended for men and for women it is one drink only.
2. Liver support foods and balanced diet
By eating healthy and doing exercise regularly, your body will maintain weight. It will be helpful in preventing conditions such as nonalcoholic fatty acid, which may cause cirrhosis.
Some of the best liver support foods are
- Coffee
- Beetroot juice
- Grapes
- Tea
- Cruciferous vegetables
- Prickly pear
- Blueberries and cranberries
- Grapefruit
3. Liver support medicines
Some of the cholesterol medications can cause side effects on the liver. Too much dose of acetaminophen (Tylenol) can cause liver issues.
It is possible that you are taking acetaminophen in more amounts than you should. It is present in various drugs, prescription pain medicines, and cold medicines.
Some of the medicines may have negative effects on your liver if you alcohol drinker. Some can cause adverse effects when combined with other types of drugs. Always ask healthcare professionals before taking any medication to be on the safe side.
4. Prevent viral hepatitis
Hepatitis is a serious liver disease. There are different types of hepatitis. Hepatitis A is caused by drinking or eating contaminated water or food. Get yourself vaccinated before travelling overseas.
Hepatitis B and C are contracted through body fluids and blood. It is highly not suggested to share your personal care items with anyone like toothbrushes, needles, and razors.
The vaccine is available for hepatitis B, whereas for hepatitis C there is no vaccine available so far.
5. Get tested for viral hepatitis
It is possible that you may have hepatitis for years, and still, you do not know about it. If you think that you have contracted a virus, go for a blood test following the doctor’s advice.
It is recommended by CDC that if you were born between 1945-1965, get yourself tested for hepatitis C. This generation may have this disease.
6. Drink coffee
Drinking coffee decreases the chances of viral liver disease. The reason behind this is unclear, but more research is required in this area.
Keep a healthy lifestyle to secure your liver health. Your liver has limits too!
7. Liver support vitamins and Liver support supplements
Supplements are generally considered safe, but due to all the processing, they can put some pressure on your liver health.
It is best to make a list of supplements that you take and get them checked by your physician. It is critically important if you are taking vitamin A or iron supplements because the body does not eliminate them easily.
Liver detox tablets are also available, which helps in detoxification processes and keeps your liver healthy.
