Secrets to a Healthy Liver

Liver is probably the most underrated organ in the entire body. It works extra hard so that we can enjoy our food and drinks. But how far is it sensible to push our one of the most hardworking organs-the liver.

A large, meaty organ situated on the right side of the abdomen protected under the rib cage. It is reddish-brown in color and its texture feels like that of rubber. Liver weighs around 1.3 kgs. The function of the liver is to filter the blood coming from the digestive tract before delivering it to the rest of the body. Liver produces bile that breaks down fat from food and stores glucose for providing instant energy. It also makes proteins vital for blood clotting and other functions. Taking care of your liver is relatively easy.

It is mostly about avoiding what’s unhealthy than it’s about consuming things nourishing to the liver. Let’s see what you can do to keep your liver healthy.

1. Avoid alcohol: Alcohol is one of the many known causes of liver disease. The alcohol that you drink is broken down by the liver and the residual substances are more harmful than alcohol, which can damage liver cells and cause serious liver scarring and eventually cirrhosis. If you give up alcohol today, the liver can also heal itself.
2. Be cautious of certain medications: Some drugs for cholesterol management and prescription painkiller like acetaminophen can damage your liver if taken for a long time. You should consult your doctor about the drug reactions and safety of the medicines.
3. Prevent hepatitis: Hepatitis of several types can damage your liver. Hepatitis A can be contracted from eating or drinking contaminated food or water. You can prevent this by taking a vaccine. Hepatitis B and C, which spreads by body fluids can also severely affect the liver. You can get a vaccine for hepatitis B but for hepatitis C, there is not vaccine yet. You should get tested for hepatitis C if you were born between 1945 and 1965.
4. Don’t trust herbs and dietary supplements blindly: Few supplements like cascara, chaparral, comfrey, kava, and ephedra can cause liver problems. Do extensive research and ask your doctor if you really need those.
5. Avoid contact with chemicals: Some chemicals in cigarettes, cleaning products, aerosol products, and insecticides can damage your liver. Quit smoking and avoid direct contact with such chemicals.
6. Eat healthy, exercise regularly, and drink coffee: Coffee is found to lower the risk of getting liver disease. Eating nutritious food, exercising, and managing your weight can prevent non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.