Tag: liver health

Healthy liver

The liver is an important organ which is easy to ignore until something goes wrong. Due to the wide range of responsibilities a healthy liver can be attacked by viruses, toxic or pollutant substances and diseases. However, even under siege, it is very slow to show signs of problems. People who have liver problems often don’t know it because they may have few, if any, symptoms. This organ is so determined that it will continue to work even if two-thirds of it is damaged.

Weighing just over one kilogram, the liver is a complex chemical factory which operates 24 hours a day. It processes virtually everything you eat, drink, inhale or rub into your skin.  In fact, it performs more than 500 vital functions.

Here are some of them:

•  It purifies the blood of toxic substances.
• It is responsible for the accumulation and supply of fast energy (glucose).
•  It produces many of the body’s essential proteins.
•  It regulates the balance of hormones.
• It provides for the biosynthesis of cholesterol
• It participates in the supply of vitamins and minerals including iron and copper.
•  It produces bile and aids in digestion.

Every day you make decisions which affect the health of your liver. The choices you make regarding the purchase of household, nutrition and daily life products can have a positive or negative impact. By learning how to keep it healthy you can actually reduce your chances of not only liver disease, but other diseases as well including diabetes and heart disease. So arm yourself with information and make your choices consciously.

Taking medications

All medicines, even over-the-counter ones, have side-effects because they must be processed by the liver. Be careful which medications you take and how much you take. Accidental paracetamol overdose is common in medical practice and can lead to death in both children and adults. Therefore, always read and follow dosage instructions prescribed by your doctor. Never mix medicines with alcohol.

Alcohol consumption

When you drink a glass of wine, beer, or other alcoholic beverage your liver is responsible for processing it and detoxifying your blood. And this is just one of more than 500 functions performed by your liver. This means that it can only process a certain amount of alcohol at a time. The consequences of abuse can be the  destruction of liver cells, fatty liver or, more seriously, inflammation (alcoholic hepatitis), irreversible scarring (cirrhosis), and even cancer. Don’t assume that one form of alcohol is not as harmful as another.

Body decoration

Body art, piercings and manicures – all these are options for self-expression. They can serve as a keepsake for a special occasion, a way to signify what you value or just spontaneous self-indulgence. Regardless of the motivation behind them, all of these procedures carry some degree of risk. Improperly sterilized instruments, reused needles or contaminated ink can expose you to hepatitis B or C.

Make sure staff:

• Use an autoclave for sterilization between each client.

• Wear surgical gloves whenever there is a possibility of contact with body fluids/tissues.

Sex

Before entering into an intimate relationship you need to take care of your safety. Hepatitis is a disease that can be transmitted sexually.

To reduce the chance of infection, take the following precautions:

• Get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B.

• Use a condom.

• Wash your hands thoroughly after intercourse.

• If you suspect that you or your partner may have been infected, contact your doctor immediately.

Chemicals in the house

To keep your home as safe as possible, use the following tips:

• When cleaning or painting, ventilate the room well and/or wear a mask.

• Apply protection to avoid exposure to weed control or insect spraying chemicals.

• Learn environmentally friendly practices for lawn and garden care and interior cleaning.

Food and drink

Although there is no specific diet for liver health, these general guidelines will help ensure the best functioning of the liver:

• Eat small meals regularly. Don’t skip meals or overeat.

• Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water a day.

• Buy a variety of whole foods instead of refined foods.

Include brightly coloured fruits and vegetables in your diet as these contain antioxidants. Broccoli, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, garlic and onions are recommended due to their high sulfur content. As a protein, legumes and lean meats are perfect. Of the grains, quinoa and wild rice are preferred. Dairy products are required: cottage cheese, milk and cheese. High-quality sources of healthy fats include nuts, avocados and fatty fish.

• Wash fruits and vegetables just before use to remove pesticides.