HEALTHY LIVER TIPS

by Paul Pulgerino Financial Planner

The liver is very important in maintaining the functionality of the body system. In fact, it has been found that the liver carries out over 500 functions that include processing of both the food we eat and drinks we take. The liver is the largest organ of the body and the weight of the liver is approximately 1.4 kg. it is important to maintain a healthy liver and keep it functional because it is difficult to live without the liver. Here are eight useful tips for taking care of your liver.

1. Maintaining a healthy weight

In the event that you are obese or even slightly weighty, you are at a higher risk of having a fatty liver which can result in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Weight loss is vital has it plays an important role in reducing liver fat.

2. Reduce the consumption of alcohol and drink in moderate amounts

The liver has the ability to process or break down a small quantity of alcohol every hour. In addition, it can damage the liver cells and cause inflammation and scarring (cirrhosis). Ipso facto, it is advisable for men to reduce their alcohol consumption to two standard drinks a day, while women, on the other hand, should only take one.

A standard drink is equivalent to:

 one ordinary beer

 one small glass of wine or

 a small shot of whiskey

3. Reduce your fat intake

The two most prevalent cause of the fatty liver disease is hyperlipidemia and hypercholesterolemia. Maintain a low level by reducing your fat intake. And care must be taken as it is important to feed on unsaturated (polyunsaturated and monounsaturated) fats. However, if a low-fat diet does not work for you, contact your doctor to find out if there are any medicines that can help you.

4. Practice regularly and live an active lifestyle

Exercise on a regular basis helps to burn triglycerides for fuel and can also reduce fatty tissue. To keep your liver healthy by Strong Liver, engage in regular exercise. Exercise reduces stress on the liver, increases the level of energy and prevents obesity – a risk factor for liver disease. Work towards a total of 150 minutes of exercise like brisk walking or swimming a week.

5. Avoid toxins

The liver cells can be damaged by toxins. Direct contact with toxins from cleaning products and aerosols, insecticides, chemicals and additives must be reduced. Ensure that the room is well ventilated before you make use of aerosols and make sure that you put on a mask and beyond this, do not smoke.

6. Get vaccinated

Treat yourself against hepatitis A and hepatitis B, the two are viral liver infections. You can get infected with Hepatitis A from contaminated food and water, stay away from raw or contaminated seafood or shellfish. Hepatitis B, on the other hand, can be contracted through sexual contact, contaminated blood, and needles. In case you have chosen not to get vaccinated against hepatitis B, practice safer sex. Contact your family doctor about these vaccines.

7. Go for regular blood tests

One of the best ways to look at the level of fat, cholesterol, and glucose in the blood is by going for a blood test. All of which have been found to be related to the fatty liver disease. Too much glucose may indicate impairment of glucose tolerance or impaired diabetes – in both cases, you will need to carefully control your blood sugar levels by diet, medication and/or weight loss.