8 Shocking Facts About Your Liver that You Shouldn't Ignore! - Ph-microscope

An Optimal Liver: Essential Questions and Answers

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If you are an individual in good health, you may not often ponder upon your liver, and rightfully so: the only time this organ seems to draw attention is when it ceases to function optimally. However, given the liver's paramount importance, it is best to educate oneself about it, especially if you have a history of hepatic issues.

1. What is the role of my liver?

The liver is one of the most essential organs in your body. It performs numerous functions, including the processing of food and beverages for their subsequent utilization or elimination. It serves as the purifying station for your body.

2. How can I maintain a healthy liver?

Primarily, by adopting a wholesome diet. Since your liver processes food and liquids, it transforms them into stored energy and nutrients. An inadequate diet, such as one characterized by chronic alcohol consumption, can gradually impair the liver. Conversely, a nutritious diet enables the liver to maintain optimal performance.

3. What is the best dietary regimen to follow?

Consume regular and balanced meals encompassing foods from all food groups (grains, proteins, fruits, vegetables, and fats).

More specifically, adhere to the following additional dietary recommendations:

Opt for fiber-rich foods, including fresh fruits and vegetables, whole-grain breads, rice, and cereals.
Incorporate healthy proteins, which are vital for combating infections and healing damaged liver cells. Your best resources are lean meats and plant-based sources like beans, legumes, and lentils.
Avoid trans fatty acids found in processed foods. Instead, favor the wholesome fats contained in nuts and seeds, avocados, flaxseeds, olive oil, and fatty fish oils.
Stay well-hydrated.
Minimize the consumption of excessively salty and sugary foods.
Note, however, that if you suffer from a liver disease, you may need to adhere to a different dietary regimen. For instance, if you have hepatitis C, it is crucial to avoid foods with high levels of iron or salt.

4. What else can I do to maintain a healthy liver?

While diet plays a pivotal role, it is equally important to monitor your weight through portion control and regular exercise. Obesity is linked to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: hepatic steatosis. This condition, in turn, can lead to liver scarring or cirrhosis, as well as liver cancer or liver failure. If you are overweight, aim to steadily lose 10% of your current weight. Be cautious of fad diets that promise rapid weight loss, as they can potentially strain your liver.

You should also limit alcohol consumption, as excessive intake can result in cirrhosis. Women should restrict themselves to one glass per day, while men may have up to two glasses. Even if you have reduced or eliminated your alcohol intake after being a heavy drinker in the past, the damages might manifest many years later. If you have a history of heavy drinking, make sure to discuss this with your physician. They may want to conduct tests to detect underlying liver lesions.

Additionally, avoid other risky behaviors, such as drug abuse. The liver filters everything that enters the body, including medicinal substances.

Lastly, you can reduce your risk of liver injuries due to hepatitis C and B by limiting the number of sexual partners and avoiding intranasal or intravenous drug abuse, as well as getting piercings or tattoos with non-sterile needles.