How To Keep Your Liver Healthy
The liver, which is the largest solid organ of the body, is located in the upper right corner of your abdomen. The liver is often compared to a football. It weighs in at 3 pounds and acts as a fullback blocking toxins from reaching the rest of the body.
The Liver's Functions
According to an article on Johns Hopkins Medicine's website, there are more than 500 functions in the liver. These include mineral storage and blood filtration.
Production The liver produces bile which is a chemical that aids in digestion and transforms fats into fuel. It also produces substances that aid in blood clotting, and protein albumin which is responsible for hormones throughout the body.
Filtration Bile contains bilirubin. This is a byproduct of the red blood cell breakdown. To prevent bilirubin from building up in the liver and causing yellowing, it must be removed.
Removal of waste - Your liver filters out toxins that circulate in your body, from alcohol to medication.
Immune Response - The liver's special cells detect and destroy harmful organisms before they spread throughout the body.
Glucose regulation The liver regulates blood sugar levels. It removes glucose from the blood and supplies it as necessary.
Liver Disease
Liver damage can be caused by genetics, viruses or lifestyle choices according to Mayo Clinic. While some conditions can be treated quickly, complete liver failure can be life-threatening if it is not detected in time.
Symptoms indicating liver damage include:
Jaundice
Swollen ankles or legs
Itchy skin
Abdominal pain
Appetite loss
Nausea or vomiting
Fatigue
Easy to bruise
Pale-colored stool
Dark urine
Infections to the Liver
Damage caused by viruses or parasites can cause liver inflammation, also known as hepatitis A and B. These conditions can spread via blood, food, water and semen.
Immune System Disorders
Autoimmune diseases are when your immune system attacks its own organs. An example of autoimmune liver disease is:
Autoimmune Hepatitis- Inflammation of The Liver
Primary Biliary Cholangitis- Disease of the Bile duct
Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis- Less severe, but still serious bile duct disease
Genetic Liver Diseases
When substances build up in your liver, abnormal genes can lead to liver damage. These are some examples of genetic liver disease:
Wilson's Disease - A rare disorder that causes copper buildup in the organs
Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency - A condition that can cause lung or liver disease
Hemochromatosis - Harmful iron buildup
The Liver Growths
Growths in the liver can cause liver cancer, bile-duct cancer, and liver adenoma.
Prevention of Liver Disease
An article from WebMD states that your liver's health is directly related to how you eat and drink. To maintain a healthy liver, it is important to make the conscious decision to avoid unhealthy food and drink.
These habits, in addition to eating a healthy diet, can help reduce your chances of developing liver disease.
Limit alcohol consumption Cirrhosis is a fatal condition where scar tissue replaces the healthy tissue in the liver.
Get exercise A healthy weight can reduce stress on your liver.
Do not take certain medications. Overuse of cholesterol medications, as well as certain over-the-counter painkillers like acetaminophen, can cause liver damage. Before you take the recommended dosage, make sure to check the ingredients.
Avoid using harmful cleaning products. Aerosols or insecticides can cause liver damage.
Coffee Studies have shown a correlation between coffee consumption, and fewer cases of liver disease.
Avoiding viral hepatitis It is possible to reduce the risk of contracting hepatitis B and C by getting vaccinated prior to traveling. Hepatitis A can be transmitted via food and drink. You can avoid hepatitis B or C by taking precautions like limiting your sex and using latex condoms. Also, refrain from sharing razors and needles with others.
Have your liver tested for hepatitis Screenings of all kinds can lead to early detection. However, most liver disease is not symptomatic and requires a blood test.
Many organs are important in protecting our bodies from harmful developments. Your liver plays a crucial role in protecting you from life-threatening diseases. It must be in top condition. Although you cannot control the gene pool or avoid getting infected by harmful viruses, you can prolong your liver's life span by choosing healthier lifestyle choices and maintaining a healthy weight. Protecting the football is crucial to winning the game.
