When we think of the liver, the first thing that comes to mind is good digestion. The liver also plays a vital role in purifying the blood, regulating diabetes and maintaining our metabolism. Often liver diseases and disorders don’t show their symptoms until the problem has already developed further. That is why keeping the liver healthy is important in order to prevent illnesses like liver cirrhosis, jaundice, fatty liver, Hepatitis A,B, C, D & E and liver failure.
Here are some simple steps that will help you keep your liver healthy and happy.
- Avoid Alcohol Abuse:
Wine maybe good for the heart but too much of anything can be harmful. Too much alcohol is the major cause of liver cirrhosis (liver damage that leads to liver failure). Reduce and regulate your alcohol intake. Abstaining from alcohol and any form of drugs is best for your liver.
- Reduce Extra Kilos:
Obesity is a major cause fora fatty liver (abnormal storage of fat in the liver that can lead to liver damage). Indulge in home-made freshly cooked foods more frequently rather than spicy and fibreless fast foods. Don’t forget to add fresh fruits to your daily diet and 30 to 60 minutes of exercise to your daily regime to help you lose weight.
- Avoid Outside Food & Water:
As per Dr. Supriya Sethumadhavan, Internal Medicine (Kotturpuram, Apollo Clinic), “Consuming contaminated food and water is the primary cause for jaundice and Hepatitis E which eventually also weaken the liver. That’s whyyou should avoid eating at food joints where the hygiene and cleanliness levels are low. Refrain from indulging in juices, raw foods like salads, etc. from road side food carts especially during monsoons.” Drinking water after boiling it is a sure shot way of keeping jaundice at bay.
- Abstain From These Activities:
To prevent Hepatitis B make sure not to indulge in unprotected and unsafe sex. Use contraceptives. Also, be careful while getting body piercing and tattoos. Choose a reputed tattoo parlour that follows high hygiene standards with regards to the needles used. Say a big no to intravenous drugs or any form of hallucinogenic substances.
- Foods You Must Eat:
Include garlic and avocados in your diet. They help flush out toxins from the liver. Beetroots are rich in flavonoids and hence enhance the functioning of the liver. Broccoli contains the organic compounds that ease the process of digestion while the curcumin found in turmeric can help in the production of bile.
Apart from these measures, getting LFT (Liver Functioning Test) done regularly and consulting your doctor before taking supplements containing iron can help your liver function in a healthy manner. For in-depth information on liver health and/ or for resolving any liver issues do visit us: https://www.apolloclinic.com/clinic-locator