How to keep your liver healthy

The liver is the biggest and one of the vital internal organs in the body. It performs numerous important functions, including the filtration of blood from the digestive tract, detoxification of chemicals that enter the body, metabolization of fats and regulation of hormones and blood sugar levels.

But despite its important role, the liver is also one of the most abused body organs.

Dr. Nicky Montoya, president of MediCard Philippines, explained: “Throughout a person’s lifetime, the liver is constantly engaged in a cycle of damage, inflammation and cell death. Under normal conditions, it can repair and renew itself. But if it is injured faster than it is repairing, the damage can be irreversible and may lead to organ failure.”

Here are lifestyle modification tips for liver health:

• Stop smoking and limit your alcohol and drug intake. The harmful chemicals in cigarette can cause inflammation and scarring of the liver, which increases the risk of infection from hepatitis B and C. It can also cause oxidative stress on the organ, making it less efficient to repair its damage. Cirrhosis, which means scarring of the liver due to previous damage, increases the risk for liver cancer.

Excessive alcohol consumption and ingestion of painkillers can also lead to liver failure. Just like with cigarettes, the chemicals in alcohol and drugs can destroy the liver cells. This damage can lead to fat buildup in the liver, inflammation and cirrhosis.

• Eat a healthy diet and drink water adequately. Health experts recommend increasing the intake of grains, fruits and leafy vegetables while limiting the consumption of fats, salt, meat, refined sugar, sweetened and carbonated drinks and coffee. Drinking adequate amounts of clean water is also important for detoxification. The recommended daily water intake depends on age, sex and health status but the minimum quantity is at least one liter for adults.

• Exercise regularly. Regular exercise helps flush toxins from the body through sweating, which lowers the detoxification task of the liver. It can also prevent obesity, which is linked to fatty liver and cirrhosis. Liver exercises include gentle pressing of the area up and under the ribs, light thumping of the liver and trunk turning.

• Avoid excessive toxin exposure. Toxins that can injure liver cells can be found in aerosol products and insecticides. They are also present in other common household items such as drain and toilet bowl cleaners, laundry room products and carpet and upholstery shampoos. Fuel exhaust also contains liver-damaging poisons, like lead and sulfur and nitrogen oxides.

• Seek expert advice on liver supplements. Liver supplements can help lessen liver inflammation and enhance its function. But while numerous liver supplements are readily available to the public, it is best to consult your doctor before taking one. A liver specialist can provide you with important information on liver support and detoxification.

• Get vaccinated against hepatitis. Hepatitis is a common liver disease that can lead to cirrhosis, cancer and liver failure. Hepatitis A is transmitted through contaminated food and water while hepatitis B and C are spread through blood and body fluids. They can stay in the body for years without any symptoms. Thus, it is best to get vaccinated to prevent a possible infection. If you think you have been exposed to the virus, talk to your doctor about being tested.