World Liver Day 2023: 8 healthy habits for a healthy liver

Making healthy lifestyle choices can greatly benefit liver health and help prevent liver disease.

Liver is an important organ of our body which plays a vital role in digestion, metabolism, detoxification and overall health

World Liver Day is observed every year on 19 April to raise awareness about liver health and promote the prevention of liver disease. Liver is an important organ of our body that plays a vital role in digestion, metabolism, detoxification and overall health. Adopting healthy habits can help keep the liver healthy.

Dr. Rajesh Gopalakrishna, clinical professor, gastroenterology and hepatology at Amrita Hospital, says, “If you are a frequent alcoholic or have a history of liver-related problems in your family, it is recommended to get tested for liver damage She goes.” , Kochi.

Dr. Gopalkrishna shares 8 healthy habits for a healthy liver. To maintain a healthy liver, it is important to adopt healthy habits such as:

  1. reducing alcohol consumption
    Excessive alcohol consumption can damage liver cells and increase the risk of liver disease. To reduce this risk, it is recommended that men limit their alcohol intake to no more than two drinks per day, while women should have no more than one drink per day. It is better to consume with food rather than on an empty stomach. Risk factors or early symptoms of liver disease warrant complete abstinence. Those who do not drink alcohol do not need to drink alcohol.
  2. following a healthy diet
    Avoid processed foods, fried foods and bakery items. For animal protein, choose more fish, white meat and cut down on red meat. Aim for a higher intake of unsaturated fats such as nuts and seeds, rather than saturated fats (some oils, vegetable) and trans and hydrogenated fats (reheated oils). The liver stores excess dietary fat and a build-up of fat can eventually lead to fatty liver disease. Eating a diet that is high in fiber, low in fat and rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can help promote liver health. Use more natural probiotics such as homemade yogurt.
  3. eat more sugary food
    Consuming too much sugar can cause the body to develop insulin resistance, and lead to diabetes. Avoid sugar in the form of fructose corn syrup, soft drinks, artificial sweeteners, etc., and instead choose natural sweeteners in the form of fruits or fruit juices without added sugar.
  4. stay hydrated
    Drinking plenty of water can help flush out toxins and waste products from the liver, which is essential for its proper functioning. Aim to drink 8 glasses of water (~30 ml/kg) per day.
  5. exercise regularly
    Regular physical activity can help maintain a healthy weight, which is important for liver health. Try to engage in 150 minutes of physical activity each week, which can include activities such as brisk walking or swimming.
  6. avoiding exposure to toxins
    Chemicals and toxins such as pesticides, solvents and industrial pollutants can damage the liver. It is advised to limit exposure to these substances as much as possible. Vegetables and fruits should be soaked in water (with salt/vinegar) and washed thoroughly before use.
  7. Avoid herbal and alternative medicines
    Avoid herbal and alternative medicines or supplements; and self-medication especially antibiotics and painkillers because they can cause liver damage.
  8. get vaccinated
    Vaccines are available to prevent hepatitis A and B, which can damage the liver. Contaminated seafood, polluted water and stale food, among other factors, can lead to the occurrence of hepatitis A. Hepatitis B and C can be caused by unprotected sex, contaminated blood, or needles, etc.

In short, making healthy lifestyle choices can greatly benefit liver health and help prevent liver disease.

read all Latest Lifestyle News Here