Secrets to a Healthy Liver

Not many of us pay much attention to our liver but the truth is, it is a more powerful organ than most people give it credit.

For one, it is responsible for a variety of essential tasks like protein production and vitamin storage among others which is why keeping it healthy and protected all the time should be on top of our priorities.

That being said, here are some of the ways you can help protect your liver and keep it healthy all the time.

Maintain an Ideal Weight 

One of the leading causes of liver damage is fat accumulation which is usually a result of an unhealthy diet.  

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is often found in people who are overweight and obese which is why it’s essential to keep an ideal weight through a low-fat diet and regular exercise.

Drink moderately

Heavy alcohol consumption can lead to several health issues one of which is inflammation in the liver.  If this goes on untreated for a longer period of time, it can also lead to liver cirrhosis.

While alcohol is not entirely bad, too much of it can lead to serious consequences so make sure to drink moderately and only drink what you can.

The recommended amount is not more than one drink per day for females (12gl), and less than two drinks per day for males.

Include Milk Thistle in Your Daily Regimen

Milk thistle is an herbal remedy that comes from the milk thistle plant and is known for its liver-protecting effects.

In fact, it is often used by people suffering from various liver conditions like non-alcoholic liver disease, hepatitis, and liver cancer among others.

This is because studies have shown that milk thistle intake can help improve liver function and reduce liver inflammation as well as treat liver damage.

Other studies also suggest that milk thistle intake may help extend the life expectancy of someone suffering from liver cirrhosis.

Get Vaccinated

Hepatitis is a serious condition characterized by an inflammation of the liver.  It is usually caused by viruses but can also be the result of excessive drug and alcohol use.

If you haven’t contracted the Hepatitis virus yet, it’s best to get the necessary vaccination from your doctor to reduce the risk of getting Hepatitis A or B.

It’s worth noting that if you’ve already been infected before, you no longer need to get vaccinated.

Use Medications Wisely

Medicine overdose is another leading cause of liver damage.  This is especially true with medications you can buy over the counter like paracetamol which can easily cause liver failure when not taken the right way.

Make sure to take prescription and non-rescription drugs only when necessary and only take the recommended doses.  More importantly, don’t mix medications with alcohol because the consequences can be lethal.  

Talk to your doctor before making similar decisions when it comes to medicine intake.

Final Thoughts 

The liver is one powerhouse organ that performs important functions in the body.  We need to find ways to keep it healthy and protected because not doing so can lead to serious consequences that may even lead to death.

The list should help you protect your liver and in the process, help give you a good bill of health.