The liver is a fairly “strong” organ, but if you abuse harmful food, alcohol and drugs, then it can not cope. One of the most common liver diseases is cirrhosis. This is a very dangerous violation, when the liver cannot remove toxins, and they begin to actively destroy the body from the inside.
Cirrhosis in especially advanced cases can be fatal. We made a selection of simple rules for the prevention of liver diseases, which are very easy to follow, but you will feel the benefit from them very soon.
Unexplained fatigue can indicate liver problems, like dark urine. Yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes can be caused by jaundice. Bloating, in which fluid builds up in the abdomen or legs, may be a sign of heart failure, or may result from liver disease. If you have these or other suspicious symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor.
The main function of the liver is the removal of toxins from the body, it serves as a natural filter in the human body. The liver disinfects medicines, poisons, alcohol and other substances with which we poison ourselves. In the process of processing toxins, the liver destroys itself, but is quickly restored through regeneration.
Take the necessary examination and take tests
If you have symptoms of liver disease, then the doctor may prescribe specialized tests:
- A liver function test is a blood test that checks the levels of protein and liver enzymes and detects the possible presence of any disease. Assays for ALT (alanine transaminase), AST (aspartate transaminase), ALP (alkaline phosphatase), and GGT (gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase) can be prescribed.
- A bilirubin test checks for the presence of this orange-yellow fluid that can leak out of your liver if it is damaged.
- A liver biopsy can check for both cancer and infection.
Do not abuse over-the-counter medicines
Too much acetaminophen, for example, can cause acute liver failure, so ask your doctor how much is safe for you. Acetaminophen is often found in medicines for allergies and colds – they are sometimes listed as “APAP” or “acetam,” so check the composition to make sure you don’t double the amount of medicine if you are taking several drugs.
Scientists at the University of California at San Diego also found that proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), often taken to reduce acid reflux, can increase Enterococcus intestinal bacteria. These bacteria can cause inflammation, which can lead to chronic liver disease, so if you are worried, talk with your doctor about whether it is possible to stop taking PPIs or reduce the dose.
Eat right
Ideally, your food should be fresh, not processed and packaged. Processed foods containing sugar and saturated fats can increase your risk of developing diabetes, which negatively affects your liver.
You probably know that it is important for your liver to limit your alcohol intake. The good news is that coffee can be left in the diet because it has a protective effect. A study at the Erasmus University Medical Center in Rotterdam, Netherlands, showed that three cups of coffee a day could potentially prevent liver obesity and stop the progression of the disease, probably due to antioxidants.
Lead an active lifestyle
Studies show that both aerobic exercise and weight training improve insulin resistance and help oxidize fatty acids in your body, which is a powerful way to fight fatty liver diseases. Walk, run, do Pilates – whatever you choose, continue to do this 30 minutes five times a week.
The most important thing in maintaining the health of not only the liver, but the whole organism is moderation. If you are able to control your appetites for food, alcohol, entertainment, then the body will help you and maintain good health. And any ailments are a kind of response to a disrespectful attitude to one’s own health. It is important to always remember this!
