The liver is the largest internal organ of the body. With over 500 different functions, including digestion, metabolism, detoxification and storage of nutrients, the liver helps the body function properly, digests food efficiently and removes toxins from the human body. The liver plays an important role in affecting our overall health and well-being, so we need to understand what could be wrong with its functioning, so that we can avoid doing things and do things that can improve its overall performance. We look at some habits that can damage your liver, such as drinking alcohol, if not more.Also read – Health Tips: Is Fast Food Really Good For Our Body? Is it of any use? Watch the video
Increased trans fat intake in your diet: Trans fats are obtained from the meat of multiple animals, including beef, poultry, eggs and dairy products. This trans fat is also found in fast food, processed and pre-packaged foods. Since the liver cannot tolerate trans fat, it leads to an increase in blood sugar and fat deposits around the liver, which eventually leads to cirrhosis or liver cell death. Excessive consumption of trans fat foods can lead to a number of health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, fatty liver disease and dementia, so always keep them in moderation. Also read – Pregnancy Workout: An Easy And Safe Workout Routine That Pregnant Women Should Follow – See
Excessive sugar intake: Sugar can damage the liver and is just as bad as alcohol. Whether it is in the form of fructose or artificial sweeteners, excessive consumption of sugar cannot be tolerated by the body, especially in the long run and can lead to liver disease. To prevent this, it is best to consume sugar from natural sources such as vegetables and fruits so that your liver can digest it faster and provide the body with the fuel it needs. Also read – World Hemophilia Day 2022: Learn What It Is And How It Affects Children, Explained by Expert – See
Taking painkillers and other medications: The liver metabolizes many drugs. Some of the drugs that can easily cross the safe threshold of liver tolerance and cause significant damage to the liver include:
- Painkillers containing acetaminophen, paracetamol and narcotics
- Sleeping pills
- Stimulant / ADHD drugs such as Ritalin, Amphetamine
- Cocaine, marijuana and ecstasy
- Intravenous drugs can transmit infections such as hepatitis B and C, which can lead to chronic liver disease and even liver cancer.
When taking antibiotics and drugs, it is necessary to check the prescribed dose of each drug and add the total dose so that it does not exceed the required level. If you are confused, we recommend that you consult a doctor before taking any medication, whether it is a minor matter like fever or headache.
Living a sedentary lifestyle: Physical activity represents an important element in preventing and managing many chronic diseases, so everyone should do a certain level of physical activity every day. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), now considered the most common cause of chronic liver disease in Western societies, can be caused by physical inactivity and lack of exercise. In addition, a sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of having a fatty liver which can lead to a disease called steatosis or build up of lipids and carbohydrate stores in the liver.
Stress: Stress has a strong relationship with high cortisol levels, which can cause a lot of damage to the liver. Stress is a recognized risk factor for cardiovascular and metabolic disease as it can trigger a complex spectrum of biological and behavioral responses. This will then result in activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis and stimulate the sympathetic nervous system with epinephrine, cortisol and pro-inflammatory cytokines, all of which can cause NAFLD or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. In addition, stress causes alcohol consumption, tobacco use, and poor diet, which can adversely affect liver function.
Not drinking enough water Water is an essential part of any healthy diet, as it helps to flush out any waste from the human body. It prevents toxins from forming in the body and damages the liver. Regular consumption of water thins the blood, making it easier for the liver to filter and remove any toxins. If the liver is not functioning properly, toxins will build up in the human body and will be detrimental to your overall health. Avoid liver diseases such as liver cancer, cirrhosis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by following our tips.
- Get Your Hepatitis B Vaccination – Because hepatitis B is a liver disease that can cause a mild illness or even a serious, lifelong condition, it is important to get vaccinated against it.
- Include green vegetables and fresh fruits in your diet so that you have the nutrients needed to fight infections and diseases.
- Drink enough water to flush out toxins from your body at regular intervals
- Maintain a healthy exercise routine where you are active for at least 60 minutes each day. If you don’t have time to go out every day, make sure to do small exercises at your desk, walk in places, etc. so that you stay physically active as long as possible.
- Drink alcohol responsibly
- Check your supplements as they can sometimes damage the liver
- Wash your hands regularly, especially if you are coming from outside
- Test yourself for any liver damage if you are over 50 years of age or have a family history.
(With inputs from Dr. Gaurav Gupta, Consultant and Chief Surgeon, Department of Liver Transplant and HPB Surgery, Fortis Hospital Mulund)
