Hyderabad: Like other parts of the body, the liver also plays an important role in keeping us healthy, and it is very necessary to take care of our liver. World Liver Day is observed on April 19th every year. We tend to harm our liver unknowingly or due to unhealthy eating and drinking habits, which have dire consequences. Experts suggest some changes in our lifestyles that will help us to maintain the health of our liver.
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The liver is responsible for controlling and removing the toxins produced in the body due to any food we consume and harmful substances absorbed by the gut. World Liver Day is observed to spread awareness about related diseases and to make lifestyle changes to ensure good health of the liver. Here are some tips to keep the liver healthy:
- Don't consume too much alcohol, it can lead to damage to the liver cells and inflammation or cirrhosis, which can be fatal.
- Eating healthy food and exercising regularly, keeping your weight under control can help in preventing Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD).
- Excessive consumption of medicines such as painkillers induced with acetaminophen or sulfur can cause problems for the liver.
- Viral hepatitis is a serious disease that causes liver damage. Drinking water containing this disease-causing bacteria can lead to hepatitis A disease. If the disease spreads in any country and one has to travel there, then vaccination can be taken as a preventive measure.
- Hepatitis B and C spread through blood and body fluids. Avoid sharing things like toothbrushes, razors, and needles to reduce risk. Also, practise safe sex.
- Getting vaccinated with Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B vaccines.
- Some cleaning products and pesticides contain chemicals that can damage your liver through direct contact. Therefore, read the instructions carefully before using such products.
- Smoking cigarettes is also harmful to the lungs as well as the liver. Therefore, avoid smoking.
- Excess stress is harmful to the liver. So keep yourself away from stress and take time out to relax.
- High-calorie foods, saturated fats, pasteurized carbohydrates (e.g. white bread, white rice, and pasta), and sugar should be avoided.
- Do not eat raw or undercooked fish. Eat fibre for a healthy and balanced diet, you can also eat fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and rice. Eat meat (but limit red meat), dairy products (moderate in low-fat milk and cheese), and healthy fats (which are monounsaturated and polyunsaturated, such as oils from plants, nuts, seeds, fish, etc).
- Hydration is very important. So along with all the above, drink plenty of water.
