HOW TO CARE FOR THE LIVER
The liver is one of the most incredible organs in your body. It works 24/7 to keep you alive and healthy, with over 500 vital jobs!
Learn everything you need to know about your liver and how to care for it.
🔑 What is the liver?
Your liver is the largest organ inside your body, weighing about 3 pounds.
It is located in the upper right side of your abdomen, just under your ribs. Think of it as your body’s powerhouse and filter system, without it, survival is notoriously possible.
🔑 What does the liver do?
The liver has MANY jobs, but here are its most important ones:
– It filters toxins from your blood, like alcohol, drugs, and harmful substances.
– It makes bile, a fluid that helps your body digest and absorb fats.
– It stores energy in the form of sugar and releases it when you need a boost.
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– It keeps vitamins and minerals like iron and vitamin A on standby.
– It makes proteins that help your blood clot when you get a cut.
– It also breaks down old red blood cells and gets rid of waste.
🔑 How do you know your liver is in trouble?
Your liver is tough and does not complain easily. But when it is struggling, you might notice:
– Yellow skin or eyes (jaundice).
– Feeling tired all the time.
– Pain or swelling in the upper right side of your belly.
– Dark urine or pale-colored stool.
– Bruising or bleeding more easily than normal.
These can be signs of liver damage, don’t ignore them!
🔑 Common liver problems
Here are some issues that can affect your liver:
– Fatty liver disease
Too much fat builds up in the liver, often due to unhealthy diets or alcohol.
– Hepatitis
A group of infections (like hepatitis B or C) that inflame the liver.
– Cirrhosis
Scar tissue replaces healthy liver tissue, often due to alcohol or long-term damage.
– Liver cancer
Uncontrolled growth of cells in the liver.
– Liver failure
When the liver stops working completely (this is very serious).
🔑 What damages your liver?
– Drinking too much alcohol.
– Eating a lot of unhealthy, fatty, or sugary foods.
– Being overweight or obese.
– Taking too many medicines or misusing them (e.g., painkillers like acetaminophen).
– Viral infections like hepatitis B and C.
– Exposure to toxins like chemicals or unsafe food.
🔑 How can you keep your liver healthy?
You can protect your liver by making small, consistent changes:
– Eat a healthy diet Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats (like olive oil or fish).
– Exercise helps prevent fat buildup in your liver. Aim for 30 minutes most days.
– Stay hydrated and avoid sugary or fizzy drinks.
– Alcohol over time can scar your liver. Drink in moderation, if at all.
– Stay away from harmful chemicals, and always wash fresh fruits/veggies.
🔑 What foods are good for your liver?
Certain foods are known to boost liver health, like:
– Leafy greens like spinach and kale.
– Garlic, which can help activate liver enzymes.
– Coffee (in moderation), it is linked to lower risks of liver disease.
– Fatty fish 🐟 like salmon, which have anti-inflammatory omega-3s.
– Nuts 🌰 and seeds, which are rich in antioxidants.
🔑 Does your liver heal itself?
Yes! The liver is one of the few organs in your body that can repair and regenerate itself
Even if a part of it is damaged, the healthy part can grow back. But this doesn’t mean it is invincible, too much damage, like in cirrhosis, is permanent.
🔑 When should you see a doctor?
Visit a doctor if you notice:
– Yellow skin or eyes.
– Swelling in your belly, legs, or ankles.
– Sudden weight loss or loss of appetite.
– Extreme tiredness.
– Unexplained nausea or vomiting.
The earlier liver problems are caught, the better your chances of recovery.
Your liver is your body’s unsung hero. Treat it well.
A healthy liver = a healthy life!
Follow @OGreat6 for more health tips
– written by Pharm. Greatman