You can take many measures to protect your liver against damage and diseases. However, it is also essential to keep tabs on the status of your liver health is also necessary. You can do this by getting a liver health test performed.
The liver is a vital organ in the human body that plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health by filtering toxins, regulating hormones, producing bile, and balancing nutrients. It is essential to take preventive measures for liver damage and maintain its function. One way to do this is by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a well-balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding harmful habits such as excessive alcohol consumption. Additionally, various supplements and herbs have been traditionally used for liver support. Consulting a healthcare professional for regular checkups and screenings can also help to detect and address any liver problems early on.
Do Liver Detoxes Work?
Though cleansing or detoxing the liver has become a popular trend in recent years, with various diets, supplements, and products. However, it is essential to note that the liver has its natural detoxification system, and there is little scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of these programs. Additionally, supplements and products are not regulated the same way as medications and, therefore, may have unknown side effects. Rather than relying on liver detoxes, there are many other ways to support and protect your liver, such as maintaining a healthy diet, regularly exercising, and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption. Consulting with a healthcare professional for regular checkups and screenings can also help to detect and address any liver problems early on.
What Can You do to Detox Your Liver?
Your daily lifestyle choices impact your liver health in the long term. Following are some steps you can take to keep this organ safe.
- Take a Liver-friendly Diet
Eating a healthy diet that includes blueberries, grapefruits, fatty fish, nuts, lean protein, dairy, whole grains, and healthy fats can positively impact liver health. It is also important to include fibre in your diet and limit your consumption of sugary, salty, and fatty foods. Drinking coffee may also lower the risk of liver disease. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water is also crucial for liver health.
- Stay Physically Active
Exercising daily is beneficial even for the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems. It can also help prevent fat buildup in the liver, reducing the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Studies suggest that both resistance and cardio exercises can be effective in this regard.
- Stay Protected Against Hepatitis
Hepatitis is a severe disease that causes liver inflammation. It is essential to take the following precautions to reduce the risk of contracting hepatitis:
- Practise good hygiene
- Avoid sharing personal items
- Be cautious about used needles during intravenous (IV) drug use
- Sterilize needles before getting a piercing or tattoo.
- Practise safe sex
- Get vaccinated
It’s also important to note that some types of hepatitis (like A, B, C, D and E) are caused by specific viruses, and vaccines are available for some types like A and B. It’s also essential to consult a doctor for any symptoms of hepatitis and get tested.
- Drink Alcohol Moderately
Alcohol consumption can strain the liver, as it is responsible for processing and breaking down the alcohol in your body. Consuming excessive amounts of alcohol over time can cause damage to liver cells and lead to serious health problems. One must limit alcohol consumption to 2 drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women. It’s also important to note that drinking habits vary from individual to individual, and some people may develop liver disease at lower levels of alcohol consumption. Hence, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional to determine what is safe for you.
How to Find Out if Your Liver is Healthy?
It is important to monitor liver health by getting a liver test. These tests can help assess the overall health and function of the liver, track the progression of pre-existing liver conditions and evaluate the effectiveness of treatment plans. Abnormal levels of proteins and enzymes can indicate a liver issue.
Your doctor may suggest a liver health test to confirm liver damage, diagnose infections such as hepatitis B or C, or monitor ongoing liver issues. A comprehensive liver health test typically includes a variety of tests that analyse a blood sample to check the status of liver health. These tests usually measure liver enzymes, proteins, and bilirubin levels in the blood. You can also check with medical providers like Apollo 24/7, which provides a comprehensive and accurate liver health test that includes 43 different tests.
It’s always recommended to consult a healthcare professional for any concerns about your liver health.
