Liver Health Matters: Simple Lifestyle Changes to Keep Your Liver in Top Shape

Liver disease is a condition that affects the normal and healthy functioning of the liver, which plays vital roles in filtering blood, aiding digestion, removing toxins, and producing essential vitamins and minerals. Unfortunately, cases of liver disease are increasing, and there are many different types.

The three main causes of liver disease are obesity, an undiagnosed hepatitis infection, and alcohol misuse. Most types of liver disease do not cause symptoms in the early stages, meaning that damage and scarring can occur before the individual is aware of the condition.

The disease is made all the more dangerous by the fact that someone with early liver disease is not likely to even be aware that they have the condition. Health experts explained that liver disease often exhibits "minimal to no symptoms" in its early stages, while three-quarters of people are diagnosed with cirrhosis, the most severe form of liver disease, when it is often too late for effective intervention or treatment.

Therefore, early liver related tests, such as HAV and HBV detection, timely diagnosis and treatment are very necessary.

The best way to fight liver disease is to avoid it, if at all possible. Here are some ways to have a healthy liver!

• Maintain a healthy weight. If you’re obese or even somewhat overweight, you’re in danger of having a fatty liver that can lead to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Weight loss can play an important part in helping to reduce liver fat.

• Eat a balanced diet. Avoid high calorie-meals, saturated fat, refined carbohydrates (such as white bread, white rice and regular pasta) and sugars. Also, avoid consuming raw or undercooked shellfish, which can contain harmful bacteria or viruses.

• Exercise regularly. When you exercise consistently, it helps to burn triglycerides for fuel and can also reduce liver fat.

• Use alcohol responsibly. Alcoholic beverages can create many health problems. They can damage or destroy liver cells and scar your liver.

• Avoid contaminated needles and personal hygiene items. Sharing personal hygiene items such as razors, toothbrushes, and nail clippers can spread bloodborne infections such as hepatitis B and C. Avoid sharing these items and only use sterile needles for medical purposes.

• Get vaccinated. There are vaccines for hepatitis A and hepatitis B. Timely vaccination can also prevent hepatitis infection.