What To Do To Keep Liver Healthy?

1. What To Do To Keep Liver Healthy? Introduction Maintaining the health of the liver is essential. The liver performs various essential functions. If the liver condition progresses and leads to liver failure, liver transplantation may be the only treatment. The liver transplant cost in India varies between different hospitals. What If The Liver Is Not Healthy? The liver is an essential organ. It performs various functions vital for sustaining life. Important functions performed by the liver include synthesizing various substances needed for healthy living, storing essential vitamins and minerals, detoxification of harmful chemicals, and managing the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. To maintain these functions, the liver should be in a healthy state. Various conditions reduce the efficiency of the liver. These conditions progress to liver cirrhosis. Cirrhosis is the condition characterized by scar tissues in the liver which damages the cells of the liver. Drinking alcohol is one of the major causes of cirrhosis, the other causes include genetic condition, underlying medical disease, certain drugs, and chemicals. Cirrhosis is an irreversible condition. When the other treatment fails to provide adequate relief from the symptoms and there is liver failure, liver transplantation is the last resort. Unhealthy liver significantly reduces the quality of life. The patient may face following health problems due to unhealthy liver: Bleeding: The liver is the center for the synthesis of various blood proteins that help in the clotting of blood. In the absence of these proteins, the person is at an increased risk of bleeding. Confusion: One of the vital functions of the liver is to detoxify harmful chemicals. When the liver becomes unhealthy, these chemicals accumulate and affect the brain, a condition known as hepatic encephalopathy. This may lead to various neurological symptoms including confusion and lack of concentration. Jaundice: Unhealthy liver may lead to jaundice due to the accumulation of bilirubin. This may result in yellowing of the eyes and skin. Bad breath: Because of the high level of dimethyl sulfide due to liver damage, the patient may suffer from foetor hepaticus. This condition is characterized by bad breath. Itchy skin: Because of the increased level of bile in blood and its accumulation under the skin, the patient may have itchy skin.

2. Facial hyperpigmentation: Because of the liver damage, there is an increased synthesis of melanin resulting in facial hyperpigmentation. Keeping Liver Healthy It is very important to keep the liver healthy. The efficiency of the liver can be maintained through the following: Healthy diet: A healthy diet is important for a healthy liver. Juices and potassium-rich food should be added to the diet. Reduce the amount of fatty food and increase the quantity of fibers in the diet. Routine exercise: Routine exercise improves the overall functioning of the liver. It improves the metabolism capacity of the liver and enhances the detoxifying ability. Exercise also improves blood circulation to the liver. Limit the amount of alcohol: High intake of alcohol seriously damages the liver cells. Avoid o limit the quantity of alcohol. Vaccinate yourself: to prevent the various liver infections, the person should get the vaccination. Manage your underlying medical condition: Unmanaged diabetes and hypertension is a risk factor for developing liver disease. Take your medications on time to manage these conditions. Avoid smoking: Smoking lead to overall damage to the liver. Further, smoking also enhances the toxic effects of various drugs. Do not take any supplement or medications without doctor’s supervision: Do not take supplements, traditional and allopathic medications without consulting your doctor as this may harm the liver. Maintain a healthy weight: The person should maintain a healthy weight as obesity and being overweight increase the risk of liver disease.