Your liver is one of the most important organs in your body. It is responsible for detoxifying your blood, producing bile for digestion, and storing energy. When your liver is healthy, your body functions properly, but when it is not, it can affect your overall wellbeing. In this article, we will discuss the link between liver health and overall wellbeing, and what you can do to maintain a healthy liver.
How the liver affects overall wellbeing
The liver is a robust and powerful organ that plays a vital role in maintaining overall health and wellbeing. It works 24/7 tirelessly to safeguard your health. One of its primary functions is to filter toxins from the blood. When your liver is healthy, it can effectively filter out harmful substances like alcohol, drugs, and environmental pollutants. But when your liver is damaged, these toxins can build up in your body and cause damage to other organs, leading to a host of health problems. Typically, certain factors such as excess weight, viruses, drugs, and alcohol can lead to this.
As the largest internal organ in the body, the liver is the size of a football and located beneath the right side of your ribcage against your stomach. In addition to combating infections, the liver filters your blood by removing natural waste and harmful substances like drugs and alcohol. The liver also converts the food you eat into essential energy and nutrients for your body while controlling how nutrients are distributed to various parts of the body when needed.
Liver disease is also linked to several other health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. In fact, studies have shown that people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a condition where fat accumulates in the liver, are more likely to develop diabetes and heart disease. Often the leading cause of liver disease is non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, commonly referred to as “fatty liver.” Cirrhosis, which is marked by significant scarring of the liver and the formation of nodules, is a potential complication of various liver conditions. This condition leads to a gradual deterioration of liver function, resulting in liver failure.
Maintaining a Healthy Liver
So now that you know of the importance that liver function has on maintaining overall wellbeing. Here are steps you can take to keep your liver healthy and functioning properly.
1. Eat a healthy diet
Eating a healthy, balanced diet is one of the best ways to maintain a healthy liver. Avoid processed foods and consume plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Also, limit your intake of alcohol, saturated fat, and sugar.
2. Exercise regularly
Regular exercise can help improve liver function by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise most days of the week.
3. Stay hydrated
Drinking plenty of water is essential for maintaining liver health. Water helps to flush out toxins and keep your liver functioning properly.
4. Avoid risky behaviours
Certain behaviours can put your liver at risk, such as smoking, drug use, and excessive alcohol consumption. Quitting smoking and drug use limiting your alcohol intake can help reduce your risk of liver disease. Additionally, if you struggle with smoking, drug use, or alcohol abuse, seeking professional help is critical to protecting your liver health. These substances can cause severe damage to your liver, leading to a range of liver diseases and potentially fatal complications.
If you are struggling with addiction, there are many resources available to help you quit such as Reach Out. Support groups, therapy, and medication-assisted treatment are just a few of the options available. Speaking with a healthcare professional is an essential first step in developing a plan to quit and protect your liver health.
5. Incorporating a liver support supplement
If you are looking to support your liver health, incorporating a liver support supplement into your routine could be a beneficial option. These supplements typically contain a blend of natural ingredients that are thought to enhance liver function and help protect against liver damage.
Milk thistle, for example, is a popular ingredient in many liver support supplements due to its potent antioxidant properties. This herb has been used for centuries to support liver health and has been shown to help protect against liver damage caused by toxins. If you are looking for a supplement that consists of this ingredient, AusVital Nutrients® Premium Liver Detox 15000mg
6. Manage chronic conditions
If you have a chronic condition like diabetes or high blood pressure, it is important to manage it properly to reduce your risk of liver disease. Follow your doctor’s recommendations for medication, diet, and exercise.
In conclusion, your liver plays a crucial role in your overall wellbeing, and taking care of it should be a top priority. By following these tips, you can help maintain a healthy liver and reduce your risk of liver disease and other health conditions. Remember to consult your doctor if you have any concerns about your liver health and to get regular check-ups to catch any potential problems early on.
