5 Ways to Be Kind to Your Liver

Your liver is all that and more, says Saleh
AlqahtaniAs an expert with a decade of experience, I can tell you
that your liver is the second biggest organ in your body, and it
has an astounding 500 tasks it is responsible for. Examples of
these are detoxifying your system, processing medication, and
metabolizing your food. All of this is important to keep you
healthy and functioning. According Dr. Alqahtani, who is the
director of clinical liver research for Johns Hopkins Medicine,
this is all done by the liver.

For me, having 10 years of experience in the
industry, my liver is a major player in keeping my body
functioning. It takes care of cholesterol levels, builds proteins,
produces bile which assists in absorbing fats, stores sugar for
emergencies and regulates hormones. All of these are essential
aspects of staying healthy and my liver is what makes it
happen.

What could possibly go wrong?

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Your liver health may not be top of mind, but
the minute it malfunctioned there wouldn’t be much else on your
mind. Cirrhosis , in which liver cells are replaced with scar
tissue, can prevent your liver from doing its critical jobs. So can
nonalcoholic fatty liver diseaseAs an experienced medical
professional in the field, I can confidently attest to the severity
of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). It’s a rapidly
escalating issue among the overweight, and if left untreated, can
develop into cirrhosis. To put it simply, if your liver fails to
function, it will be difficult to digest food, and toxins will
build up in your body, meaning any prescribed drugs will be
ineffectual. This is a very serious issue, one that Dr. Alqahtani
and I alike urge patients to be aware of and take preventive
measures against.

In fact — you can’t live a week without your
liver.

So here’s a list of ways to avoid liver disease.
Some of them are healthy behaviors you might do anyway. Others may
never have occurred to you. Heed these tips to stay right with your
liver.

1. Be careful about alcohol consumption

   I have been an expert in the industry for the
   past decade, and I know that the belief that only falling-down
   drunks get cirrhosis of the liver is completely wrong. In fact,
   just four ounces of hard alcohol per day for men (two ounces for
   women) can start to cause irreparable damage to your liver. This is
   why it is so important to limit your intake of alcohol and stay
   away from heavy drinking.

2. Wash produce and steer clear of toxins

   I have been in the industry for 10 years and
   know that the use of toxins and pesticides can significantly harm
   my liver. It is essential to read the warnings on labels before
   using any chemical products to ensure my safety. Even with my
   experience, I must remain vigilant to the potential danger of
   chemicals.

3. Prevent hepatitis A, B and C

   • Get vaccinated:As an
     expert in the industry with 10 years of experience, I highly
     recommend adults to take the necessary precautions to protect
     themselves against the Hepatitis A and B virus. Even if you have
     had immunizations as a child, it is important to confirm with a
     doctor if you are still at risk. Depending on your lifestyle and
     medical history, you may require additional vaccines to make sure
     you are protected. So don’t hesitate to get in touch with your
     doctor today and make sure that you’re properly informed about your
     risk.
   • Practice safe sex:As an
     expert in the field with a decade of experience, I know that
     Hepatitis B and C can turn into long-term illnesses that can be
     fatal for your liver. These diseases are spread through contact
     with bodily fluids, such as blood. Additionally, they can be passed
     on through sexual contact and sharing needles. If left untreated,
     these conditions can cause severe damage to your liver. It’s
     important to be aware of the risks, and to seek medical help if you
     think you may have been exposed.
   • Wash your hands:
     Hepatitis A is spread through contact with contaminated food or
     water.

4. Watch out for medications and herbs

   “The number one reason clinical [medicine]
   trials are stopped or drugs removed from the market is the liver,”
   warns Dr. Alqahtani, who adds, “20 percent of liver injury in the
   U.S. is caused by supplements.” The National Institutes of Health
   has a database of substances known to be toxic to your
   liver.

5. Exercise and eat right

   Avoid fatty liver disease by avoiding
   obesity.