Maintaining Liver Health and Care Suggestions
know about liver health, why it's important, signs and causes of an unhealthy liver, tips to maintain liver health and more.
Introduction
Your liver is one of the hardest-working organs in your body, performing over 500 vital functions, including detoxification, protein synthesis, and digestion. Keeping your liver healthy is essential for overall well-being. In this article, we’ll explore how to maintain liver health, recognise warning signs of liver problems, and adopt lifestyle habits that support this crucial organ.
Why Is Liver Health Important?
The liver plays a key role in:
Detoxifying harmful substances from the blood.
It produces bile, which helps digest fats.
Storing vitamins and minerals like iron and vitamin A.
Regulating blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
A healthy liver ensures your body functions smoothly, while liver damage can lead to serious conditions like fatty liver disease, hepatitis, or cirrhosis.
Signs of an Unhealthy Liver
Early symptoms of liver problems may be subtle, so it’s important to watch for:
Fatigue and weakness
Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
Swelling in the legs or abdomen
Dark urine or pale stools
Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
Itchy skin
If you experience these symptoms frequently, consult a doctor for evaluation.
Consult General Practitioner for Personalised Advice
Common Causes of Liver Damage
Several factors can harm your liver, including:
1. Excessive Alcohol Consumption – Heavy drinking leads to fatty liver, inflammation, and cirrhosis.
2. Unhealthy Diet – High intake of processed foods, sugar, and trans fats contributes to fatty liver disease.
3. Viral Infections – Hepatitis B and C can cause chronic liver damage.
4. Obesity – Excess fat accumulation in the liver leads to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
5. Medication Overuse – Some painkillers (like acetaminophen) can be toxic to the liver in high doses.
6. Smoking & Toxins – Chemicals from smoking and pollution can damage liver cells.
Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Liver
The tips for a healthy liver include:
1. Eat a Liver-Friendly Diet
Fruits & Vegetables – Antioxidant-rich foods like berries, spinach, and beets help detoxify the liver.
Whole Grains – Oats, brown rice, and quinoa provide fiber, reducing fat buildup.
Lean Proteins – Fish, chicken, and plant-based proteins (beans, lentils) support liver repair.
Healthy Fats – Avocados, nuts, and olive oil reduce inflammation.
Limit Sugar & Processed Foods – Excess sugar turns into fat in the liver.
2. Stay Hydrated
Water helps flush out toxins and keeps your liver functioning efficiently. Aim for 8-10 glasses daily.
3. Exercise Regularly
Physical activity helps burn triglycerides (a type of fat) and prevents fatty liver disease. Try:
30 minutes of walking or jogging daily
Strength training twice a week
Yoga for stress relief and digestion
4. Limit Alcohol & Avoid Smoking
Men: No more than 2 drinks/day.
Women: No more than 1 drink/day.
Quit smoking to reduce toxin exposure.
5. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Obesity increases the risk of NAFLD. Losing even 5-10% of body weight can improve liver health.
6. Get Vaccinated Against Hepatitis
Hepatitis B and C are preventable with vaccines. If you’re at risk, consult your doctor.
7. Use Medications Wisely
Avoid unnecessary painkillers (like paracetamol in excess).
Always follow prescribed dosages.
8. Get Regular Check-ups
If you have risk factors (diabetes, obesity, family history of liver disease), routine liver function tests (LFTs) can help detect problems early.
When to See a Doctor?
If you notice persistent symptoms like:
Unexplained weight loss
Severe abdominal pain
Jaundice
Chronic fatigue
Book a liver function test or consultation with a specialist through Apollo 24|7 for timely diagnosis and treatment.
Final Thoughts
Your liver works tirelessly to keep you healthy. Return the favour by adopting a liver-friendly lifestyle. Small changes in diet, exercise, and habits can make a big difference in preventing liver disease.
Consult General Practitioner for Personalised Advice
Consult General Practitioner for Personalised Advice
Dr. Swati Hanmanthappa
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
2 Years • MBBS
Bengaluru
Apollo Clinic, Electronic City, Bengaluru
Dr Bhumika Lalwani
General Surgeon
4 Years • MBBS MS
Bengaluru
PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru
Dr. Dixant Chhikara
General Practitioner
4 Years • MBBS
Delhi
SKYNN CARE, Delhi
Dr. Vandana Malik
General Practitioner
8 Years • MBBS, FAM
Noida
Skinlogics Clinic, Noida
Dr. Bulbul Biswas
General Practitioner
35 Years • MBBS, Diploma in Maternity and child welfare
Kolkata
HERSTEL CARE CLINIC, Kolkata
