5 Tips To Keep Your Liver Healthy And Avoid Infections

The liver is one of the most essential organs in the human body. It is the largest internal organ and most metabolically complex, estimated to perform over numerous functions ranging from fighting infection to manufacturing proteins and hormones. The liver also has the unique ability to regenerate itself, thus allowing a living person to donate a part of his or her liver. Such a precious organ with a variety of essential functions needs to be taken care of properly. The International Liver Congress estimated that liver cirrhosis caused over one million deaths in 2010.

Here are some essential tips on how to prevent liver diseases and keep the liver healthy and functional:

Moderate Alcohol Consumption

Two drinks a day, constituting of 30 ml of alcoholic beverage is considered a moderate quantity for adults up to the age of 65. For those above 65 years of age, one drink a day is safe for your liver. More than three drinks a day can be highly damaging for your liver and puts you at risk of developing cirrhosis.

Get Proper Vaccination

The hepatitis virus is considered to be highly damaging for liver functioning. Hepatitis A and B affects the liver and gradually reduces its ability to neutralise toxins, thus making the liver prone to infectious diseases. Consult a doctor to get proper vaccination if you’re at risk of contracting the hepatitis virus or have ever been infected with any form of hepatitis virus.Infected blood transfusion is a major cause of contracting the hepatitis virus.

Use Medications Wisely and Avoid Risks

A common cause of liver infections is the unmonitored intake of medicines. Prescription and nonprescription drugs should only be taken when required and that too in recommended doses. Consult your doctor before taking any medicine or mixing your medication. Avoid consuming alcohol when you are on medicines, to avoid excess load on the liver.

Avoid Processed Pork

Processed meat, especially pork is also a leading cause of liver infection. Processed pork is often preserved using chemicals such as nitrates. Nitrates are converted into nitrosamines, resulting in an increased risk of liver cancer. Pork also has been known to contain retroviruses and parasites, the excessive consumption of which can cause liver cancer. Hence, it is recommended that processed pork be avoided to cut down the risk of liver infection. In Europan nations, processed pork is consumed regularly. Liver cancer is one of the leading diseases in Europe, with 47,000 deaths annually, as estimated by the World Health Organization.

Maintain Healthy Weight

Obesity is known to cause non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The liver contains some fat but when it increases by 5 to 10 per cent of the organ’s weight, it is diagnosed as a fatty liver. Alcohol is one of the leading causes of fatty liver, along with excessive weight. Exercise at least four times a week for a total of 150 minutes to avoid putting on excessive weight. Avoid processed and junk food to maintain a healthy weight and a healthy liver.

Also Read: World Liver Day: 5 Foods That Can Detoxify The Liver