The liver is the second largest organ in your body and it performs approximately 500 functions like detoxification, clearance of medication, and metabolism of food. In this regard, there are things to avoid to protect your liver and other internal organs from malfunctioning. Malfunctioning of the liver such as cirrhosis or fatty liver disease can interfere negatively with its essential functions.
Without a doubt, you cannot spend more than a week without your liver. This means that even if people ignore it most of the time, they should understand the importance of liver health.
The liver participating in metabolic processes, responsible for detoxification as well as storing nutrients reveals its role towards healthy life and longevity. Hence, being cautious on how we treat it becomes important. Especially, when considering how easily excessive alcohol intake can damage it as well as the harm which may come from highly processed foods.
Alcoholic liver disease can occur due to continuous abuse leading to permanent damage. Processed foods are full of additives and preservatives which load up internal organs. Obesity and fatty liver diseases grow when sugar and saturated fat are processed by the liver, burdening the liver and internal organs.
Recognizing the interconnectedness of diet and organ health emphasizes the importance of making mindful food choices. Proper hydration is essential for organ health, as it supports filtration and waste elimination, particularly in the kidneys.
Neglecting regular exercise jeopardizes internal organ health, emphasizing the role of physical activity in promoting blood circulation and preventing sedentary-related issues. Maintaining optimal fluid balance and an active lifestyle are essential for preserving the harmonious operation of these vital organs.
What are the Things to Avoid to Protect Your Liver?
Here are 5 things you should stay away from to protect your liver and internal organs:
1. Avoid excessive alcohol intake
It is important to note that excessive alcohol intake can cause liver damage. Even four ounces of hard liquor a day for men (only two for women) can cause liver scarring. Alcohol intake should be moderated as it is linked to cirrhosis and alcoholic liver disease.
One must imbibe responsible drinking habits because the liver gets damaged when alcohol is excessively consumed. Even moderate drinking can lead to alcohol-related liver damage, not just heavy drinking. To protect your liver, avoid excessive alcohol intake.
There must be a collective awareness to inform people about the effects of alcohol on the liver since this organ is so susceptible to its influence. This will create an environment where responsible drinking habits are encouraged, thus preventing long-term liver problems.
The impact of alcohol on the liver goes beyond heavy drinking. It also affects those who practice moderation but are not aware of its potential harm. In essence, we should all promote responsible drinking habits.
Also Read:
- 5 Foods to Avoid If You Have Diabetes and Why
- How to Organically Crush Your Sugar Level in 90 Days or Less
- What is Diabetes? Definition, Types, Causes, Symptoms & Prevention
2. Steer clear of highly processed foods
To enjoy good health, it is necessary to avoid highly processed foods. These foods are loaded with additives and preservatives which affect internal organs by interfering with their natural functions. Artificial substances found in processed food may have negative impacts on the liver, kidneys and the digestive system.
In order to maintain the health of your internal organs and protect your liver, you should limit your intake of highly processed foods or totally avoid them. Processed foods are associated with many health problems such as obesity and heart disease. Therefore, it is important that people prioritize whole unprocessed foods in their diet. This will help reduce the chances of getting chronic diseases and also assist in maintaining normal organ functions.
Opting for natural unprocessed alternatives instead of highly processed food is a proactive way towards optimum organ functions. Whole foods are rich in nutrients that our bodies need for digestion and metabolism to be better. This change in eating habits helps the body process nutrients effectively without overburdening its systems thus promoting general wellness and good health.
If you want to keep your internal organs working together harmoniously you need to know how damaging certain additives and preservatives contained in processed foods can be. Eating diets composed mostly of whole foods results in increased nutrition intake thereby enhancing internal organs wellbeing.
3. Wash your produce and stay away from harmful chemicals
Pesticides and toxins in fruits and vegetables can damage the liver. Therefore, it is advisable to wash the fruits and vegetables regularly. This simple yet effective practice helps to minimize the risk of ingesting harmful pesticides. Apart from safeguarding the liver, this practice promotes overall health of internal organs as well.
Choosing organic produce carefully guards the liver against harmful toxins. Always question where your food comes from and how it was produced. Farmers are also advised to always read warning labels on chemicals used in farming.
Also, be aware of potential toxins in everyday items. These items likely contain toxic substances that may harm your liver as well as other body parts. Hence, go for products that do not have toxins and handle them safely at all times.
Choosing organic products helps to reduce exposure to synthetic pesticides, hence reducing the overall toxic burden on the body.
Incorporating these safe practices in handling and consuming produce reduces the risk of liver damage. It also encourages a broader culture of environmental consciousness and well-being.
4. Avoid contracting hepatitis A, B, and C
Taking a vaccine against hepatitis A and B is important because these viral diseases can result in severe liver conditions. It is recommended to consult your doctor about vaccination, particularly if you are at risk of hepatitis A or B.
Regular immunizations and safe practices help lower the chances of developing hepatitis-related liver damage. One way to prevent hepatitis B and C is practicing safe sex because they reduce the chances of chronic liver diseases. Having only one sexual partner at a time is among the most effective safe sex practices.
Hand hygiene such as regular hand washing prevents the transmission of hepatitis A through contaminated sources. You must always remember to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water especially after using the restroom or handling items that could be contaminated.
By incorporating proper hygiene into your daily routine, you significantly reduce the risk of contracting and spreading hepatitis.
Also Read:
- 5 Things You Can Do to Boost Your Breast Milk Production
- 7 Signs of Gestational Diabetes in the Third Trimester
- How to Lose Postpartum Belly Fat: Tips for Nursing Moms
5. Look out for medications and herbs
Liver health necessitates being cautious about medications and herbs. About 20% of cases of liver injury in the US are associated with supplements. This also indicates the susceptibility of the liver to some substances. Always check the National Institutes of Health database for substances toxic to the liver and avoid them so as to protect your internal organs.
It should be noted that drugs are sometimes withdrawn from the market as a result of clinical trials that find evidence of possible liver injury. The government encourages citizens to avoid these medications so as to protect their liver and other internal organs. Therefore, it is important to regularly monitor drugs and supplements for safety. The presence of hepatotoxicity in drugs increases severity of liver complications.
To reduce risks, consult healthcare professionals on possible liver risks related to medicines and herbal remedies. They can provide you with personalized advice based on your medical condition so you can make decisions focusing on both treatment efficiency and maintaining good liver health.
Final Thoughts
To protect the internal organs, individuals need to adopt an all-round approach paying special attention to their liver which plays a central role in maintaining physiological homeostasis. This can be accomplished by avoiding harmful practices and adopting healthy habits which boost the defense mechanisms responsible for these indispensable organs.
