Often called as the ‘Chemical Factory’ of our human body, the LIVER, is a very important internal organ that processes virtually everything we eat, drink, breathe in or even rub on our skin! Yes, the Liver, our largest internal organ, is the site of all important metabolic activities in the body and contributes to over 500 different functions vital to life.
The Greek word for liver is ‘hepar'; hence medical terms related to the liver often start with ‘hepato’- or ‘hepatic’.

Every day, the liver helps the body by providing it with energy, fighting off infections and toxins, regulating hormones, manufacturing proteins and hormones, controlling blood sugar, helping the blood to clot and much, much more. The liver produces an important digestive juice called bile, which helps the digestion of fat from the food we eat. The liver is also a storehouse for sugar (glucose), which it can release when the body needs a quick energy boost.

Thus, the liver plays a vital role in keeping us healthy and we, in turn, also need to know, how to keep our Liver healthy. There are over 100 different forms of liver disease caused by a variety of factors ranging from viruses and genetics to toxins and poor nutrition. In quite a few cases, liver disease occurs due to poor habits and neglect of basic healthy lifestyle.

Taking care of the Liver is rather simple. Just follow these tips.

Tips for Liver Care:
1.Restrict your alcohol intake. Alcohol can damage liver cells and lead to swelling or scarring, which is referred to as Cirrhosis of the liver, which can be deadly. The liver can only process or break down a small amount of alcohol every hour. How much alcohol is too much? U.S. Health guidelines say men should drink no more than two drinks a day and women only one. A standard drink is equivalent to one ordinary beer or one small glass of wine.
2.Eat a healthy diet. Cut down on fatty foods. The liver stores excess dietary fat, and this fat build-up can eventually lead to fatty liver disease.
3.Reduce your weight if obese. Obesity, particularly, abdominal or central obesity, is a major risk factor for developing fatty liver disease. Eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly to maintain a healthy weight.
4.Avoid the pill-popping habit and be careful what medicines you take regularly. The commonly consumed Cholesterol lowering drugs (Statins) and the painkiller, Paracetamol can cause liver damage, if consumed in excess.
5.Watch the OTC preparations or herbal-supplements you consume. Some of them are known to cause liver damage or even failure, when taken in large quantities. Eg. Ephedra (ma huang in Chinese)
6.Eat more high-fibre foods such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables. For proteins, choose more fish, beans and nuts, and cut down on red meats.
7.Get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B, both viral liver infections. Hepatitis A is contracted from contaminated food and water and hepatitis B, from sexual contact, contaminated blood and needles.
8.Get regular exercise. Regular exercise is vital for a healthy liver. Exercise increases energy levels, decreases stress on the liver, and helps to prevent obesity. Aim for a total of 150 minutes of exercise, such as brisk walking, per week.

In Conclusion, keep your ‘Chemical Factory’ running all round-the-clock, by taking care of it. Healthy Liver, Key to Healthy Life!

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