World Liver Day 2024: Keep your liver healthy by avoiding these 7 habits

World Liver Day 2024: Drinking too much alcohol can harm your liver. It causes problems like fatty liver disease, alcoholic hepatitis, and cirrhosis

Maintaining optimal liver health is critical for overall well-being, given its central role in detoxification and metabolic processes. A healthy liver supports digestion, stores essential nutrients, and helps regulate blood sugar. To safeguard this vital organ, there are practices one should adopt, such as consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.

Regular exercise, staying hydrated, and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption are also crucial. While there are several practices one should adopt to maintain liver health, Dr Vinit Shah, Consultant Liver Transplant Physician & Hepatologist at Ruby Hall clinic, Pune, suggests a few habits that are bad for liver.

Alcohol: Drinking too much alcohol can harm your liver. It causes problems like fatty liver disease, alcoholic hepatitis, and cirrhosis. The liver gets overwhelmed trying to break down all the alcohol, so it stores fat and gets inflamed. Over time, this leads to scarring, making it hard for your liver to work properly. To keep your liver healthy, it's important not to drink too much. Even though having a drink now and then might seem okay, it's best to know your limits. For most women, one drink a day is safe, and for most men, two drinks a day is okay. But remember, even a little alcohol can be dangerous for some people, depending on their medical history, medications, and genes.

Use of illicit substance: In addition to avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, one should also avoid using illicit substances and be informed about medications and supplements that may affect liver health. One should use such substances responsibly and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Neglecting regular exercise: Leading a sedentary lifestyle can increase the risk of obesity and metabolic disorders, which are linked to liver problems such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Engaging in regular physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight, promotes proper metabolism, and reduces the risk of liver-related complications.

Ignoring hydration: Dehydration can impair liver function by reducing blood flow and hindering the organ's ability to flush out toxins. It's important to stay adequately hydrated by consuming plenty of water throughout the day to support optimal liver function.

Overlooking medication risks: Certain medications, including over-the-counter drugs, prescription medications, and herbal supplements, can have adverse effects on liver health. Ignoring medication labels, dosage instructions, or potential interactions can increase the risk of liver damage. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting or discontinuing any medication.

Exposing yourself to toxins: Exposure to environmental toxins, chemicals, and pollutants can strain the liver and contribute to liver damage over time. Minimize exposure to harmful substances by following safety protocols, using protective gear when necessary, and avoiding activities or environments with high toxin levels.

Neglecting regular health screenings: Regular health check-ups and liver function tests can help detect any potential issues early on, allowing for prompt intervention and treatment. Ignoring routine screenings may result in undetected liver damage or disease progression.