Not just alcohol: which foods and daily habits affect liver health

We are not exaggerating if we say that everyone knows about the harm of alcohol. The liver, which affects the entire body, suffers especially badly from it. But alcohol is far from the only factor that can leave an imprint on the health of a vital organ.

Functions that the liver performs in our body

The liver can be called a real hard worker, which is responsible for the proper functioning of the entire body. It participates in the immune system and metabolism, neutralizes foreign substances, maintains a constant blood composition (homeostasis), synthesizes nutrients, accumulates vitamins, iron and other useful elements.

At the same time, the liver is one of the organs with an incredible ability to regenerate. But this does not mean that it is not afraid of anything and is able to cope with all difficulties without consequences. On the contrary, such an important organ should be treated with care, because even seemingly harmless food or daily habits can affect it destructively.

What factors have a negative impact on the liver?

Fatty, smoked and spicy foods

The liver is responsible for preparing fats for utilization. Excessive consumption of fatty, fried or fast food loads the liver to the maximum, fats are deposited inside the organ and lead to inflammatory processes.

And fans of spicy spices should take note: they contain capsaicin and bitter substances, for the processing of which is also responsible for the liver. If you constantly eat spicy food, the liver will produce too much bile, which is fraught with the deposition of stones in the gallbladder or biliary tract.

Sweets and flour

The liver is involved in the metabolism and utilization of carbohydrates, so a passion for sweets and pastries gives an additional load on the organ, which in unfavorable conditions can turn into obesity.

Salty

Salt, that is, sodium chloride, is necessary for the body. However, medics from the American Chemical Society in the course of experimental studies noted the probable negative effect of excess salt on liver cells. It probably has a detrimental effect on the work of the organ, increases the risk of cell death and slows down the formation of new hepatocytes.

Sour fruits and vegetables

These products contain acids. If you eat them a lot and constantly, it is fraught with a violation of the gallbladder and stagnation of bile in the biliary tract.

Food supplements, dietary supplements, sports drinks and medicines

Food additives – preservatives, stabilizers, emulsifiers increase the risk of liver disease and the entire GI tract. And supplements, sports drinks and medicines contain substances that can accumulate in the vital organ and eventually lead to its damage.

Sedentaire levensstijl

Without physical activity in the body, the process of fat utilization is disturbed, which leads to fatty liver disease.

Poor ecology and household toxins

Environmental pollution, as well as excessive use of cosmetics and household chemicals (shampoos, washing powders, detergents, etc.) can have an additional negative impact on the work and functioning of the liver.

Stress

Chronic stress and poor sleep on a regular basis destroys liver cells and can lead to inflammation and necrosis.

Rapid weight loss

Rapid weight loss is dangerous: it can provoke obesity of the liver itself and the formation of stones. In addition, sudden weight loss is also a great stress for the body, which because of the meager diet is forced to work in an extremely economical mode.

Roken

Harmful substances contained in cigarette smoke, get into the liver and pull all the attention. Due to this, other processes in which this organ is involved are disturbed. In addition, the cells and arteries of the liver can be damaged, which is fraught with its obesity.

How to keep the liver healthy?

Most organs begin to send signals for help when they can no longer cope with the load. The liver, however, often does not signal damage in any way. You can suspect something wrong only by indirect signs: fatigue, drowsiness, fatigue at the slightest loads. Therefore, first of all, it is worth excluding risks and carefully monitor the state of the body. And as a counterbalance to harmful factors to eat food that will help maintain the health of the liver. We are talking about healthy foods – vegetables, lean varieties of fish, chicken eggs in moderate amounts, fat-free dairy, non-acidic berries and ripe fruits, vegetarian dishes and flax seeds. An active lifestyle without bad habits also helps.

Also for the treatment of diseases and additional help to the liver can be used special drugs, such as “Fosfogliv”.

Of course, it is not easy to change your lifestyle in an instant. It’s much easier to do it knowing that you have like-minded people. In the spring of this year, Fosfogliv held a health and wellness challenge to motivate people to take care of their health. Participants performed various tasks: they followed the right diet, exercised, took care of themselves and listened to the recommendations of mentors. And at the end they received valuable prizes, but the most important of them – good health.

The excellent results of the first challenge prompted the company to make it permanent and available for everyone. You can join the project and make the first step on the way to health at any time.

What to do if the liver is already damaged?

The best treatment is prevention, but what to do if the liver is already damaged? To begin with, it is necessary to undergo an examination – take blood for biochemistry, urine for bilirubin, make an ultrasound of the liver – and be observed by a specialist. In the initial stages of the disease, treatment may well be limited to a proper diet and taking special drugs such as “Fosfogliv”. It is included in the list of vital and essential drugs.

There are contraindications. Consult a specialist.