Medical professionals in Ulan-Ude emphasize the importance of liver wellness
The liver, a vital organ in our bodies, performs numerous functions, from detoxifying foreign substances to producing essential hormones and enzymes. Even minor disruptions can have far-reaching effects on our health. Here are some factors that can compromise liver health, beyond the commonly known causes of alcohol and obesity.
Firstly, pre-existing liver diseases such as cirrhosis or metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease increase vulnerability to toxins. Viral hepatitis infections, including hepatitis B, C, and less common viruses, impair liver function and raise toxin sensitivity.
Aging is another factor to consider. As our liver's ability to metabolize and clear harmful substances slows down, toxins remain longer in the body. Women, due to their biological sex, typically metabolize toxins more slowly, leading to prolonged liver exposure to chemicals.
Genetic mutations affecting liver enzymes that break down toxins can increase the risk of liver damage. A sedentary lifestyle and insulin resistance, independent of obesity, also contribute to liver disease development.
Excessive consumption of processed, junk, and fast foods, especially those high in unhealthy fats, sugars, and salt, stress the liver and promote fat accumulation, leading to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Eating fried foods is linked to fat buildup in the liver and an increased risk of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD).
Intravenous drug use is linked to a high risk of hepatitis C infection. Uncontrolled use of medications and dietary supplements without a doctor's prescription can harm liver health. Exceeding the recommended doses of paracetamol carries a risk of serious liver damage.
However, there are steps you can take to support liver health. A balanced diet rich in fatty fish (mackerel, sardines, salmon), nuts, apples, oatmeal, fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean meat, and fish can provide the nutrients your liver needs. Regular exercise helps maintain a healthy weight and reduces the risk of fatty liver disease.
Remember, timely treatment of viral hepatitis is key in preventing liver damage and dysfunction. Condoms significantly reduce the risk of sexually transmitted hepatitis B and C viruses. Visit only licensed medical facilities and salons that follow proper sterilization of tools and equipment to minimise the risk of infections.
By being aware of these factors and making conscious choices, we can take proactive steps towards maintaining liver health and caring for our bodies.
- Science has revealed that pre-existing medical-conditions such as cirrhosis and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease can make the liver more susceptible to toxins.
- Apart from alcohol and obesity, aging can also compromise liver health, as the liver's ability to metabolize and clear harmful substances slows down, causing toxins to remain longer in the body.
- Genetic mutations affecting liver enzymes that break down toxins can increase the risk of liver damage, and a sedentary lifestyle, independent of obesity, also contributes to liver disease development.
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes fitness-and-exercise, nutrition, and mental-health practices can support liver health. A balanced diet and regular exercise are essential for this purpose, as they can help maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of fatty liver disease.
