The liver is the largest internal organ in the human body. It makes up about 3% of your average body weight and is a waste disposal unit and storage center for essential substances. In addition, it helps you recycle blood materials.
Therefore, keeping your liver healthy is one of the best ways you guarantee a long life. To achieve that, here are some things you need to avoid:
Obesity
The liver handles the processing and packaging of fat to the various storage areas in the body. Obesity puts a lot of strain on the liver, and these fats accumulate in the liver and lead to fatty liver disease. If left untreated, it can lead to liver cell death and fibrosis.
Excessive alcohol consumption
Although studies show that mild alcohol consumption can prevent heart disease, the addictive nature of alcohol means abuse is likely. Excessive consumption of alcohol destroys the liver responsible for safely processing it. Once overworked, the liver dies early and becomes fibrous- liver cirrhosis which is incurable and fatal.
Self-medication
Buying over-the-counter medications when you’re sick can damage your liver. OTC drugs, including painkillers and antibiotics, if not prescribed by a medical doctor, can be easily abused. In high enough doses, these substances can be toxic to your liver and health.
Excessive vitamin consumption
It is essential to discuss the dangers of taking vitamins in high amounts as a separate point. Vitamins are supplements you use periodically. But, it’s essential to know that some vitamins, such as A, C, and D, have toxic effects if taken in high doses. Vitamin A can cause blindness and bone swelling, and vitamin C can lead to nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Steroid use
Using steroids is terrible for your liver because it can affect blood flow and cause inflammation, and these substances can lead to reactions resulting in liver failure. Excess steroids also overwork the liver, which handles their breakdown and excretion.
Sugar
Sugars also harm the liver because it stores them. Excess hormone activity in the liver causes overload and shuts down its excretory and storage functions. These can lead to headaches and other severe symptoms. It can also cause reversible hepatic injury, which may accumulate into more virulent diseases.
You can care for your liver and improve your quality of life. Taking only prescribed drugs and developing healthy habits is one of the surest ways to do that.
