CARE OF YOUR LIVER

CARE OF YOUR LIVER

What does the liver do?

The liver is a factory.

  • The liver makes necessary proteins for the body.
  • Coagulation factors, proteins that help the blood to clot.
  • Albumin
  • Bile production: absorb food and eliminate toxins.
  • Bile carries bilirubin out of the body.
  • Hormone production

The liver is a waste treatment plant

Detoxification:

  • Metabolizes alcohol and other drugs and chemicals
  • Neutralizes and destroys poisonous substances.
  • Filters of blood coming from the gut carrying digested food

How can one damage the liver?

  • Sugar
  • Herbal supplements
  • Extra pounds
  • Soft drinks
  • Sedentary life style
  • Viral liver diseases
  • Less alcohol than you may think

The Changing World

  • By 2025, obesity will increase by 45% in the developed world and 150% in the developing world
  • By 2030, diabetes will increase by 32% in Europe, 75% in Unites States, 150% in Asia, Africa and Middle East
  • Prevalence of NAFLD will rise in epidemic proportions

Diabetes and the liver

  • Liver cirrhosis is one of the most common cause of death in diabetics
  • Liver cancer risk increases four fold in diabetics
  • Acute liver failure – 2X more
  • Patients with Hepatitis C are twice as likely to have  Diabetes

How to love your liver – 3 easy ways

Alcohol

  • Drink in moderation
  • Take 3 days off alcohol every week to give your liver a chance to repair itself
  • Avoid alcohol if you are pregnant or trying to conceive

Fatty Liver

  • Eat a healthy balanced diet and drinking plenty of water
  • Plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, reducing portion sizes and cutting down on fat and sugar intake
  • A total of 30 minutes of exercise a day

Viral hepatitis

  • Get vaccinated against Hepatitis B
  • Do not share personal items like toothbrushes, razors, nail scissors or tweezers/ practise safe sex
  • Ensure hospitals /clinics always using clean needles, syringes and other equipment.