Without love, your liver can’t “shine.” And shine it must. That’s because the liver is the body’s powerhouse, working to keep you on track in the way of health.
Not only does it break down nutrients, but it also filters harmful toxicities out of the body. Think of it like this: Every time you get a little tipsy at that favorite 5:00 happy hour, your liver is working behind the scenes to clean up the mess.
Here’s what you need to know about your liver -- and just how to keep it happy and healthy.
The liver is located on the upper right side of the abdomen just below the diaphragm and weighs in at more than three pounds.
The liver itself is a constantly working machine. Liver cells even have an intricate transportation system. Like an assembly line, tiny canals carry blood and bile all day long. Blood comes from digestive organs and travels by way of the portal vein to the liver. This blood contains nutrients, medications and even toxic substances.
Once the liver is reached, a Willy Wonka-like extravaganza takes place. These elements are processed, changed, detoxified or stored. And finally, the remaining substances are released to two different venues. They either go back into the blood, or they go into the bowel so that they can pass out of the system completely.
The liver also has an important assistant. That’s vitamin K. This vitamin helps the liver to create the proteins needed for blood to clot. The liver also breaks down old blood cells.
The liver is responsible for metabolic processes. It breaks down fats and turns them into energy, and it produces bile. This substance is taken to the small intestine and used to break down fats.
The liver even helps to keep blood sugar in check (along with the pancreas). This is why high-sugar diets are hard on the liver.
To keep the liver healthy, the American Liver Foundation recommends four things. The first is to eat with health in mind. This means choosing nutritious, natural foods.
“If you want to support your liver, you want to eat foods that are high in nutrients and high in fiber,” says Kristin Lund, a certified health coach specializing in diabetic nutrition. “Choose fruits and vegetables. Raw fruits and vegetables will have enzymes that will help the body to digest other foods.”
It’s important to limit sugar and processed foods. “The liver has to process anything that has sugar in it the same way it processes alcohol,” says Lund. “In fact, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is on the rise because so many people are eating such high sugar diets. This has the same effect on the liver as alcohol consumption.”
To avoid excess sugar, Lund says to choose natural options. For example, choose fresh fruit instead of canned options. And read labels when it comes to sugary beverages. Sugary beverages are one of the easiest ways to load up on sugar without even realizing it.
The second way to protect the liver is to monitor alcohol consumption. Too much alcohol can harm liver cells and cause liver damage. When this happens, fat can accumulate in the liver. This condition, called fatty liver, occurs when the liver swells from metabolizing alcohol. Cirrhosis of the liver is another condition that can occur.
The third step to liver health is to know how medication affects the liver. Some medications can harm the liver. This is especially true when it comes to painkillers. And we’re not just talking about prescribed painkillers. This applies to over-the-counter medications as well.
Acetaminophen, which is found in many over-the-counter medications, can be dangerous at high doses. A good example of this is simple Extra Strength Tylenol. Experts say that too much acetaminophen can cause liver failure, which means it’s essential to read labels thoroughly.
The FDA says that adults should consume no more than 4,000 milligrams of acetaminophen per day. While this seems like a lot, it’s not as much as you think. For example, one tablet of Extra Strength Tylenol contains 500 mg of acetaminophen. If you take two tablets four times a day, you’ve reached the limit.
It’s important not to mix painkillers. Though this concept may seem harmless when it comes to over-the-counter drug store options, it increases the amount of acetaminophen that you’re getting. And be careful if you plan to drink with medications. This can also increase the risk of liver issues.
The fourth step to liver health is to take heed when it comes to inhaling or touching toxins. This is particularly true when it comes to workplace safety.
Haz-Map warns that there are 20 chemicals that can cause toxic hepatitis. Toxic hepatitis is inflammation of the liver. In some cases, this can lead to liver damage and even liver failure. Though it can take months to develop this condition, it also can occur in a matter of hours.
There are 156 chemicals that can cause hepatic injury. This is a liver injury resulting from trauma to the liver. It is often detected through routine liver tests.
Further, it’s important to take heed when it comes to household cleaners. For example, some cleaners can contain cresol, which may cause liver damage. In addition, bathroom cleaners can contain oxalic acid, which can damage the liver. Further, rug and carpet cleaners can contain liver-damaging naphthalene.
This is why some people are choosing cleaning products that are free of chemicals in general. Seventh Generation offers options that are thought to be safe. And their products won’t harm the environment. So take a look at all-natural options the next time you shop for household cleaners.
Your liver cleans up the messes inside your body – isn't it fair to keep the liver as clean as possible?