Signs Of A Healthy Liver

Liver is the biggest organ in the body and therefore, plays a significant role in maintaining overall health. It is essential for removing toxins from the blood, regulating chemical levels, and is also responsible for excreting bile, a yellow-green fluid that aids digestion. If anything goes wrong with the liver, symptoms, such as abdominal pain and swelling, dark urine colour, itchy skin, yellowing of the skin and eyes, may occur. However, as important as it is to know when your liver is suffering, it is as crucial to note the signs of a healthy liver, so that you can maintain it further. Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Vivek Shetty, Consultant-Gastroenterology, Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, discusses key ways to maintain liver health. 

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Signs Of A Healing And Healthy Liver

Whether your liver is healthy or healing from damage in the past, it may present with certain signs. These include:

Boost in energy

A liver disease can lead to many symptoms including fatigue. Therefore, when your liver functions at its optimum capacity, it can contribute to increased energy levels. 

Increased appetite

When your liver loses the ability to function properly, it also impacts digestive health, leading to symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. However, when your liver rebounds and heals, your appetite also increases. 

Normal skin and eye colour

A poorly functioning liver can lead to a buildup of toxins in the body. This can in turn cause yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes. That said, when your liver starts to heal and recover, your skin and eyes are likely to go back to its normal state. 

Reduced pain

Pain is a common symptom of liver inflammation. However, the level of your pain is likely to decrease when your liver starts to heal and become healthy. 

Improved blood work

If you want to understand the state of your liver, especially after suffering from a liver disease, you can take a look at your bloodwork. A healthcare professional can help you decode the test results. If all your test results are within the normal range, it means that your liver is functioning well. 

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Tips To Maintain Liver Health

Here are some expert-recommended ways to maintain liver health:

Eat a balanced diet

Include a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats in your diet. Avoid or limit the consumption of processed foods, fried foods, sugary drinks, and excessive alcohol, as they can put strain on the liver.

Limit alcohol intake

Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to liver damage. It’s important to drink alcohol in moderation or avoid it altogether to maintain liver health.

Maintain a healthy weight

Obesity and excessive weight gain can increase the risk of fatty liver disease and other liver conditions. Maintain a healthy weight through regular exercise and a balanced diet.

Exercise regularly

Engage in moderate-intensity exercises such as walking, jogging, cycling, or swimming for at least 30 minutes most days of the week. Regular physical activity can help reduce the risk of fatty liver disease and improve overall liver function.

Avoid smoking

Smoking has a negative impact on liver health and increases the risk of liver cancer. Quitting smoking or avoiding it altogether is beneficial for liver health and overall well-being.

Practise safe sex and avoid sharing needles

Viral infections such as hepatitis B and C can significantly damage the liver. Practise safe sex by using condoms and avoid sharing needles or other drug paraphernalia to reduce the risk of contracting these infections.

Manage medications carefully

Some medications, when taken excessively or in combination, can harm the liver. Follow dosage instructions carefully, and consult with your doctor if you have concerns about medication’s impact on your liver.

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Get vaccinated

Vaccinations for hepatitis A and B are available and can protect against these viral infections, which can cause liver damage.

Manage stress

Chronic stress can impact liver health. Engage in stress-reducing activities like yoga, meditation, deep breathing exercises, or hobbies to manage stress effectively.

Regular check-ups

Schedule regular check-ups with your healthcare provider to monitor your liver health and address any concerns or potential issues early on.

Conclusion

Liver is one of the most vital organs in our body. It has several important functions and is responsible for maintaining overall health. This is why it is essential that you not only note the signs of a troubled liver, but also understand when it is in its best shape; only then can you work towards improving or maintaining it, respectively.