Are You Looking After Your Liver?26 October 2009 |
The liver is the largest internal organ and is responsible for some 500 bodily functions. The liver only weighs about 2kg, but it processes just under two litres of blood every minute! It processes almost everything we ingest, breathe, or absorb through the skin. It plays an important role in digestion and metabolism, regulating the production, storage, and release of sugar, fats, and cholesterol. The liver produces a variety of important proteins, including enzymes, hormones, blood proteins, clotting factors, and immune factors. Finally, the liver plays a role in detoxification. It filters infectious organisms, alcohol, heavy metals, drugs, and other poisons from the blood, and also processes and eliminates toxic byproducts of normal metabolism.
Liver Damage
Because the liver performs so many vital functions, liver damage can impact almost all body systems. As the liver sustains damage, normal tissue can become fibrous (fibrosis), fatty (steatosis), and scarred (cirrhosis). Symptoms of liver disease may include fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes). When the liver becomes too heavily damaged, it can no longer carry out its normal functions, a condition known as decompensated cirrhosis. Scar tissue may block the normal flow of blood through the liver, causing stretched and weakened blood vessels in the esophagus and stomach and internal bleeding. Reduced production of blood proteins may lead to fluid accumulation in the abdomen and easy bleeding or bruising. Inability to process metabolic byproducts may lead to a buildup of bilirubin, causing jaundice, and other toxins such as ammonia, potentially leading to impaired brain function or even coma.
Maintaining Liver Health
Whether or not you have existing liver diseases, you can take several steps to keep your liver healthy. These include getting regular medical care; avoiding alcohol, recreational drugs, and toxic substances; eating a healthy diet; engaging in moderate exercise; and taking measures to manage stress and fatigue.
Alcohol, Drugs, and Toxins
Heavy alcohol consumption can cause liver damage on its own, and is known to speed up liver disease progression in people with hepatitis B or C. It is not yet known whether light or moderate alcohol consumption is harmful to the liver. Many experts recommend that if you have hepatitis -- and especially cirrhosis -- you should not drink alcohol at all.
Certain prescription and over-the-counter medications and recreational drugs can be toxic to the liver (hepatotoxic), especially when taken in high doses or used in combination. Drug toxicity is more likely if you have existing liver disease. A damaged liver may have more difficulty processing medications, potentially leading to more serious drug side effects. Because the liver processes toxins, it is important to avoid substances that may harm the liver. Avoid exposure to toxic liquids and fumes including solvents, paint thinners, and pesticides. If it is necessary to use such chemicals, work in a well-ventilated area, cover your skin, and wear gloves and a protective face mask.
Diet and Exercise
A healthy, well-balanced diet is important for everyone. Such a diet is low in fat, cholesterol, and sodium, high in complex carbohydrates, and has adequate protein. Drinking enough fluid is also important -- eight glasses of water per day is often suggested. Many experts recommend that people with liver damage avoid raw or undercooked shellfish (which may contain infectious organisms or toxins), processed or preserved foods (which may contain chemical additives), fruits and vegetables treated with pesticides, caffeine, and chocolate. High doses of vitamin A, vitamin D, iron, and niacin can be toxic to the liver. In some cases, people with advanced cirrhosis may be advised to limit their consumption of protein. Regular aerobic exercise can improve overall fitness and may help reduce fatigue, stress, and depression. Consult your healthcare provider before starting an exercise program.
What Can You Do About It?
If we were honest with ourselves, many people would find they are providing their liver with a lot more of a challenge than it needs or can easily cope with, and if so, it’s time to start a clean-up program! The good news is that there are natural herbs and nutrients that can help ....Liver Pro PLUS by Medicines from Nature is a carefully formulated blend of herbs and nutrients designed specifically to assist your liver to do its job!
Liver Pro PLUS has 7 Herbs and 11 Nutrients known to influence and improve the normal functioning of a healthy liver, and we know that without a healthy liver it is much harder to achieve better health.
With Liver Pro PLUS, you don’t need to come out of your health store loaded with an arm full of bottles and containers feeling confused already about what to take when......Liver Pro PLUS has made it all easy for you. One product, an easy to remember dosage and plenty of quality herbal and nutritional support for your liver!
Medicines from Nature Liver Pro Plus - 180Caps
Medicines from Nature Liver Pro Plus - 90Caps