As many as 100 million Americans may have some degree of liver disease, according to the American Liver Foundation, but most don’t even know it. That’s because liver disease can cause very subtle symptoms — so subtle that you won’t even know you have a problem until a serious complication occurs.
October is National Liver Awareness Month, which means it’s also a great time to find out how to keep your liver healthy. In this post, our team at Digestive Disease Specialists, a leading gastroenterology practice in Moline, Illinois, and Bettendorf, Iowa, offers six simple tips to promote optimal liver health and function.
Most people know excessive alcohol consumption can lead to liver problems, including cirrhosis, liver inflammation, and even liver failure. But what many people don’t know is that you don’t have to drink to excess to trigger consequences in your liver health and function.
Alcohol is a toxic substance, and while your liver can usually successfully filter out a certain amount of alcohol, over time the effects of even moderate alcohol consumption can take a toll. In fact, alcohol is classed as a group 1 carcinogen (cancer-causing substance).
Ideally, women should aim to drink no more than one alcoholic drink per day, while men should limit themselves to two drinks per day. That said, it’s also important to note that the World Health Organization (WHO) released a statement recently noting that no amount of alcohol consumption is safe.
Your liver breaks down, processes, and filters nearly all the medications and supplements you take, including vitamins, herbal supplements, and over-the-counter medications. Before taking any supplement, it’s important to talk to your doctor about its potential impact on your liver health and function.
When taking medication — over-the-counter or prescription — always take the drug exactly as prescribed, and let your doctor know immediately if you notice any side effects. If you take medication regularly for a chronic medical problem, ask our team about regular liver function tests to monitor your liver function.
Your liver benefits from the right balance of nutrients, most of which are derived from colorful fruits and vegetables. High-fiber vegetables, fruits, and other sources of fiber, like whole grains and beans, are especially important.
Avoid foods high in unhealthy fats, refined carbs, and sugars, and limit or, ideally, avoid raw seafood. Maintaining a healthy diet also helps control your weight and reduce your risk of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Liver disease symptoms can be very subtle, especially in the early stages. Liver function tests use a small blood sample to look for signs of liver problems so you can have a more in-depth evaluation when needed. Liver function tests are often included in bloodwork for your annual physical, but they’re also advised for people with risk factors for liver problems.
In addition to testing, vaccination can help you avoid two types of hepatitis, an infection that causes liver inflammation and other complications. To date, vaccines for both hepatitis A and B are available. Ask our team if we recommend vaccinations for you.
Cleaning products, garden products, paint removers, and all sorts of household cleansers and solvents contain chemicals that can be breathed in or absorbed. Any of those products can potentially harm your liver, particularly if you absorb or inhale excess amounts.
For some products, even small amounts can damage your liver (or cause other health problems). Always wear a mask, goggles, and gloves when using chemicals and solvents, and use them only in areas with plenty of ventilation.
Practicing safe sex is important for lots of reasons, most obviously to reduce your risk of contracting (and spreading) sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Hepatitis C is an STI that takes a direct toll on your liver health, and because it rarely causes symptoms initially, you can have the infection (and spread it) without even knowing it.
While vaccines help protect you from hepatitis A and B infections, there’s currently no vaccine for hepatitis C. In addition to practicing safe sex, you can reduce your risk of potential liver damage with regular screenings for hepatitis C so you can be treated as quickly as possible.
Don’t leave your liver health up to chance. To find out what you can do to keep your liver healthy, book an appointment online or over the phone with Digestive Disease Specialists today.
