HELP YOUR LIVER FUNCTION BETTER IN JUST A FEW STEPS

A few simple actions can improve how your liver functions. Give it some TLC for a healthier you.

You’ve probably heard that the liver has a detox function, especially when too much alcohol is involved. It certainly does act as a filter or sieve to remove toxins and purify the blood. But detoxification is only one of the liver’s many jobs. (It has more than 100.)

Other main functions include:

Producing bile to aid digestion.
Metabolising (processing) proteins, carbohydrates and fats so the body can use them.
Providing energy by storing glycogen.
Regulating the amount of blood in the body.
Producing substances to help blood clot.

Prevent liver disease
While some liver conditions are inherited from parents or are congenital (present from birth), most can be prevented by following a healthy lifestyle and taking sensible precautions.

Hepatitis is a viral infection that causes liver disease. Hepatitis A is spread by contaminated food and water, while hepatitis B is spread by blood or bodily fluid contact with an infected person (sex, shared needles, razors or toothbrushes, or contact with open sores). Hepatitis B is widespread in sub-Saharan Africa.

Related article: All you need to know about hepatitis

According to the Liver Foundation, about 2.5 million people in South Africa live with chronic hepatitis B, which can lead to cirrhosis of the liver (usually associated with excessive alcohol use) or liver cancer.

How to help your liver

Wash your hands: Covid-19 has taught us the value of hand-washing to prevent spreading infection. It can protect you from liver disease as well. Always wash your hands after using the toilet and changing a baby’s nappy, and before eating or preparing food.
Try to adopt healthy habits: Your liver will thank you for maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly as these will reduce fatty liver disease. Eat a balanced diet with fibre from fruit, vegetables and whole grains, and include healthy fats (nuts, seeds) and omega-3 fatty acids (fish). Avoid processed foods, refined carbohydrates (white bread, cakes), fatty meat and raw or undercooked shellfish.
Drink responsibly: Alcohol can damage liver cells and cause liver scarring. Alcohol is also dehydrating, so make sure you drink enough water to help your liver flush out the toxins.
Don’t share personal-hygiene items: These include razors, toothbrushes and nail clippers. Microscopic levels of blood or other contaminated body fluids may be passed on.
Practise safe sex: Unprotected sex or sex with multiple partners increases your risk of hepatitis infection.
Use medication carefully: Take your medication according to instructions. Taking more than the recommended dose or mixing medication with alcohol can cause liver damage. Traditional medicines and natural supplements can interact powerfully with other medication, which may be dangerous. So tell your doctor what you are taking, even if it’s paracetamol or antacid tablets, when you start a new medication.
Don’t take drugs for fun: Taking drugs isn’t cool, and the strain it places on your liver isn’t cool either.
Don’t share contaminated needles: This doesn’t only refer to intravenous drug use – needles used for tattoos or piercing ears, noses or other body parts can also spread infection if they’re not cleaned and sterilised.
Avoid toxins: Strong chemicals in cleaning products and insect sprays can harm the liver. Read product instructions carefully and spray only in a well-ventilated room to prevent inhaling toxic substances.