Did you know that your liver is one of the hardest working organs in your body?
Your liver is a rugged, strong organ and is the largest organ inside your body. It’s about the size of a football and rests just under your ribs, against the right side of your stomach. As a healthy person, you might not think twice about your liver, and you might not even be aware of the work your liver is doing. But your liver deserves credit for being one of the hardest-working organs in your body. It works hard to protect your health and is sometimes called the ‘Grand Central Station’ as it performs hundreds of functions. It helps your body digest food, store energy, remove poisons and fight infections. Your liver cleans your blood by removing natural waste products and other harmful substances, such as drugs and alcohol, from your body.
Fatigue is the most common sign that your liver is not working properly.
Your liver can be damaged by an inherited liver disease, alcohol, drugs, viruses, and excess weight. Symptoms are not usually noticeable until the problem becomes severe. Some warning signs of liver disease include a swollen abdomen, nausea, itching, or jaundice. Over time, damage to the liver results in scarring (cirrhosis), which can lead to life-threatening conditions, such as liver failure. Other common conditions are fatty liver disease, cancer, and viral hepatitis. Taking too much acetaminophen (Tylenol) is the most common cause of sudden liver failure.
It’s important to protect your liver and talk to your doctor about potential risks.
Your liver processes anything you eat or drink, and either repackages it for your body to use or eliminates it. Your liver stores most of your nutrients and is the major organ for processing these nutrients. Any unhealthy products that you consume may cause potential damage to your liver.
Tips to keep your liver healthy:
- Avoid risky behavior.
- Avoid contact with other people’s blood and body fluids.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Drink alcohol in moderation.
- Use medications wisely.
- Get vaccinated, if you’re at increased risk of contracting hepatitis.
Keep your liver healthy, and it will protect you for a lifetime.
Your liver can keep working even if a part of it is damaged or removed. When your liver is badly damaged, important food processing and production are affected and waste products may build up and affect your brain. Eating a healthy diet helps your liver function properly and continue to do so for a long time. An unhealthy diet can cause damage to your liver.
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To Your Success,
Althea
Althea A. McLeish Wilson, RN, MSN
Promoting inner health & outer beauty!
Helping you thrive, not just survive!!
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