Here are some useful tips for Optimal Liver Health

1.Maintain a healthy weight : It is observed that, obese people are at more risk of fatty liver that can lead to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) which one of the fastest growing liver disease these days. Therefore always maintain healthy weight. Weight loss programs can help to reduce liver fat.

Dr. Harshal Gadhikar interview about tips for liver health

2. Eat a balanced diet : For healthy liver try to avoid high calorie-meals, saturated fat, refined carbohydrates (such as white bread, white rice and regular pasta) and sugars. Also don’t eat raw or undercooked shellfish. For a well-balanced diet, eat fiber, which you will easily get in fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grain breads, rice and cereals. Also eat meat(but limit the amount of red meat), dairy products (low-fat milk and small amounts of cheese) and fats (like monounsaturated and polyunsaturated such as vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, and fish). Also drink adequate water.

3. Exercise regularly: Exercise is very important for healthy life: Daily exercising helps to burn triglycerides for fuel and can also reduce liver fat.

4. Avoid toxins: Direct contact with toxins can injure liver cells. Therefore, avoid contact with toxins from cleaning and aerosol products, insecticides, chemicals, and additives. When you do use aerosols, make sure the room is ventilated, and wear a mask. Don’t smoke.

5. Avoid over intake of alcoholic beverages : Alcoholic beverages can spoil your health. They may harm liver cells and scar your liver. Consult a gastroenterology doctor about what amount of alcohol is right for you. He can give advice to drink alcohol only in moderation or to quit completely depending on severity of disease.

6. Avoid the use of illicit drugs: Illicit drugs like marijuana/hashish, cocaine (including crack), heroin, hallucinogens, inhalants are very injurious to health. Person should always avoid consumption this type of drugs. Also avoid prescription-type psychotherapeutics (pain relievers, tranquilizers, stimulants, and sedatives) used non-medically.

7. Avoid contact with contaminated needles: Of course, dirty needles aren’t only associated with intravenous drug use. You must consult medical practitioner and seek testing for skin penetration involving sharp instruments or needles. Use only clean needles for tattoos making and body piercings.

8. Be careful while you exposed to blood: If due to some reason you come into contact with someone else’s blood, immediately contact your doctor.

9. Don’t share personal hygiene items : Don’t share razors, toothbrushes and nail cutters as they can carry microscopic levels of blood or other body fluids that may be contaminated.

10. Practice safe sex.If person do unprotected sex or sex with multiple partners, he is at risk of hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Therefore, always be careful while doing sex.

11. Wash your hands.Use soap and warm water immediately after using the bathroom, when you have changed a diaper, and before preparing or eating food.

12. Follow directions on all medications: Wrong medication can harm your liver. Never take alcohol with drugs and medications. Also tell your doctor about any other medicines, supplements, and natural or herbal remedies that you are using.

13. Get vaccinated: Vaccination is best way to reduce your risk of liver diseases. There are vaccines available for hepatitis A and hepatitis B virus. But, there’s no vaccine available against the hepatitis C virus.