The liver plays an extremely important role in regulating vital processes for the proper functioning of the body. From albumin and bile production to blood filtering, regulating blood clotting, resisting infection, storing vitamins and minerals and processing glucose – it does it all! So, when it does so much to keep you going, isn’t it upon you to keep your liver health intact?
Did you know that the liver is the largest organ inside your body? Well, if not, that is a reminder enough for you to go an extra mile to take care of it, considering it not just helps your body digest food and store energy, but also rids it of harmful toxins.
If you don’t care enough, be prepared for a layer of fat to get accumulated around the liver. According to the American Liver Foundation, it is normal for this organ to have some amount of fat. But if over 5–10 percent of its weight is fat, then it is called a fatty liver, or what is known medically as hepatic steatosis.
Blame this on sedentary lifestyle, lack of exercise, irregular and unhealthy diet and bad habits!
Hepatitis: There are five types of hepatitis: A, B, C, D, E, and while they differ in important ways including modes of transmission, severity of the illness, geographical distribution and prevention methods. Liver controls the metabolism of our body and produces bile juice which is essential for digestion. Viral hepatitis affects that and many other important functions of the liver. According to the World Health Organization, 325 million people globally live with a hepatitis infection.
Fatty liver disease: As the name suggests, fatty liver disease is caused by excessive fat buildup in the liver. But these can be of two types
According to the American College of Gastroenterology, the latter refers to a group of conditions where there is accumulation of excess fat in the liver of people who drink little or no alcohol. Obesity is thought to be the most common cause of fatty infiltration of the liver. Either of these conditions need to be managed, because a flare up can cause liver damage, that can even lead to cirrhosis and liver failure.
Experts recommend changes to the diet and lifestyle to cut risks and reduce complications.
As it is with most diseases, you need to be mindful of your diet, physical activity and general lifestyle. Beetroot juice, nuts, cruciferous veggies like brocolli and cauliflower, citrus fruits such as berries, grapes and oranges, oatmeal and garlic, can be great.
If alcohol consumption is a way of life for you, change it right now. Smoking is also injurious to liver health!
You must also understand that going for regular testing of your liver functioning will go a long way in keep it under check. Early detection of any problems will help you avoid more severe conditions.
If you feel symptoms like abdominal pain and swelling, swelling in the legs and ankles, itchy skin, dark urine colour, change in stool colour, chronic fatigue and nausea, it is best to consult a medical expert to check.
Try your best to avoid self-medication because precaution and prevention is the first positive step towards cure.
The pandemic has pushed a lot of people into finding natural or natural ingredients-based solutions to health problems. And for maintaining liver health, Hamdard, a pioneer in Unani medicines, has a solution in the syrup Jigreen and capsules Jigreena.
These are packed with complex multi-herb formulations and include ingredients like Revand Chini, Biranjasif, Arjuna, Sarphoka, Bhangra and Kalmegh Naushadhar. The medicines help protect the organ against harmful toxins from drugs, alcohol, food, and water. Find out more about the products here.
So, are you ready to protect your liver?
Disclaimer: This feature is sponsored by Hamdard Jigreen.
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