You cannot survive without a properly functioning liver. Your liver helps keep toxins out of your body and allows you to absorb nutrients from the foods you eat, reports the MayoClinic.com. Therefore, it is vital to take steps to keep your liver functioning properly and do what you can to avoid liver disease or liver failure.
Keep Your Weight Down
Being overweight can have a negative effect on your liver health. According to MayoClinic.com, being obese can cause you to develop nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. It is important to manage your weight by watching what you eat and getting plenty of exercise. Talk with your doctor about your risks of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and the options you have to reduce your risks.
Get Your Vaccines
Vaccines are currently available for hepatitis A and B. These vaccines are available to most people, but they are especially important for people with suppressed immune systems. Talk with your doctor about whether you are a good candidate for these vaccinations. Getting these vaccines can help you protect your liver form contracting these forms of hepatitis in the future. Hepatitis can lead to problems with your liver.
Think Before You Drink
Alcohol, even when consumed in moderate amounts, can have a negative effect on the health of your liver. Keep your alcohol intake to a minimum by drinking no more than one alcoholic beverage a day if you are a woman and two drinks per day if you are a man. To maximize liver health, you should stop drinking alcohol entirely. Over time, alcohol can cause cirrhosis of the liver, and the only way to correct the problem may be a liver transplant.
Practice Safe Sex
Engaging in safe sex will reduce your risk of contracting hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Use condoms when engaging in sexual acts, including oral and anal sex.
Follow Directions on Medications
Some medications, such as acetaminophen, can reach toxic levels in your liver if they are not taken properly or are taken if you consume alcohol. The Cleveland Clinic reports that overdosing on acetaminophen is the most prevalent cause of acute liver failure.
Follow directions on drug labels and take medications only when absolutely necessary. Consult your doctor before taking prescription medications or nonprescription medications together. Avoid drinking alcohol while you are taking medication.
Avoid Wild Mushrooms
Avoid eating mushrooms that have been found in the woods or anywhere outside. While mushrooms are a commonly eaten food, species of wild mushrooms can have toxic effects and send your liver into acute failure, notes the Cleveland Clinic.
Avoid Toxic Substances
Your liver removes toxins from your body, and exposing yourself to toxins can decrease your liver function. MayoClinic.com recommends that to protect your liver it is important to avoid putting insecticides or other toxic chemical directly on your skin; harmful chemical sprays should be used only in well-ventilated areas and with proper protection by a face mask.
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