Understanding Your Liver: Essential Facts and Health Tips

The liver is one of your body's most crucial organs, performing hundreds of vital functions. Here's what you need to know about keeping it healthy.

Essential Liver Functions:

• Clears toxins from blood
• Produces bile for digestion
• Provides energy for the body
• Processes nutrients
• Regulates blood composition

Maintaining Liver Health:

• Follow a healthy diet rich in whole foods
• Exercise regularly
• Maintain a healthy BMI (under 30)
• Control diabetes
• Limit alcohol consumption

Diet Recommendations:

• Choose Mediterranean-style eating
• Include high-fiber foods
• Eat fresh fruits and vegetables
• Select whole-grain products
• Avoid excessive saturated fat, sugar, and salt
• Stay hydrated

Alcohol Guidelines:

• Men: Maximum 2 drinks per day
• Women: Maximum 1 drink per day
• Best option: Zero alcohol consumption
• If drinking, limit to 4-6 drinks weekly

Warning Signs of Liver Problems:

• Dark urine (iced tea color)
• Yellowing of eyes (jaundice)
• Clay-colored stools
• Persistent itching
• Ankle or abdominal swelling
• Chronic fatigue

Liver Testing:

• Recommended for those with risk factors
• Part of complete metabolic panel
• Universal hepatitis C screening recommended for adults 18+
• More frequent testing needed for high-risk individuals

High-Risk Factors for Hepatitis C:

• History of injection drug use
• HIV infection
• Blood transfusion before July 1992
• Healthcare workers exposed to blood
• Multiple sexual partners

Prognosis and Treatment:

• Early detection crucial for better outcomes
• Liver has strong regenerative capabilities
• Most liver diseases are treatable when caught early
• Hepatitis C has 95% cure rate with early treatment
• Regular check-ups important for prevention

The key to liver health is prevention through lifestyle choices and regular medical screening, especially if you have risk factors. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice and testing recommendations.

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