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Tips To Take Care of Your Liver

By Max Team in Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Endoscopy

Apr 18 , 2022 | 2 min read

The liver is a complex organ that has over 500 recognised functions. It is a football sized, reddish brown organ, situated next to the stomach, on the right side of our bodies. It is simultaneously the heaviest organ in our body and the largest gland. It is capable of regenerating its own cells, unlike any other organ in our body.

What is the function of a liver?

The liver does multiple things at once and some of its functions include:

It is responsible for metabolizing our food, drinks, medications, and drugs
It produces bile, an enzyme necessary for the breakdown of foods, especially fats
It stores blood, vitamins, minerals, and sugar
It is essential in hormonal production and breakdown after the body is done using hormones
It produces and breaks down amino acids, which are the building blocks of life
It helps in creating immune system factors to help prevent infections
It makes the factors that makes blood clot
In the embryonic stage of a human foetus, the liver is responsible for making red and white blood cells
It breaks down toxins in our blood

For an organ that works so hard, we must learn to take better care of it. Some Do’s and Don’ts for a healthy liver are:

Do:

Do eat whole, unprocessed foods like vegetables and meat (not red meat)
Do make sure to exercise regularly
Do get vaccinated for Hepatitis A and B. Hepatitis is a condition where the liver is inflamed and is often caused by viruses. Screening is available for Hepatitis C.

Hepatitis A is present in faecal matter, so wash your hands regularly, especially after changing diapers or before handling food.
Hepatitis B spreads through the contact of bodily fluids like blood, semen, etc. Hepatitis B cannot be transmitted by coughing.
Hepatitis C spreads through infected blood, like from reusing needles after drug use or tattoos/piercings.
Hepatitis D can only be detected in presence of Hepatitis B. It is necessary to get screened and vaccinated regularly
Hepatitis E is a waterborne disease, so be careful of the water you consume. Make sure it is filtered and treated for consumption. Do not drink from unknown sources.

Do practice safe sex
Do reduce salt, sugar and fat intake
Do drink black coffee regularly

Don’t:

Don’t engage in excessive drinking and smoking. Additives in cigarettes can cause liver disease
Don’t share personal items such as razors, toothbrushes and needles
Don’t mix medications with alcohol
Don’t consume herbs and supplements without consulting a doctor before
Don’t indulge in extreme diets and fad eating habits

Try these recipes for a healthy, happy liver!

Detox tea

Serves 1

Ingredients:

1 teaspoon grated ginger
One fourth teaspoon cinnamon powder
Half teaspoon honey
One cup water

Method: Add ginger and cinnamon to water and set it to boil. Add honey when taking off the stove. Boil for longer for a stronger tea.

Banana and mint leaves smoothie

Ingredients:

One third cup mint leaves
One frozen banana
Half lemon juice
Half teaspoon roasted zeera (cumin) powder
1 cup cold water.

Method: Grind all and drink immediately.

Spinach hummus with cucumber sticks

Ingredients:

Half cup boiled chickpeas
1 tablespoon steamed spinach
2 cloves garlic
Half teaspoon of black pepper powder
1 tablespoon low fat curd
Pinch of salt.

Method: Grind all the ingredients till smooth.

Oats and dates kheer

Serves 1

Ingredients:

Half cup low fat milk
One eighth cup coarsely powdered quick cooking rolled oats
1 soft date (finely chopped)
One fourth teaspoon green elaichi (cardamom) powder.

Method: Heat milk in a non-stick pan, add oats and date. Cook on medium flame for 3-4 minutes stirring continuously. Sprinkle green elaichi powder and serve hot or warm.

This can be eaten as a dessert and it aids in weight loss, is diabetic friendly and good for people suffering from fatty liver disease.