October is liver awareness month

October is National Liver Awareness Month and some tips to keep the liver healthy are as follows:

1. Eat a healthy balanced diet.

2. Wash your hands.

3. Avoid alcohol or use alcohol responsibly.

4. Follow directions on all medications.

5. Get vaccinated.

6. Don’t share razors, toothbrushes or nail clippers.

7. Practice safe sex.

8. Be careful with aerosol sprays.

Eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly help the liver to work well. Eating an unhealthy diet can lead to liver disease. For example, a person who eats a lot of fatty foods is at higher risk of being overweight and having non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Eat foods from all the food groups: grains, protein, dairy, fruits, vegetables, and fats

Eat foods that have a lot of fiber such as fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grain breads, rice and cereals.

Alcohol can damage or destroy liver cells. Liver damage can lead to the build up of fat in the liver (fatty liver), inflammation or swelling of the liver (alcoholic hepatitis), and/or scarring of liver (cirrhosis). For people with liver disease, even a small amount of alcohol can make the disease worse.

Toxins can injure liver cells.

Limit direct contact with toxins from cleaning and aerosol products, insecticides, chemicals, and additives in cigarettes. Do not smoke

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can keep liver healthy.