3 Simple Ways To Love Your Liver

A national awareness campaign run by The British Liver Trust, Love Your Liver, aims to raise awareness about the potential risks that alcohol, obesity and viral hepatitis can have on your liver health. Love Your Liver campaign seeks to reduce the number of cases and the impact of liver disease throughout the UK. 

Liver disease is the fifth largest killer in the United Kingdom and the Love Your Liver campaign aims to reduce this statistic by supporting patients, promoting awareness campaigns and funding research into the causes and treatments of liver disease. It is extremely important to look after your liver - You only have one, so here’s 3 simple ways to make sure it’s healthy:

1. Alcohol

The British Liver Trust reports that a quarter of us drink at levels that could potentially risk our health. Women are advised to drink no more than 2-3 units per day and men are advised to drink no more than 3-4 units. Regularly drinking above the recommended amount can damage your liver which can lead to alcohol related liver disease (ALD) and liver cancer. 

How To Look After Your Liver

Your Liver works hard to complete many jobs inside your body, and one of these tasks includes destroying poisons and drugs, such as alcohol. To protect your liver against alcohol related damage you should make sure to give your liver a well-deserved break. Take two days in a row without alcohol every week. This will reduce the potential impact that alcohol can have on your liver. 
    
2.  Fatty Liver

Your liver is similar to an elastic band - it only has the capacity to stretch so far before it snaps and breaks. Your liver works to process the food that you consume once it has been digested. If you often overeat you increase your risk of developing Fatty Liver Disease, as a buildup of fatty deposits can cause inflammation and scarring. 

How To Look After Your Liver

You can help your liver by eating a well-balanced diet and drinking plenty of water. Aim to eat your five portions of fruit and veg per day and maintain regular exercise throughout the week. A combination of both diet and exercise will have the best effect on your liver health. If you are overweight and you want to lose weight healthily - avoid crash diets and adapt your lifestyle permanently. 

3. Viral Hepatitis

There are a variety of viruses that can cause hepatitis, however the most common conditions are hepatitis A, B and C.

What is Hepatitis A? 

Hepatitis A is passed from person to person by eating and drinking substances that are contaminated with the virus. Many will recover from hepatitis A without suffering from long lasting liver damage.

What is Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is found in blood and body fluid and causes serious liver damage.

What is Hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C is carried in the blood and causes damage to the liver.

Both hepatitis B and C can result in permanent liver damage and can increase the risk of liver cancer. 

How To Look After Your Liver   

Protect your liver against the damage that hepatitis can cause. If you are travelling abroad, ensure to get vaccinated against Hepatitis A and B. Never share personal items that may be contaminated, such as toothbrushes, razors, tweezers or nail scissors and always practice safe sex.