Maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, and avoiding alcohol are good habits that help take care of your liver and prevent disease. The liver performs many functions such as storing nutrients, producing bile to aid in fat digestion, and filtering waste from the blood. It also processes food, drinks, and drugs, detoxifies toxins, and produces proteins and blood clotting factors.
Dr. Vu Truong Khanh, Head of the Department of Gastroenterology at Tam Anh General Hospital in Hanoi, emphasizes the importance of a healthy liver for optimal metabolic functions. Impaired liver health can lead to diseases, but they can be prevented through lifestyle changes and practicing healthy habits daily.
Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial as obesity is a major risk factor for liver diseases, particularly fatty liver disease. Excess fat accumulation can lead to liver damage, so a healthy weight with a balanced diet is essential. Avoiding excessive alcohol consumption is also important as it can cause liver damage and other complications.
Smoking should be avoided as it contains toxins that increase the risk of liver cancer and worsen liver damage. A healthy diet rich in nutrients and fiber is recommended to protect liver health. Foods high in fat, sugar, and salt should be limited, while fruits, vegetables, whole grains, proteins, and healthy fats should be prioritized.
Drinking enough water helps eliminate toxins and improve liver function, while regular exercise has many health benefits including maintaining a healthy weight and reducing inflammation. Periodic health check-ups are important for early detection of liver conditions, as many liver diseases have no noticeable symptoms. Vaccines for hepatitis A and B are also recommended to prevent virus-related liver diseases.