It Is Liver Awareness Month

Your liver is one of the critical organs in your body. A healthy liver is essential to your overall health and well-being. 

Liver diseases or damage cause disturbances of critical liver functions. Interfere with protein production, blood clotting, and many metabolic processes. 

Liver failure occurs progressively over many years. Eventually, the liver fails to perform optimally. 

Causes of liver damage or failure include:

• Genetics, alcohol, toxins, 
• Parasites. 
• Viruses spread through blood or semen or contaminated food or water. 
• Fat accumulation in the liver.  
• A disease such as Cirrhosis can lead to liver failure. 

Facts about Liver Damage:

• Obesity or being overweight cultivates a fatty liver. 
• Chronic alcohol abuse allows fat accumulation to occur in liver cells. Genetics, an abnormal gene can cause various substances to build up in your liver. 
• The most common types of liver infections stem from hepatitis viruses. Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C. These can spread by accidental needle sticks or improper cleanup of blood or body fluids. 
• Epstein Barr virus is also a trigger for liver damage.
• Chemicals or minerals can cause liver damage. 
• Abnormal cancer cells can infiltrate your liver.

Avoidance is the Best Way to fight liver disease

Tips for keeping your liver in tip-top shape: Food

• Nutrition matters. Eat a balanced diet. Fiber, whole-grain bread, cereals, fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds are good choices.
• Avoid saturated fats, and refined carbohydrates. 
• Steers clear of raw or undercooked shellfish. Limit your consumption of red meats. 
• Take advantage of low-fat milk, cheese, fish, and vegetable oils. 
• Always keep your food safe. Wash hands before preparing food or eating and immediately after handling bathroom wastes.
• Good Hydration matters, ensure sufficient water.

Lifestyle Tips:

• Get vaccinated for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and C.
• Keep your weight in check. Obesity means a fatty liver causing liver disease.
• Take care with aerosol sprays to minimize your exposure to toxins. Avoid cleaning products, insecticides, and chemicals that can injure liver cells. 
• Handwashing is essential. Use soap and warm water for handwashing. 
• Refrain from sharing personal hygiene items that carry others' body fluids. Even razors and toothbrushes are off-limits, possible contamination.
• Put into practice safe sex if having unprotected sex or sex with several partners. Avoid risky behaviors. 
• Avoid contaminated needles from Tattoos, body piercings, or unsafe injection practices. 
• Try to find medical care if you are in contact with someone's blood or body fluids.
• Seek testing following any skin penetration involving sharp instruments or needles.
• Use alcohol in moderation or not at all. Alcohol can cause scarring, damage, or destroy liver cells. 
• Never mix alcohol with other drugs not medically prescribed.
• Say no to illicit drugs, pain relievers, tranquilizers, or stimulants. 
• Let your doctor know about your usage of over-the-counter medicines, supplements, natural or herbal remedies. 
• Follow directions on all prescribed medications. 
• If you are a smoker, quit smoking.
• Staying fit with exercise is healthful. A regular exercising regimen helps to reduce liver fat.
• It is good liver health practice to follow up with your doctor should you have any concerns about your liver.