Something that is not negotiable is our health, so we want you to know how to protect your liver from excesses this coming Christmas.
After a year of confinement and restriction measures, this Christmas comes with the illusion of resuming family and work meetings and celebrations. However, these meetings bring with them the intake of meals after hours and the consumption of liquor, which could trigger health effects.
One of the most affected organs at this time is the liver, which is responsible for reducing toxins in the blood.
The liver is an essential organ for the body to perform its functions properly, as it eliminates toxins, regulates blood coagulation, and is responsible for more than 500 vital functions for the body.
Given the classic excesses of Christmas, it is important that people understand that the liver can be directly affected, so it is advisable to protect it, take care of it and avoid complications that over time can cause major health problems.
Foods and drinks that affect the liver
Diets that do not keep adequate portions generate liver problems, preventing it from fulfilling its functions. “If a single function is affected, the whole organism suffers the consequences; for example, if the liver stops producing bile, which is vital for digestion, the disturbance causes intoxication.
Consumed in excess, the following foods could be dangerous:
Fats: Although the liver is designed to process fats, the problem arises when they accumulate due to their abundant consumption, which hinders their functions, giving way to a fatty liver.
Sugars: Excess sugar or also called carbohydrates, such as:
- Grains: Like bread, noodles, pasta, crackers, cereals, and rice.
- Fruits: Like apples, bananas, berries, mangoes, melons, and oranges.
- Dairy products: Like milk and yogurt.
- Legumes: Including dried beans, lentils, and peas.
- Snacks and sweets: Such as cakes, cookies, candies, and other desserts.
- Beverages: Juices, soft drinks, fruit drinks, sports and energy drinks with sugar.
Starchy vegetables: Such as potatoes, corn and peas are more harmful than many people think, but we emphasize that if they are consumed in excess, the accumulation of fats in the liver initially causes hepatic steatosis, which is what we popularly know as fatty liver.
Alcoholic beverages: Alcohol is toxic to the body, and having to process so many toxic substances, the liver makes an overexertion and can be injured. Let us remember that Christmas drinks such as eggnog and punch also contain alcohol, so their consumption should be moderate, preferable as far as possible, not consuming alcoholic beverages.
Symptoms of a diseased liver
It is recommended to be alert to the following symptoms, which are the most common of an affected liver:
Excessive tiredness. Since the liver is mainly responsible for the transformation of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins into energy, problems in this organ could cause a drop in energy levels, which is why the person feels tired.
Pain in the upper right side of the abdomen. Inflammation and irritation of the liver can cause severe pain in the upper right part of the abdomen, just below the ribs.
Yellowish coloration in the eyes. This is a symptom of serious cases, and it happens because when the liver is injured, there is an accumulation of bilirubin in the blood, which manifests as a yellow tint in the eyes, skin, and mucous membranes.
Accumulation of fluid in the abdomen. Another symptom of very severe cases, known as ascites. This condition is characterized by the accumulation of large amounts of fluid, causing the abdomen to increase in volume, sometimes causing loss of appetite and difficulty breathing.
How to protect the liver?
It is important to take preventive measures to protect the liver and keep it functioning at its best and avoid serious future problems. Among the main recommendations are:
Use hepatoprotectors. Especially in times of excess, these substances support the normal functions of the liver. Components such as Cynara Scolymus, a derivative of the artichoke, helps it to properly produce and eliminate bile, optimizing the metabolism of food.
Eat a balanced diet. To maintain a healthy and strong liver it is recommended to eat fruits, greens and vegetables, especially when people have been diagnosed with fatty liver. Proteins should not exceed 20% of the total amount of food consumed in the day, as well as carbohydrates should represent 50% of food, while fats should never exceed 30%.
Avoid alcohol and tobacco. The liver is the main one in charge of processing toxins, so the intake of these substances hinders its functions.
Exercise daily. At least 30 minutes of daily exercise supports the proper functioning of the liver. Some exercise options could be walking, aerobics, bicycling, running, or in general, practicing the sport of your choice.
Get regular medical checkups. When it comes to health, the best option is prevention. The ideal is to visit the doctor every 6 months, to check the good state of health or detect alterations in time, in order to start treatment if necessary.
Do not self-medicate. Self-medication is an action that is not recommended, it can trigger side effects and adverse reactions, which affect health even more. It is extremely important to consult a trusted doctor before the appearance of any symptoms.
