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Overview of liver functions -

The liver is an organ separated into a right and left lobe with the falciform ligament between. The cells of the liver are known as hepatocytes.

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Overview of liver functions -

Some of the liver's primary functions include, bile production and excretion, metabolism of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, enzyme activation, and blood detoxification and purification.

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Common causes of liver damage -

While anyone can develop liver disease there are three main causes: alcohol, excess body weight, and viral hepatitis are behind 9 in 10 cases of liver disease.

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Symptoms of poor liver health -

Symptoms of poor liver health are split into three categories: early symptoms, later symptoms, and red-flag symptoms. The most serious symptoms are: fever, shortness of breath, vomiting blood, and very dark or black tarry stools.

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Liver detoxification process -

The liver contains specialized phagocytes called Kupffer cells, located in the lobules, and that are responsible for breaking down and eliminating cellular debris and harmful bacteria. Additionally, the liver detoxifies various external substances, including drugs and alcohol, as well as internal substances produced by the body.

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The role of diet in liver health -

Your diet is extremely important in general and specifically for maintaining a healthy liver. If you aren't aware of your diet,  then you might be more prone to obesity, which significantly increases your risk of developing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

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The importance of hydration -

Staying hydrated is essential for liver health. It aids in the filtration process and helps maintain healthy liver enzyme levels. Always carry a water bottle with you and make drinking water a staple in your day.

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The impact of sugar and fat on the liver -

Excess glucose in the blood actually turns into fat cells, and the liver is one of the places where our bodies store that excess fat. With time, the liver cells are replaced by fat cells, which can lead to non-alcohol-related fatty liver disease.

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Environmental toxins and liver health -

Air pollutants and chemical toxin exposure can significantly damage your organs, including the liver. Toxic liver disease may be mild or severe, and if it lasts for a long time, it could cause liver scarring or cirrhosis. 

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The gut-liver connection -

The gut and liver are closely connected through the gut-liver axis, which plays an important role in maintaining overall health. This relationship is primarily controlled by the portal vein, which carries nutrient-rich blood from the gastrointestinal tract directly to the liver.

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Exercise and liver function -

Regular exercise improves blood flow to the liver, changes the composition of bacteria in your body, decreases liver inflammation, and reduces body fat overall.

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Liver health and stress management -

A recent study shares that stress can contribute to the death of liver cells and worsen liver disease. It's important to manage your stress to stay healthy.

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Understanding liver enzymes -

"Liver enzymes are proteins that speed up chemical reactions in your body," according to The Clevland Clinic. One common liver enzyme is the Alkaline phosphatase (ALP).

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The importance of sleep for liver health -

If you're not getting seven to eight hours of sleep a night, you could be contributing to an incidence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The risk of fat deposition in the liver is increased by a whopping 24% for every hour of decrease in sleep that deviates from the recommended amount.

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Understanding liver inflammation -

If your liver is inflammed it's as a response to injury or toxicity. The liver is trying to purge infections and start the process of healing.

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Preventing liver disease -

According to Stanford Health Care, ways to prevent liver disease include maintaining a healthy weight, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding alcohol.

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Preventing liver disease -

Some actionable takeaways to help prevent liver disease include avoiding alcohol and fast food, taking care with aerosol sprays, and being sure to diet and exercise.

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Herbs -

The following slides will list ten essential herbs for aiding in liver health.

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Milk thistle (Silymarin) -

Milk thistle also known as Silymarin has been used for more than 2,000 years to treat liver conditions. Milk thistle may benefit certain people and research is ongoing.

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Ginseng -

It's believed that Ginseng has hepatoprotective properties and can help reduce inflammation in the liver as well as oxidative stress.

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Green tea -

Green tea is rich in antioxidants. Specifically, catechins, which can help protect the liver from damage, reduce fat accumulation, and improve liver enzyme levels.

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Licorice -

Licorice is a root that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may contribute to liver health. It's a sweet way to care for your health.

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Turmeric -

Turmeric contains curcumin which is a powerful antioxidant that is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and for promoting overall liver health.

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Garlic -

Garlic has compounds like allicin and selenium that may help detoxify the liver. Additionally. It may reduce oxidative stress and improve liver function by enhancing its natural detoxification processes.

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Ginger -

Whether you infuse some ginger with water or mix some into you dinner, Ginger's natural compounds have been linked to improved liver function as well as a reduced risk of liver diseases.

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Danshen -

Danshen has been used traditionally in Chinese medicine to treat liver-related disorders, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Research suggests that Danshen may have hepatoprotective effects.

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Ginkgo biloba -

Ginkgo biloba may support liver health by reducing oxidative damage and inflammation. However, its effects on the liver are usually considered mild compared to other herbs.

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Astragalus -

Astragalus is thought to promote liver health. It supposedly enhances the immune response, reduces liver inflammation, and provides antioxidant protection.
Sources: (Clevland Clinic) (Time of India) (British Liver Trust) (Johns Hopkins) (National Library of Medicine) (HealthMatch)
See also: Everyday things you didn't realize are harming your mental health

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