Ditch the detox
But before you rush to start the latest
detox regime, be aware that doctors don’t endorse “quick fix” remedies. “These
detoxes are of no benefit and are potentially harmful,” says Prof Spearman. Dr
Pappas also views detoxes as ineffective and suggests that, “The best way to
detox is to adopt a healthy, moderate way of life. If you look after your
liver, it’ll most likely look after you.”
Small adjustments to your daily routine can
make all the difference in keeping your liver healthy. Here are 10 ways to love
your liver:
1. Sip mart: More than two units of alcohol
a day can dramatically increase the risk of liver disease in women. Cut back on
excessive drinking and give your body days off where you don’t consume any.
Cleanse your body naturally by drinking eight glasses of water a day.
2. Hit the gym: As obesity and liver
disease are directly correlated, make sure to maintain a healthy weight. The
Good Life Dietitians advise, “If you’re overweight, aim to lose no more than
0.5kg to 1kg per week” to prevent gallstones and an imbalance to metabolism.
Regular exercise also helps boost your immune system, as well as the production
of liver enzymes.
If
you’re overweight, aim to lose no more than 0.5kg to 1kg per week”
3. It’s all about balance: Experts endorse a balanced diet that
consists of all food groups and is low in salt and sugars.
Make sure that you limit your intake
of saturated fats, such as full-cream dairy and processed foods, as well as
refined carbohydrates, like pastries and cakes.
4. Choose foods wisely: detoxify by eating
foods high in antioxidants. Choose more fresh fruits and vegetables such as
berries, broccoli can cabbage. Lower your fat intake and opt for healthy fats,
like avocado and nuts.
Choose
foods wisely
5. Get protected: “Consider getting
hepatitis A and B vaccinations as contracting hepatitis can lead to liver
damage and disease,” says Prof Spearman.
As hepatitis can be transmitted sexually, unprotected sex
poses a huge risk to your health. Practise safe sex to protect both you and
your partner.
“Consider
getting hepatitis A and B vaccinations as contracting hepatitis can lead to
liver damage and disease”
6. Up your zinc: A deficiency here is
linked to chronic liver disease and cirrhosis. Eat more zinc-rich foods, like
seeds, or consider taking a supplement.
7. Get needled: “Acupuncture can help
balance the liver, enabling it to function harmoniously,” says
Johannesburg-based acupuncturist Dr Paul West.
“If liver chi is
constrained over a long period of time, our emotional life will be characterized
by depression, irritability and emotional tension in general.”
8. Fill up your cuppa: Harvard Medical
School (US) recently reported that drinking coffee can prevent liver disease.
By drinking just a cup a day, you may lower the risk of liver
scarring an inflammation. But don’t overdo it.
9. Don’t blitz too many vits: “It’s a
common misbelieve that supplements are always healthy and protective. In fact,
the overuse of vitamins may strain your liver and lead to liver dysfunction,”
warns Dos Santos. Avoid unnecessary medication and consult a doctor about any
supplements you want to take.
Avoid
unnecessary medication and consult a doctor about any supplements you want to
take.
10. Sort out your snoring: Research shows
that lack of oxygen caused by sleep apnoea can cause mild liver damage.
