October 1, 2016 backyardstudios

October is Liver Awareness Month: 5 Health Tips for a Healthy Liver

1. Get Moving!
   Regular exercise is key to a healthy liver. Exercise increases energy levels, decreases stress on the liver, and helps to prevent obesity – a high risk factor for liver disease. Aim for a total of 150 minutes of exercise, such as brisk walking, per week.
2. Eat More Fiber
   Eat more high-fiber foods such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables. For proteins, choose more fish, beans and nuts, and cut down on red meats.
3. Limit Alcohol Intake
   Alcohol can damage liver cells and lead to the swelling or scarring that becomes cirrhosis, which can be deadly.
4. Watch Out For Certain Medicines
   Some cholesterol drugs can occasionally have a side effect that causes liver problems, and the painkiller acetaminophen (Tylenol) can hurt your liver if you take too much. Always talk to your physician or pharmacist before taking any medications.
5. Visit Your Doctor
   Regular checkups with your PCP can uncover many diseases at an early stage, and oftentimes these can be reversed or successfully controlled. There are vaccines for hepatitis A & B, and the CDC recommends all baby boomers get tested for hepatitis C.