We all know that in order to maintain a beautiful figure, desired weight, and heart health, it is necessary to adhere to certain restrictions and diets. But is it equally obvious that food also affects the liver? There is a silent disease that affects nearly a quarter of the adult population in the world, and it's not type 2 diabetes, but rather a condition known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
A person may not notice this disease for a prolonged period. Symptoms of the disease often do not manifest until the liver undergoes serious changes in its structure and function. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is not discussed as frequently as other conditions. However, this lack of attention is unjustified because over time, the progression of this condition (from steatosis to fibrosis and cirrhosis) can lead to very grim consequences.
Everything we eat, from fatty fried dishes to sweet desserts, affects the liver, as one of the main functions of this organ is the detoxification and metabolism of everything that enters.
What factors affect our liver?
Rich, smoked, and spicy. The liver is responsible for digesting fats. Excessive consumption of fatty, fried, or fast food places a substantial burden on the liver. Fats accumulate within it, triggering inflammatory processes. Furthermore, a consistent intake of spicy food prompts the liver to produce an excessive amount of bile. This overproduction can potentially lead to the formation of gallstones in the gallbladder or bile ducts.
Fast food. Indeed, this might seem like a very convenient way to have a snack. However, many of these products are made from low-calorie ingredients with high fat content, which can have a detrimental effect on the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, and bile ducts.
Sugar and sweet beverages. According to the American Heart Association, adults consume up to 75 kg of artificially added sugar per year. The primary sources of this sugar are sweetened beverages, including carbonated drinks, juices, sugary baked goods, candies, and dairy desserts. Excess sugar that isn't used for energy is stored as fat in liver cells.
Salty foods. Researchers from the American Chemical Society have studied the negative impact of excess salt on liver cells. It increases the risk of liver cell death and slows down the process of new cell formation.
Acidic fruits and vegetables. These products contain acids. When you eat such products excessively and consistently, they may disrupt the functioning of the gallbladder and lead to bile stasis in the bile ducts due to their acidic nature.
By abandoning dietary habits that harm the liver, many problems with the liver and other organs can be prevented. Additionally, there is a bonus: your weight will normalize as well. According to the Journal of Clinical Investigation, the majority of liver fat comes from adipose tissue (body fat). A 10% reduction in body weight significantly reduces the amount of fat in the liver.
How to maintain the healthy liver?
First of all, it is important to consume foods that support liver health. This includes the following beneficial products:
- bread made from hard varieties of wheat, rye, yeast-risen baked pies, and dry biscuits. It's worth noting that experts recommend consuming bread that is a day old, as it is more beneficial for health;
- boiled fish of lean varieties, as well as lean poultry meat;
- sour cream and olive oil;
- soups made from vegetable broth;
- dairy products;
- mild and low-fat cheeses;
- raw, boiled, or stewed vegetables in a minced form.
How else can you support your liver besides adjusting your diet?
No matter how perfect your eating regimen may be, there are times when it's not possible to obtain all the necessary nutrients. Furthermore, if you're experiencing liver problems, simply changing your diet might not be sufficient. Therefore, comprehensive plant-based hepatoprotectors like Hepaklin® can come to the aid of a liver affected by poor-quality food.
Hepaklin® is a unique herbal complex that enhances the liver's resistance to damage from toxic substances (medications, junk food, alcohol, and other toxic compounds), stimulates the regeneration of damaged liver cells, and promotes the normalization of formation and outflow of the bile.
Furthermore, due to its plant-based components, Hepaklin®:
- promotes a reduction in fat accumulation in liver cells (Picrorhiza kurroa rhizome extract).
- contributes to lowering cholesterol levels in the blood, thereby improving lipid metabolism (Tinospora cordifolia stem extract).
- exhibits choleretic, spasmolytic, and anti-inflammatory effects (Boerhavia diffusa extract)
And most importantly, remember: the health of your liver is entirely in your hands. Stay healthy