TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The liver is the largest organ in the human body. Located on the right side of the body and below the rib cage, the liver not only functions as an organ but also as a gland because it produces various important chemicals such as proteins and hormones.
Quoted from the Cleveland Clinic, the liver performs hundreds of important functions for survival, including filtering toxins from the blood, storing energy in the form of glycogen, producing bile for fat digestion, metabolizing proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, and assisting in the blood clotting process.
The organ also stores fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E, and K, as well as important minerals such as iron and copper. The liver works together with almost every organ system in the body, including the endocrine, digestive, immune, and reproductive systems. The liver also plays a role in thyroid hormone metabolism, drug processing, and the breakdown of bilirubin from the breakdown of red blood cells.
Due to its vital role, even the smallest disruption to the liver can have systemic impacts on health. Maintaining liver health should be a priority given its crucial function in the human body.
According to WebMD, here are effective ways to take care of the liver:
1. Drink Coffee
Drinking coffee, whether filtered, instant, or espresso, can reduce the risk of liver disease, including fibrosis, cirrhosis, and even liver cancer. However, coffee is not a substitute for a healthy diet and balanced lifestyle.
2. Avoid Drug Overdose
Acetaminophen, found in more than 600 medications, including cold and fever medicines, can damage the liver if consumed excessively. The recommended maximum dose is 4,000 milligrams per day for adults.
3. Practice Safe Sex
Infections such as hepatitis C spread through sexual intercourse and can damage the liver without symptoms for years. Regular check-ups and safe sex practices are important to prevent the spread of this disease.
4. Adhere to Medication and Supplement Guidelines
In addition to acetaminophen, other drugs such as antibiotics and statins can also affect the liver if not taken as prescribed. Supplements with herbal plants such as comfrey and pennyroyal oil have been linked to serious liver damage.
5. Limit Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol makes the liver work hard to detoxify the body. Excessive consumption can lead to fatty liver and chronic damage. Experts agree that there is no completely safe amount of alcohol for the liver.
6. Maintain a Balanced Diet
Consuming high-fiber and colorful foods from fruits and vegetables can help the liver function optimally. Avoid processed foods, excessive sugar, and refined carbohydrates that can cause fat accumulation in the liver and trigger metabolic dysfunction-associated ateatotic liver disease (MASLD) or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
7. Maintain Body Weight and Composition
The ideal body mass index (BMI) ranges from 18 to 25. However, maintaining body composition is also important. Conditions such as skinny fat or obesity with low muscle mass increase the risk of liver disease even if the body weight appears normal.
8. Be Physically Active and Exercise Regularly
Physical activity not only helps maintain body weight but also increases insulin sensitivity and burns triglycerides-two important factors in maintaining liver health.
9. Routinely Wash Hands
Washing hands before meals and after using the bathroom can prevent infections such as hepatitis A, which spreads through contaminated food and beverages.
10. Avoid Toxin Exposure
Chemicals from household products, insect sprays, and cleansers can damage the liver if inhaled or absorbed through the skin. Use protective gear and good ventilation when using chemicals.
11. Undergo Liver Function Tests
If you have a family history of liver disease or frequently consume alcohol, regular check-ups are important. Early signs of liver damage are often not visible. Liver blood tests and function tests are crucial for early detection.
12. Hepatitis Vaccination
Vaccines for hepatitis A and B are available and recommended, especially if you have a weakened immune system or have shown liver damage. However, there is no vaccine for hepatitis C, so prevention is key.
The liver is not just a digestive organ but also the body's metabolism and detox center. By maintaining a healthy lifestyle, avoiding the consumption of harmful substances, and getting regular check-ups, you are investing in the health of your liver and your overall quality of life.
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