Repairing Your Liver: It’s Possible and Worth It
South Florida specialists want people to know that repairing your liver is possible, and laying off alcohol in January is only one way to kick-start the process.
The Importance of Liver Health
The liver performs more than 500 functions, including breaking down food and converting it into energy. Everything from bloating to fatigue to itching can be signs your liver is in trouble and in need of a break from alcohol or a massive change in diet. Liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer are major health threats that are on the rise.
Dr. Kalyan Bhamidimarri’s Insights
“Of all organs, the liver has the highest regenerative capacity,” says Dr. Kalyan Bhamidimarri with the Digestive Disease & Surgery Institute at Cleveland Clinic Weston Hospital.
Benefits of Dry January
After indulging in cocktails and nightcaps during the holidays, going without alcohol for “Dry January” has a number of health benefits, including reducing liver inflammation. How quickly that happens can depend on genetics and your overall health status.
“If you do 30 days of no drinking, you will feel so much better,” Bhamidimarri said. “The hope is the behavior will perpetuate better drinking habits throughout the year.”
Liver Damage and Disease
Alcohol has long been associated with liver disease. As the liver breaks down the alcohol, the chemical reaction releases a toxin, which damages liver cells.
Drinking excessively can cause alcoholic hepatitis, where the liver becomes inflamed and swollen. For men, it becomes taxing on the liver when you have more than 14 alcoholic drinks per week, and for women, when you have more than seven alcoholic drinks per week.
Liver damage is not just caused by alcohol, though.
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
“People tend to associate liver disease with alcohol, but it can be caused by anything that injures the liver,” said Mohammadali Mohajel Shoja, a medical professor and researcher at Nova Southeastern University.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is on the rise. With this, fat builds up in the liver, mostly from being overweight or obese. It can lead to severe liver scarring, called cirrhosis, which is not reversible.
Lifestyle Improvements for Liver Health
The best defense, he said, comes from lifestyle improvements before irreversible damage sets in. Along with participating in Dry January, here are other things you can do to improve your liver health:
Change Your Diet
Steer clear of processed and fast food, particularly those high in sugar, fat and salt. Instead, eat more fruit and vegetables and foods high in fiber.
Drink Coffee
Studies show drinking coffee can be beneficial for liver health. Coffee is antioxidant-rich, and its compounds appear to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects on the liver. A new study out this week revealed that drinking coffee before noon has the most beneficial health impact.
Exercise
Any body movement helps. “When you exercise, it moves fat out of your liver, into your bloodstream and towards your muscles,” said Dr. Kyle Eldredge, a Wellington surgeon. “It can reduce liver inflammation.”
Avoid Supplements
While Vitamin E is considered an antioxidant that may reduce inflammation, there is no substantial evidence that dietary supplements are good for liver health. In fact, some herbs and supplements can cause damage to the liver such as tumeric, ashwagandha and green tea extract. Eldredge said adopting a healthy diet is more beneficial than taking supplements.
Read Warning Labels on Medications
When multiple medications are taken at the same time, it can overload the liver’s ability to metabolize them, causing toxic buildup and resulting in liver injury, Eldredge said. Some medications, even alone, are problematic. “Too much Tylenol at one time can put you in liver failure,” he said. Also, mixing alcohol and medications like antibiotics can be problematic. “Alcohol and antibiotics are both metabolized by the liver, which can increase the stress on the liver.”
Consider Medication
In March, the Food & Drug Administration approved a drug called resmetirom (Rezdiffra) that reduces liver fat accumulation and liver scarring. Researchers hope the medication for fatty liver disease, referred to as a “breakthrough therapy,” triggers more treatments ahead.
Conclusion
Repairing your liver is possible, and it’s worth making lifestyle changes to improve your liver health. By avoiding alcohol, changing your diet, exercising regularly, and being mindful of medications and supplements, you can reduce your risk of liver disease and improve your overall health.
FAQs
Q: How quickly can I expect to see improvements in my liver health?
A: The speed of improvement depends on genetics and overall health status. However, Dr. Bhamidimarri suggests that after 30 days of no drinking, you will feel better and may see improvements in liver inflammation.
Q: Can I still drink coffee if I have liver disease?
A: Yes, coffee has been shown to be beneficial for liver health. However, it’s essential to consult with your doctor before making any changes to your diet or supplement routine.
Q: Are there any medications that can help with liver health?
A: Yes, the FDA has approved a drug called resmetirom (Rezdiffra) that reduces liver fat accumulation and liver scarring. Researchers hope this medication will trigger more treatments ahead.
Q: Can I still take supplements if I have liver disease?
A: No, there is no substantial evidence that dietary supplements are good for liver health. In fact, some herbs and supplements can cause damage to the liver. It’s essential to consult with your doctor before taking any supplements.
