Anything that keeps your liver from doing its job
may put your life in danger.
Why is the liver important?
The liver is the second largest organ in your body and is located under your rib cage on the right side. It weighs about three pounds and is shaped like a football that is flat on one side.
The liver performs many jobs in your body. It processes what you eat and drink into energy and nutrients your body can use. The liver also removes harmful substances from your blood.
What are ways to take care of the liver?
- Have a healthy lifestyle, eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly help the liver to work well.
- Eat foods from all the food groups: grains, fruits, vegetables, meat and beans, milk, and oil
- Maintain a healthy weight, limit the amount of alcohol you drink – alcohol can damage or destroy liver cells.
- Talk to your doctor about what amount of alcohol to drink is right for you Manage Your Medications When medicines are taken incorrectly — by taking too much or the wrong type or by mixing — the liver can be harmed.
- Learn about medicines and how they can affect the liver
- Follow dosing instructions
- Talk to a doctor or pharmacist about the medicines you are taking Mixing alcohol and medicines can harm your liver, even if they are not taken at the same time. Avoid Breathing in or Touching Toxins Toxins can injure liver cells.
- Limit direct contact with toxins from cleaning and aerosol products, insecticides, chemicals, and additives in cigarettes
- Do not smoke
The liver plays an important role in many bodily functions from protein production and blood clotting to cholesterol, glucose and iron metabolism.