The liver is an organ of great importance that, among other things, acts as a filtering system for the body. Various habits and actions, however, can put you at risk without you even knowing it.

Alcohol consumption

Ingesting alcoholic beverages in excess can cause an overload on the liver since it is this organ that is responsible for processing alcohol in our body.

If liver cells are constantly overworking, this can lead to liver damage such as scarring called fibrosis or more severe damage, such as cirrhosis, details the Eat This, Not That! Portal.

To avoid liver damage, alcohol consumption should be moderate or, if possible, avoided altogether. Alcohol intake should not exceed one drink a day for women and up to two drinks a day for men, in the case of healthy adults. High-risk consumption is considered to be more than eight drinks a week for women and more than 15 drinks a week for men.

Use of Aerosol Sprays

The liver is a station that filters toxins in the body, but not only with what is ingested, but also filters the chemicals that one smells.

To avoid liver damage it is recommended to be careful when using sprays. It is advisable to use these products in a well-ventilated area and, if possible, wear a mask when spraying insecticides, fungicides, inks and other toxic chemicals. 

Detailed recommendations for the safe use of these products can be found on their labels.

Pesticides in food

The liver is responsible for cleaning toxins from the blood, but excessive exposure to these substances can be harmful to this organ.

Pesticides used to protect crops from insects, weeds, and other pests can be toxic to humans. 

Its health effects can be both acute and chronic, depending on the amount and mode of exposure, warns the World Health Organization.

For this reason, it is important to wash fruits and vegetables well or peel them before consuming them. This also reduces other sources of health hazards, such as pathogenic bacteria.

Tattoos and piercings

If you want to get a tattoo or get a piercing, it is essential to seek the service of professionals in the area who follow safety regulations, the main one being the use of properly sterilized materials.

If safety and hygiene measures are not followed, needles and other equipment can be a source of contamination from blood-borne diseases, such as hepatitis B and C, among others. 

These conditions can lead to permanent liver damage and even liver cancer, details the University of Michigan.

Bad nutrition

In addition to being a filter, the liver is responsible for processing what we eat and drink and transforming it into energy and nutrients. Thus, in order not to overload this organ, it is important to follow a balanced diet.

“If you eat a healthy diet, your liver “tells” you that you’re doing a great job. You get the message because your liver is able to function properly and, provided your overall health is good, you feel in great physical shape,” says the American Liver Foundation.

Sedentary life

Regular physical activity is key to good liver health. Exercise reduces stress on the liver, increases energy levels, and helps prevent obesity, a risk factor for liver disease.

It is recommended to do a total of 150 minutes of exercise a week. Physical activity can be spread over the days, for example, 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week.

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