The month of January is Love Your Liver Month!
Yes, it’s that time of year! Following the overindulgence of the festive period that many of us experience, January is the perfect time for us to consider thinking about getting our bodies back on track!
The British Liver Trust promote the ‘Love Your Liver’ campaign during January each year. But… why love your liver? Here are some interesting facts –
- The liver is the largest solid organ in the body, about the size of a rugby ball and sits in the upper right portion of your abdomen.
- The liver carries out over 500 functions, most notable of which includes breaking down food and converting it into energy. It also helps to breakdown waste products and toxins.
- It helps to keep your brain healthy by breaking down toxins that could otherwise be harmful.
- Like an elastic band, the liver works hard and can handle most of what comes its way, it can also regenerate in the right circumstances (in fact the only organ that can do so), however it can only handle so much before it struggles to cope. There are many myths surrounding liver disease, including that it is mainly caused by alcohol, see: Liver disease myths.
The British Liver Trust suggest three key things you can do to ‘love your liver’, these are –
- Cut down on alcohol; many people are trying dry January, however if you do drink alcohol having an extended period being alcohol free is a good idea at any time of the year.
- Reduce your chance of developing a fatty liver by eating a balanced diet and try daily exercise – check out tips via the Playwell webpage on Connects – this will help to maintain a healthy weight. For more info, see weight, diet, physical activity and liver disease.
- Reduce your chance of contracting viral hepatitis – read the British Liver Trust awareness article for more information.
Together, alcohol, being overweight and viral hepatitis account for 9 out of 10 cases of liver disease.
You may also wish to try the Love your Liver online screening form, which provides an indication of whether you may potentially be at higher risk of having liver problems.
If you have any concerns or worries (NHS Signs and Symptoms of liver disease) please speak to your GP.