A Women’s Health Week Guide to Liver Health
Women’s Health Week, from 4th to 8th September, is dedicated to empowering women to take charge of their well-being. This year’s theme, ‘Grow your knowledge,’ encourages women to make informed decisions about their health. One crucial aspect of women’s health that often goes unnoticed is liver health, and the role nutrition plays in maintaining a healthy liver.
The liver is an incredible organ that performs a wide range of vital functions, from filtering toxins and metabolising nutrients to aiding digestion and regulating hormones.
Supporting your liver
You can support your liver health by:
- Loading up on Fruits and Vegetables: A diet rich in fruits and vegetables provides essential antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that aid liver function.
- Choose Lean Proteins: Opt for lean protein sources like poultry, fish, tofu, and legumes. These proteins help repair liver cells and support detoxification processes.
- Whole Grains: Whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat bread provide complex carbohydrates and fibre that promote a stable blood sugar level and help maintain a healthy liver.
- Healthy Fats: Include healthy fats from sources such as avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil. These fats are essential for proper liver function and overall health.
- Limit Sugar and Processed Foods: High sugar intake and processed foods can strain the liver and contribute to fatty liver disease. Minimize your consumption of sugary drinks, snacks, and highly processed meals.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough water is crucial for liver health as it aids in the detoxification process. Aim for at least eight glasses of water a day.
- Use Alcohol responsibly: While it’s best to avoid alcohol altogether, even reducing the amount you drink can have a positive effect on your liver’s health. If you have an existing liver condition it is best not to drink alcohol at all. Talk to your doctor if you want support in reducing your alcohol intake.
By making informed choices about nutrition and lifestyle, you can support your liver’s vital functions. Grow your knowledge and make the best choices for your liver, and in turn, for your overall health and happiness.
