Don’t Ruin Your Liver With Harmful Habits by missbehave247(m): 12:50pm On Aug 19, 2015 |
In humans, the liver is very important because of the numerous functions it performs. Scientists say this vital organ, being one of the largest in humans, detoxifies the body by ridding it of harmful substances, while it also produces the biochemical substances that are necessary for proper digestion of food.
The presence of a healthy liver in the body is what makes the blood what it is, experts say, as the liver produces the albumin – a major component of blood serum.
A General Practitioner, Dr. Daniel Ogunboyejo, says when a woman is pregnant, in the first three months, the liver is the main site of red blood cell production in the foetus. And even after the baby is born, this organ produces the hormone that plays an important role in the child’s growth and continues to aid the building up of organs and tissues in adults.
Ogunboyejo also notes that when a person’s blood pressure becomes low (hypotension), the liver, working in tandem with the kidneys, produces angiotensinogen – a hormone that is responsible for raising the blood pressure when activated by another enzyme (renin) that is released when the kidney senses low blood pressure.
Experts say the liver is thought to be responsible for up to 500 separate functions, usually in combination with other systems and organs. And that is why they conclude that this organ is necessary for survival, as there is no way to compensate for its absence in the body in the long term.
Scientists say the liver is basically the ‘body’s filter.’ The function of the liver is to process medications, alcohol, and other such chemicals and toxins and remove them from the body. “Therefore, anything you put into your body will, at some point and in some form, pass through the liver,” Ogunboyejo warns.
[size=14pt]Liver destroyers[/size]
At a media briefing about Hepatitis C, a specialist in hepatology, gastroenterology and endoscopy, Dr. Aderemi Oluyemi, warns that numerous activities can jeopardise the liver, leading to damages that are sometimes irreversible unless the patient goes for liver transplantation – an extreme and expensive procedure that is not available in the country. How can you damage your liver? These ways…
[size=14pt]Abusing anabolic steroids[/size]
Many people, especially athletes, body builders and weight lifters, use anabolic steroids without supervision by a competent physician. Yet experts say these synthetic variants of the male sex hormone (testosterone), if used regularly and for a long period, can raise the risk of developing liver cancer as well as some other cancers.
It can also result in liver tumours; the liver may be enlarged, become deep red in colour and fragile.
“It may also lead to haemorrhagic cystic degeneration of the liver – a rare condition that requires urgent surgery,” Ogunboyejo notes.
[size=14pt]Unguarded antibiotics, painkiller use[/size]
Many of the over-the-counter drugs that we use casually without consulting the doctor affect our liver the way we don’t imagine, Ogunboyejo says.
For instance, physicians say drugs used to treat epilepsy (anticonvulsants), cholesterol-lowering drugs (statins), acetaminophen (painkillers) and isotretinoin (used to treat severe acne) all have terrible effects on the liver.
Worse still, a study published in the journal Gastroenterology also shows that of all types of prescription drugs, antibiotics are the ones most likely to cause liver damage.
Ogunboyejo laments that in most cases, people don’t just take these drugs in isolation; rather, they may combine two at a time. For instance, it isn’t improbable for people to take a combination of antibiotics and paracetamol. “In which case, you increase your risks of liver damage exponentially,” the doctor warns.
The physician therefore counsels, “If you have recently finished a course of antibiotics, or if you have been taking them long-term, it is vital to ask your doctor for a liver function test to determine the health of your liver.”
[size=14pt]Uncontrolled diabetes[/size]
According to Diabetologist/Medical Director, Rainbow Specialist Medical Centre, Lekki Phase 1, Dr. Afokoghene Isiavwe, people who are diabetic are more likely to develop liver damage than people with normal blood sugar level.
“More than people probably realise, diabetes has terrible effects on the liver. That is why I recommend that every diabetic has a blood test and ultrasound to check on the health of their liver annually,” she advises.
She adds that the closer you are to a healthy body weight, and the closer to normal your blood sugar level is, the better your liver’s health.
[size=14pt]Impure water, alcohol use[/size]
What is the source of the water you drink? For the average Nigerian, we source our water from privately-owned wells or boreholes, which may not be bad enough if the wells are up to standard depth and the water sweet, odourless and colourless.
However, many people don’t know the ‘texture’ of their water, which may be hard or soft.
A study carried out by Scottish researchers show that those who drink ‘soft’ water and who also consume alcohol risk developing Alcoholic Liver Disease – a major killer.
Soft water is water which has relatively low concentration of calcium carbonate and other ions. It lathers with soap easily and contains few or no minerals such as calcium or magnesium ions.
The study author/liver transplant surgeon, Prof. Roger Williams, says those who drink soft water are exposed to the risk of liver damage because such waters contain lower levels of magnesium – the mineral that helps to protect the liver from the effects of alcohol.
But even on its own, Alcoholic Liver Disease occurs after years of heavy drinking, says a nutritionist, Dr. Tobi Lawrence. “Alcohol can cause inflammation in the liver; and over time, scarring and cirrhosis can occur. Cirrhosis is the final phase of alcoholic liver disease,” she counsels.
Lawrence notes that the longer the time you have been using alcohol, the higher your chances of getting liver disease go up.
“It is also based on the more alcohol you consume,” she warns; advising that even those who claim to be moderate drinkers can still have damaged liver if it’s a habit they persist in for a long period.
[size=14pt]Smoking[/size]
Smoking is harmful to virtually every organ in your body. Scientists say there are over 60 chemicals in cigarette smoke, all of which have the potential to affect and disturb all parts of the human anatomy.
These chemicals prevent the liver from performing its main function by making it to age and become less efficient at removing toxins from the body.
[size=14pt]Fatty foods[/size]
Lawrence says foods that are processed and contain lots of preservatives, fats and cholesterol can cause the liver to become clogged with fat residue. Avoid processed, deep fried or fatty foods such as sausage, bacon, corned beef, etc., to allow the liver to unblock itself and regenerate its cells.
[size=14pt]Symptoms of liver damage[/size]
Symptoms of liver diseases include weakness and fatigue, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, and yellow discolouration of the skin (jaundice).
Cc:lalasticlala, sissy3 Source: http://www.punchng.com/health/healthwise/dont-ruin-your-liver-with-harmful-habits/ 24 Likes 9 Shares |
Re: Don’t Ruin Your Liver With Harmful Habits by Islie: 2:07pm On Aug 19, 2015 |
Your liver......
Your life
Guard it 17 Likes 2 Shares |
Re: Don’t Ruin Your Liver With Harmful Habits by moneytreeteam: 2:38pm On Aug 19, 2015 |
Well said... I like your spirit. Some people should just be committed to awareness program. We shall sure get there. 5 Likes |
Re: Don’t Ruin Your Liver With Harmful Habits by Ojestas(m): 2:49pm On Aug 19, 2015 |
@2nd to d last; Some people can't just do without Cigar, weed, shisha et al. . They r very ready to damage their livers #JustSaying!!! 2 Likes 1 Share |
Re: Don’t Ruin Your Liver With Harmful Habits by freesinzu(m): 2:50pm On Aug 19, 2015 |
1 Like |
Re: Don’t Ruin Your Liver With Harmful Habits by nighwolf: 2:50pm On Aug 19, 2015 |
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Re: Don’t Ruin Your Liver With Harmful Habits by kingarizona1(m): 2:50pm On Aug 19, 2015 |
Very Educative but Op one is missing#_____ S_ex 2 Likes 1 Share |
Re: Don’t Ruin Your Liver With Harmful Habits by Blanc8(m): 2:50pm On Aug 19, 2015 |
m |
Re: Don’t Ruin Your Liver With Harmful Habits by Spama: 2:50pm On Aug 19, 2015 |
ok |
Re: Don’t Ruin Your Liver With Harmful Habits by oshibote1: 2:50pm On Aug 19, 2015 |
Alrt |
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Re: Don’t Ruin Your Liver With Harmful Habits by Dottore: 2:51pm On Aug 19, 2015 |
This is so much better than Tonto Dikes, Mercy Johnson's poo and many such trash that have been making and dominating front page from time immemorial. There are more insightful, informative and educative posts in other sections seeking attention. Mods pls do something 16 Likes 2 Shares |
Re: Don’t Ruin Your Liver With Harmful Habits by missKiffy(f): 2:51pm On Aug 19, 2015 |
God help us |
Re: Don’t Ruin Your Liver With Harmful Habits by singlefade25(f): 2:51pm On Aug 19, 2015 |
Thanks for the info. |
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Re: Don’t Ruin Your Liver With Harmful Habits by youngberry001(m): 2:52pm On Aug 19, 2015 |
copied |
Re: Don’t Ruin Your Liver With Harmful Habits by Pavore9: 2:52pm On Aug 19, 2015 |
Very informative. |
Re: Don’t Ruin Your Liver With Harmful Habits by MrKIZITO(m): 2:52pm On Aug 19, 2015 |
oky |
Re: Don’t Ruin Your Liver With Harmful Habits by Goddygee(m): 2:52pm On Aug 19, 2015 |
*yawns* |
Re: Don’t Ruin Your Liver With Harmful Habits by constance500: 2:52pm On Aug 19, 2015 |
Hian |
Re: Don’t Ruin Your Liver With Harmful Habits by ladyF(f): 2:52pm On Aug 19, 2015 |
Very educating.... It's [size=20pt]LadyF[/size] again 3 Likes |
Re: Don’t Ruin Your Liver With Harmful Habits by Nobody: 2:52pm On Aug 19, 2015 |
well said...
He who have ear should hear..... |
Re: Don’t Ruin Your Liver With Harmful Habits by dubylhover(m): 2:52pm On Aug 19, 2015 |
at least d aspect of smoking is for cigarette smokers...not my business *rolling ma blunt* 6 Likes |
Re: Don’t Ruin Your Liver With Harmful Habits by BCISLTD: 2:52pm On Aug 19, 2015 |
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Re: Don’t Ruin Your Liver With Harmful Habits by bigv(m): 2:54pm On Aug 19, 2015 |
Okay |
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Re: Don’t Ruin Your Liver With Harmful Habits by Remilekun101: 2:55pm On Aug 19, 2015 |
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Re: Don’t Ruin Your Liver With Harmful Habits by Remilekun101: 2:55pm On Aug 19, 2015 |
[size=24pt] I'm Crazy.. [/size] 3 Likes |
Re: Don’t Ruin Your Liver With Harmful Habits by Unekz(m): 2:55pm On Aug 19, 2015 |
am very sure yu guyz didn't read the topic @ those above me 1 Like |
Re: Don’t Ruin Your Liver With Harmful Habits by Vaxt(m): 2:56pm On Aug 19, 2015 |
noted |
Re: Don’t Ruin Your Liver With Harmful Habits by Remilekun101: 2:57pm On Aug 19, 2015 |
Shit Men 1 Like |