Do you have a healthy liver?
Did you know your liver is responsible for over 500 processes in the body. It is the organ that detoxifies the body by carrying out waste, breaking down fats during digestion, balancing blood glucose levels, and clearing the blood of drugs and other toxic chemicals such as food additives, excess hormones, alcohol, nicotine, and prescription and over the counter drugs.
Liver disease is often described as a “silent” disorder because it may not be diagnosed until a blood test detects abnormal levels of liver enzymes. Just 20 years ago, liver disease was more uncommon and seldom talked about. Now, fast forward to 2022 and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has emerged as a leading chronic disease. It begins when excess fat accumulates in liver cells.
How does liver damage occur?
Obesity and insulin resistance are the main underlying reason for this disease affecting up to 75% of overweight adults, approximately 75% of type II diabetics, and 90% of obese individuals. In studies from 2017 and 2018, an alarming 42% of American adults were obese. That study does not include children and the rising number of overweight and obese conditions. Once nonalcoholic fatty liver disease has progressed to cirrhosis, the only long-term treatment plan is a liver transplant.
What can be done now before reaching that irreversible stage? How can we protect the liver?
n The single most effective treatment is weight loss. Maintain a healthy body weight with a BMI between 18 and 25.
n Reduce or eliminate fast food meals and processed food purchases at the grocery store.
n Eat fresh fruits and vegetables.
n Exercise regularly. Even 20 to 30 minutes a day will increase overall body wellness.
n Be aware that acetaminophen can be very damaging to the liver. Look for more natural pain remedies.
n Get regular, gentle chiropractic care to clear stress from the nervous system and reduce or eliminate pain.
n Check with your wellness practitioner for healthy options for your weight loss and exercise plan.
If you are struggling with health issues such as neck pain, back pain, migraines, headaches, digestive issues, and excess body weight call 480-325-6977 and schedule a free consultation with our Board Certified Atlas Orthogonal, upper cervical specialist.
If you have been in an accident and experienced whiplash or TBI, call the Valley’s premier Wellness Center and get your health back on track and enjoy life. The Foresight doctors provide individualized, gentle chiropractic without the twisting and cracking, along with additional services including nutritional counseling, BEMER vascular therapy, Advanced Muscle Integration Technique, and therapeutic massage. Find your Wellness Partner at Foresight Chiropractic.
Kim H. Lee DS, an TH, et al. Metabolic Spectrum Of Liver Failure in Mol Sci. 2021 Apr 26;22(9):4495
niddk.hih.gov/health-information/liver-disease/nafld-nash/definition-facts
