Female Focus
Page 15
Have you been putting your liver through its paces recently?
Well, you’re probably not the only one! The Christmas party season sees an average increase of 40% in alcohol consumption.
Andrew Langford, chief executive of the British Liver Trust, said, “Some people undertake a month long detox programme in January or February. But the argument exists that this is futile. It feeds the idea that you can abuse your liver as much as you like and then sort everything out with a quick fix. You’re better off making a resolution to take a few days off alcohol a week throughout the entire year than remaining abstinent for January only”.
One of the largest organs in your body – weighing on average around three and a half pounds – it has the job of detoxifying alcohol and eliminating harmful waste products from the body.
Aside from the mulled wine, all those delicious rich fatty foods might also have pushed your liver a little too hard. Consuming more than the recommended daily calorie intake (2,500 calories for adult males and 2,000 calories for women), can lead to the development of a fatty liver. If you are overweight, it can increase your risk of liver disease by three times if you drink alcohol too.
Why oh why do the good things in life have to be so bad, we hear you sigh? Don’t worry. The liver is an amazing organ that can repair itself given the chance. As a first step in looking after your liver you should have at least TWO consecutive days in the week without drinking alcohol. However, if you have been consuming more than you should for a long period of time then there may be some lasting damage. This can be easily diagnosed with a simple liver function examination.
As a natural way to “cleanse” your liver we would recommend Milk Thistle which can be taken either in liquid or capsule form. There are many other suggestions made such as lemon in water, herbal bitters or turmeric.
Most people can carry a little fat in their liver without a problem. However, if there is too much of a build up of triglycerides it can cause irreparable liver damage and lead to liver failure. For anyone concerned after the Christmas excesses we are once again offering our January Special offer of a Liver Function Examination. This will include a physical examination and consultation, an ultrasound exam and a specific blood test. The usual price is €111.66 but are giving it away at only €68. As with many health problems, fatty liver disease is a preventable illness. Let your New Year resolution be to aim for a healthier lifestyle including a well-balanced diet, weight control, avoiding excess alcohol consumption and undertake a routine exercise program. You will certainly notice the difference and you are giving yourself the best chance at a healthy 2015.
Here’s what Clinic Director Dr. Meyer-Josten has to say on the matter: “Is life worth living? It all depends on the liver.”
Your Healthy Magazine
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