Thursday, October 2, 2008

CARING FOR YOUR LIVER

Your liver is the largest organ in your body, and responsible for numerous processes that keep you alive and healthy. It has an immense capacity to heal and regenerate, but that capacity is not infinite. Unfortunately, signs of liver damage usually do not show until the liver has been significantly harmed, and treatment at that point is extremely difficult, or even impossible in some cases. The best protection is prevention! Follow these tips to keep your liver healthy:

Avoid excessive alcohol. Alcohol causes liver damage. If you drink to excess, your liver won't get a chance to repair the damage before the next onslaught.Avoid unnecessary medication. Your liver detoxifies your body, and that includes the chemicals that make up the medications you take, including over-the-counter medicine.If you do not absolutely have to take medicine, save your liver the stress - don't take it!

NEVER mix different medicines without consulting a pharmacist or physician. The chemicals you mix can form a toxic compound that will damage your liver, or worse.Do not mix medicine and alcohol. This is especially true for acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol and other over-the-counter pain relievers Practice safer sex - don't risk hepatitis B (and, to lesser extent, hepatitis C) Don't use illegal drugs. If you do -get help and stop.Don't share items that may have bodily fluids on them - needles, razors, toothbrushes, etc.

Wear a mask and protective clothing when spraying chemicals at home or in your yard. Your liver can be damaged by what you breath or absorb through your skin. Travel wisely: if traveling to an area with a moderate or high rate of hepatitis A:
-Get Vaccinated
-Avoid eating uncooked food, including raw vegetables.
-Avoid drinking unboiled or unbottled water. This includes drinks with ice cubes.
-Brush your teeth with boiled or bottled water.

Visit a travel medicine clinic before traveling. You will not only protect your liver, but the rest of your body as well!

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