Yes, the liver is also affected by your dietary habits. Nutritionist Kohila Govindaraju gives dietary tips on strengthening the liver, especially after a bout of hepatic and alcohol related jaundice.
Jaundice is typically a symptom of excess accumulation of bilirubin in the blood. Accumulation of bilirubin in the blood results due to multiple reasons.
- Excessive breakdown of red blood cells (hemolytic anemia) leads to higher formation of bilirubin that leads to yellow coloration of skin
- Hepatic jaundice is caused due to damage or disease to the liver. The bile produced in the liver will help break down fats in the small intestine and also help eliminate bilirubin from the blood.
- Acute inflammation of the liver will prevent this conjugation process that results in accumulation of bilirubin in the body.
- Cholestasis, a condition when bile flow is impaired also leads to the accumulation of bilirubin in the blood.
- Hepatitis-induced jaundice is caused by viruses-Hepatitis A,B and C.
- Excessive alcohol, is toxic to the liver tissues.
Complications
Weight loss and itchy skin are symptoms of non infectious jaundice. Abdominal pain is due to damage to pancreas or bile tract and fever is common with infections.
Dietary Tips for a Strong Liver
Jaundice is related to liver function. It is very important to prevent liver from getting damaged or infected. Liver disease, eventually will affect other organs. Liver is under attack from fatty foods and excess salt.
- A balanced diet and regular exercise will help prevent liver damage.
- Refined sugars, salt, partially hydrogenated vegetable fats and saturated fats in excess amount will increase the work load of the liver that leads to liver damage.
- Berries, Vitamin C rich citrus fruits, papaya, avocados, tomatoes, beets, carrots, radish, spinach will help detox, recover and maintain the liver health.
- Nuts rich in protein and omega fatty acids. Omega fatty acids are processed by the liver, smoothly.
- Methionine, a sulphur rich amino acid, from protein foods help prevent the damage of liver cells. Tuna, salmon, mackerel, egg, milk, chicken, turkey, broccoli, spinach, cauliflower, tofu, green peas, asparagus, okra are good sources of this sulphur rich, methionine.
- Whole-grains rich in fiber and antioxidants. Fibre helps liver to work efficiently. Fruits and vegetables are also good sources of fibre.
- Water is essential to recover from jaundice that helps flush out excess bilirubin.
- Lean proteins, tofu, legumes, and fish. When the liver is affected with jaundice, its capacity to metabolize the fat is reduced. Lean protein will help minimize the stress on liver in metabolizing the fats from animal sources.
- Avoid excess alcohol intake. The liver's processing of alcohol will produce more toxic chemicals that leads to inflammation and destruction of liver cells.
- Do not overdose on medications
If you are not careful with food, the liver is defenseless. So, focus more on balanced food and regular exercise to help maintain your weight and eliminate toxins from your body every day.
