All you need to know about a healthy liver

Healthy intestines, a strong immune system or a functioning thyroid gland… We get it. The condition of our liver is often (wrongly!) overlooked. From symptoms of liver problems to nutrition that can boost its function, we tell you everything you need to know about a healthy liver! 

How does our liver work?

First things first: why do we actually need our liver? Our liver takes care of the production of bile (which is stored in our gallbladder), which ensures a favourable absorption of fats in our intestines. Also salts and bilirubin (aka the breakdown products of our blood) are transported via the liver to brought our bowels.

Our liver produces proteins (antibodies or proteins that are important are necessary for good blood clotting, for example) that are necessary for good health. Moreover, our liver also produces glycogen, a essential fuel.

The liver acts as a sort of filter to remove waste products from our blood. feed. Hence the link between alcohol and our liver! Waste can be converted into non-harmful substances that our body can still reuse.

The symptoms of an unhealthy liver

Examining the health of your liver? Symptoms such as fatigue, mild fever, nausea, loss of appetite, pain in the ribs, muscle and joint pains, headaches, yellowing of the white of the eye or abnormally dark urine can be signs of liver problems. The long-term consequences? The chance of jaundice, various types of hepatitis or liver cirrhosis increases considerably if you don’t keep your liver in top condition. Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

Help your liver!

Reduce exposure to toxic substances

Maintain your liver function? Try to limit toxin exposure (exhaust fumes, heavy medicines, alcohol or stress for example). Harmful substances accumulate little by little in your body. If the level of toxins in your body is too high, your liver will be severely damaged.

Detoxify your liver with the right nutrition

Did you know that bitter substances stimulate the release of bile in your bowels? Put more often chicory, grapefruit, Brussels sprouts, green tea, asparagus, blue berries, watercress, artichoke, arugula or radishes on the menu for your liver. Last but not least: make sure you drink enough water, not eat too much carbohydrates and chews your food long enough.

The perfect values

Not quite sure about the condition of your liver? A liver function examination can tell you a lot more about your liver than the severity of your hangover. By determining the values of your liver enzymes (such as ALT and AST and AF, for example), the condition of your liver will be charted. 

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