Liver Health Month

Your liver works hard to keep you healthy every day! Your liver regulates energy levels and eliminates toxic substances. Your liver also assists with digestive function and even produces substances you need to thrive! Your liver is responsible for manufacturing many essential body proteins, fighting off infections, and regulating hormones. The liver is resilient and maintenance-free, which is why it is so important to keep it healthy! Unfortunately, because of its versatility and wide range of responsibilities, the liver is often under attack by progressive diseases such as obesity, viruses, toxic substances, and contaminants, some leading to liver disease.

There are over 100 liver diseases which can be caused by a variety of factors. Some of these include alcohol use, genetics, autoimmune disorders, drug use, obesity, hepatitis viruses and cancer. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease in Canada. This disease begins when fat cells build up in the liver, making it more vulnerable to injury. Liver cancer is also one of the fastest rising and deadliest forms of cancer in Canada. Fortunately, many liver diseases can be treated or even reversed!

Good news! A few lifestyle changes can significantly decrease your risk of liver disease! Eating fresh fruits and vegetables and foods low in sugar and saturated fat are a great way to help your liver! Getting 30 minutes of moderate exercise per day can also make a tremendous impact on your liver and overall health.

Signs of liver disease include flu-like symptoms, fatigue, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, and more. If you notice any of these signs, be sure to consult with your doctor!

You can volunteer for fundraisers hosted by the Canadian Liver Foundation, refer those with liver disease to the Canadian Liver Foundation support line for resources and peer support networks, or donate at liver.ca. No matter how you choose to help, you will have a huge impact on those living with liver disease!