Physiological Function of the Liver
- Metabolism and storage of nutrients, including protein, carbohydrate, and lipid.
- Biosynthesis and secretion of bile to emulsify lipid for further digestion and absorption.
- Detoxification.
- Regulation of circulation and electrolyte balance.
Health care and Life style to Keep the Liver Healthy
- Healthy diet habit:
- Balanced, light and fresh diet
- No moldy food
- Frequent hand-washing and no raw water or uncooked food
- Avoid sharing toothbrushes and razors
- Avoid tattooing or ear-piercing by using unsterilized equipments
- Avoid unnecessary venipuncture, blood transfusion, and high risk sexual behavior
- Regular life style, do not overwork
- Avoid unnecessary medications and overt alcohol consumption
- Receive hepatitis B vaccination if you have no protective antibody
- Regular physical checkup
Dietary Habits to Keep the Liver Healthy
- Adequate nutrition for patients with hepatitis
- Mild food
- Frequent, small meals
- High-caloric, high-protein, and low-fat diet
- Vitamin supplements
- Salt restriction if there is leg edema
- Nutritional adjustment for patients with liver cirrhosis
- High-protein, high-carbohydrate and low-fat diet for early cirrhotic patients to promote liver regeneration
- Low-protein diet to decrease ammonia production in the presence of hepatic encephalopathy
- Salt restriction to minimize ascites and leg edema if present