COVID-19 pandemic had a huge impact on people's health. The airborne virus did not limit the respiratory system and affected multiple essential organs of the body, including the heart, brain, and liver. While some started to believe the pandemic was over, Omicron is a reminder that it's not! In such times, we must take early actions to reduce the chance of being exposed to the new wave of COVID-19. According to World Health Organization (WHO), a healthy diet and physical activities can affect the body's ability to prevent, fight and recover from infections. Therefore, people must take care of themselves by adopting a healthy lifestyle. Onlymyhealth editorial team talked to Dr. Anukalp Prakash, Gastroenterologist, CK Birla Hospital, Gurgaon, about tips for a healthy liver In Covid-19 pandemic.
There have been no studies which suggest that COVID-19 affects liver functioning, but this can vary among liver conditions of the patients. Your liver performs some of the primary functions of the body. Therefore, any internal and external harm to this crucial organ can cause permanent damage that can further develop other problems affecting other organs of the body. Read on to know about some tips to boost your liver health and reverse liver damage in COVID-19.
Tips for a healthy liver
According to Dr. Anukalp, here are 7 important tips for a healthy liver during Covid-19 pandemic:
1. Get Vaccinated
Vaccines help fight against any potential disease and eliminate the possibilities of future infections. To protect yourself against liver problems, get vaccinated with hepatitis A, hepatitis B or TPD vaccine. With the rising number of COVID-19 cases, it is also advisable to complete your coronavirus vaccination dose as early as possible. Vaccination strengthens the liver and protects it against any severe liver problems.
2. Follow a (healthy) diet
As the saying goes, "you are what you eat." Therefore, it is crucial to keep an eye on your daily diet and the number of calories consumed. The liver performs metabolic processes of the body, filters the blood, and produces bile juice. Therefore, to strengthen the liver, you can add garlic, beetroot, green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, whole grains, beans, and food rich in fiber to your daily diet. Avoid or limit eating processed/packaged food containing high sodium, fat, oil, and sugar. Cut your salt intake and stay hydrated. Eating nutritious food boosts liver immunity to fight against diseases.
Also read: Detox Your Liver Naturally With These Healthy Practices
3. Exercises
Physical activities are essential for all ages. It can directly reduce common problems like high blood pressure levels, obesity, strengthen skeletal muscles, and improve lung capacity. You can replace your boring workouts or rigorous training with fun activities like Zumba (dance lessons), games or sports, swimming, yoga, cycling, walking, running, or any other activity that gives you a break and forces physical movement in the body. In addition, maintaining a healthy weight will improve liver condition, especially for people who do not drink or only consume limited amounts of alcohol.
4. Maintain hygiene
Washing hands and following social distancing is a must to avoid contracting any infections. In addition, personal things like toothbrushes, razors, hairbrushes, towels, gym equipment, and soaps should only be kept for individual use. Maintaining personal hygiene limits your exposure to toxins substances that can be harmful to the body.
Also read: Ayurveda and Liver Health: Ayurvedic Herbs and Remedies For Liver Problems
5. Reproductive health
Keeping your reproductive health in check often gets neglected, which can further give rise to unwanted problems. Unprotected sex increases the chances of hepatitis B & C. Additionally, this virus infection is the common cause of liver disease in pregnant women. Ignoring reproductive health and excessive alcohol consumption can lead to erectile dysfunction in men that can be directly linked to liver damage. It is essential to eat healthily, stay fit, quit bad habits and any addiction that hampers your health.
6. Things to avoid
If you are suffering from long-term illness, make sure to take your medications on time and complete your course. Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and smoking while on medicines. Inform your doctor if you are on counter supplements, herbal treatment, which can hinder your treatment process. Keep your risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, BP, cholesterol, & alcohol consumption in check and maintain a daily journal and bring it to the doctor in the follow-up. Resisting your bad habits and following a daily routine enhances your overall health.
7. Follow safety measures
If you see anything out of the ordinary in the body, do not ignore it. Early symptoms are often overlooked and can increase further damage in the body. Inform your healthcare expert if you feel uncomfortable or if you suspect something.
The potential risks related to COVID-19 with liver diseases depend upon exposure to the virus, susceptibility (risk of infection when exposed), and developing severe illness if infected with COVID-19. On the other hand, patients with liver disease are more likely to develop severe conditions. Therefore, it is essential to take precautions and prevent health complications.