Liver Rest and Reboot - An Overview

Introduction:

The liver is a large organ situated in the upper right-hand side of the abdomen. It performs many vital functions of the body, like mineral storage, bile production, digestion of proteins, and blood filtration. Liver problems can occur due to various factors like obesity, alcohol consumption, viral infections, etc. Over time, most liver diseases lead to scarring of the liver tissues resulting in the replacement of healthy liver tissues by scar tissues. If left untreated, most liver diseases end up in liver failure.

What Is Liver Regeneration?

The ability to reboot or regenerate is one of the unique qualities of the liver. Liver regeneration is the restoration of the total quantity and number of hepatocytes, which are the main functional cells of the liver. These cells are responsible for performing most of the liver functions. Livers can grow or shrink according to the requirements of the body and also regrow after an injury. Apart from being able to recover from damage, the liver produces a small number of hepatocyte cells each day that helps in body metabolism.

How Does the Liver Regenerate?

Liver tissues grow back following an injury or tissue removal during surgery. This is done by enlarging the existing liver cells. In the area of tissue removal, new cells grow and multiply. Regeneration of liver tissues usually takes place within a few days after the injury. The time taken for complete healing may vary from weeks to months, based on the severity of the injury. However, due to inflammation and scarring, the liver loses its ability to regenerate and heal in long-term liver diseases.

How to Help the Liver Rest and Reboot?

Many ways can help the liver to reset and reboot. These ways are also very beneficial for improving liver health. They are as follows:

• Limit Alcohol Consumption: The liver can break down only small amounts of alcohol every hour. Excess alcohol intake can cause the destruction and scarring of liver tissues. Hence, alcohol should be either quit completely or taken in moderation based on the doctor’s advice. Moderate alcohol consumption is considered as two drinks for men and one for women in a day. Fatty liver, which is an alcohol-related liver disease, can be reversed in some patients within four to six weeks of alcohol abstinence.

• Exercise Regularly: Exercising regularly can help in reducing liver fat and burning triglycerides for fuel. Exercises like swimming or brisk walking for at least 150 minutes per week are recommended.

• Have a Healthy Diet: Having a liver-friendly diet is an essential way of helping the liver to rest. Processed foods and foods rich in salt, sugar, or unhealthy fats should be avoided. A balanced diet rich in fiber and lean proteins is highly recommended. Fiber-rich foods include whole grains, vegetables, fresh fruits, etc. Lean protein sources include skinless poultry, legumes, seafood, etc.

• Monitor Medications and Supplements: Long-term usage of over-the-counter medications without a prescription can cause liver inflammation that can result in irreversible liver damage. Certain medications can contain heavy metals and place extra strain on the liver. Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, Aspirin, Phenytoin, Statins, certain herbal supplements, etc., are a few examples of such drugs. Taking such medications only when necessary will help in easing the stress on the liver. Non-medical usage of illicit drugs like cocaine, hallucinogens, heroin, and sedatives can also damage the liver.

• Maintaining a Healthy Weight: Obesity can increase the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is characterized by excess deposition of fat in the liver. This can affect the liver’s ability to function. Staying physically active with dietary changes can help in maintaining a healthy weight. In people with NAFLD, a gradual weight loss program helps in easing the strain on the liver.

• Avoid Toxins: Reduce direct contact with toxins like aerosol products, chemicals, insecticides, and additives. These toxins can cause injury to the liver cells.

• Avoid Infections: Viral infections like hepatitis A, B, and C can damage the liver. The following ways help in reducing the risk of hepatitis infection:

  • Get vaccinated for hepatitis A and B.

  • Avoid sex with multiple partners and unprotected sex.

  • Avoid sharing personal hygiene items like toothbrushes, razors, nail clippers, etc.

  • Do not reuse or share needles.

What Are the Foods That Improve Liver Health?

Certain foods can improve liver enzymes, prevent cell damage, ease liver stress, and reduce inflammation. The foods that are beneficial for maintaining liver health are as follows:

• Green tea.

• Coffee.

• Oatmeal.

• Fruits like grapes, berries, bananas, avocados, papaya, watermelon, etc.

• Garlic.

• Barley.

• Vegetables like cabbage, kale, cauliflower, broccoli, lemon, carrots, etc.

• Brown rice.

• Fatty fish that are enriched with omega-3 fatty acids.

• Olive oil.

• Nuts.

• Beetroot juice.

• Prickly pear.

What Are the Signs of Liver Healing?

The signs that indicate the healing and regeneration of the liver are as follows:

• Increased Energy: Decreased liver function can affect metabolism and cause tiredness. Hence increased energy can be a sign of liver rebooting.

• Decreased Brain Fog: Improper functioning of the liver can cause the accumulation of toxins in the body. This can reduce the ability to think and cause brain fog and confusion.

• Stabilized Weight: Liver diseases can often cause unintentional weight gain as it affects metabolism. Being able to manage weight easily is a sign of liver healing.

• Increased Appetite: Improvement in appetite is a sign of liver healing. This is because a healthy liver can digest foods and nutrients easily.

• Improved Blood Work: Blood test results improve in a person whose liver is healing. This is because of the decrease in toxin levels in the blood and the improvement of liver function.

• Restoration of Skin and Hair Color: Improper functioning of the liver causes yellowing of skin and whitening of the eyes due to excess toxins in the body. Turning the color of the skin and eyes into normal is an indication of liver healing.

• Decreased Pain: Liver inflammation can cause pain. Hence as the liver regenerates, it reduces inflammation and pain.

Conclusion:

Liver damage can cause impairment of important body functions. It is important to take the necessary measures to control liver disease and allow the liver to regenerate. Although liver damage can cause serious life-threatening complications, it is an organ that has the unique capability to heal on its own. Liver healing can bring many positive changes in the body, like improved digestion, better mental clarity, increased energy, better skin health, etc. Hence, it is important to follow a healthy lifestyle, thereby improving the health and healing capacity of the liver.