The liver is one of the hardest working organs in the body. It detoxifies your blood of harmful toxins, produces bile, stores vitamins, and supports digestion. But, there are many ways to damage your liver and weaken its ability to carry out these tasks.
Here are 30 ways to ruin your liver:.
Alcohol Abuse
Alcohol is one of the biggest enemies of your liver. Alcohol abuse can cause liver inflammation, scarring, and a condition called cirrhosis, which can lead to liver failure. Drinking alcohol in moderation is recommended to avoid liver damage.
High-Fat Diet
A diet high in saturated and trans fats can lead to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. This condition is characterized by the accumulation of fat in liver cells and can lead to liver inflammation and scarring.
Obesity
Obesity is a risk factor for both alcoholic and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise can help prevent liver damage.
Smoking
Smoking can cause oxidative stress, which can damage liver cells and increase the risk of liver disease.
Overdosing on Vitamin A
Consuming too much vitamin A, either through supplements or high-dose prescriptions, can cause liver damage.
Using Recreational Drugs
Recreational drugs like cocaine and marijuana can damage your liver and lead to liver disease.
Being Exposed to Toxins
Being exposed to toxic chemicals, like pesticides, can damage your liver and contribute to liver disease.
Ignoring Medication Instructions
Taking medication in excess or ignoring instructions, like taking it with food, can cause liver damage. This is especially true for pain relievers for which excessive use can lead to liver failure.
Hepatitis Viruses
Hepatitis is a viral infection that attacks the liver and can cause inflammation and damage. Hepatitis A, B, and C are contagious and can be transmitted through blood or sexual contact.
Vaccination, taking precautions when traveling, and using protection during sexual activity can help prevent hepatitis.
Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis can trigger liver inflammation and lead to liver disease.
Being Over the Age of 50
The risk of liver disease increases with age. Being over the age of 50 increases the risk of developing liver disease, especially if there are other risk factors present.
Exposure to Mold
Exposure to mold, especially black mold, can cause liver damage and contribute to liver disease.
Not Getting Enough Sleep
Not getting enough sleep can cause oxidative stress and increase the risk of liver damage and liver disease.
Using Tanning Beds
Using tanning beds frequently can increase the risk of liver damage, as they emit ultraviolet radiation that can be harmful to the liver.
Being Overweight
Being overweight or obese can lead to liver inflammation and increase the risk of liver disease.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a risk factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and can contribute to liver inflammation and scarring.
Not Exercising
Not exercising can contribute to poor liver health and increase the risk of liver damage and disease.
Excessive Salt Intake
Consuming too much salt can lead to high blood pressure and an increased risk of liver damage and disease.
Not Flossing Your Teeth
Poor dental hygiene, including not flossing, can cause bacteria to enter the bloodstream and reach the liver, leading to infections and liver damage.
Iron Overload
Iron overload, also known as hemochromatosis, can cause liver inflammation and scarring and contribute to liver disease.
Consuming High-Fructose Corn Syrup
Consuming high-fructose corn syrup is associated with the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and an increased risk of liver inflammation and disease.
Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease is a risk factor for liver disease, as the kidneys and liver work together to detoxify harmful substances in the body.
Exposure to Chemicals
Exposure to chemicals, such as benzene and vinyl chloride, can damage the liver and lead to liver disease.
Not Drinking Enough Water
Not drinking enough water can cause dehydration and lead to damage to liver cells and reduced liver function.
Consuming Too Much Sugar
Consuming too much sugar can cause insulin resistance, which can lead to liver inflammation and damage.
Not Getting Vaccinated
Not getting vaccinated against diseases like hepatitis B and A can increase the risk of liver damage and disease.
Not Eating Enough Vegetables
Not eating enough vegetables, especially dark leafy greens, can lead to a deficiency in important liver-supporting nutrients like folate and B vitamins.
Eating Processed Foods
Eating processed foods that are high in sodium, sugar, and unhealthy fats can contribute to liver inflammation and liver disease.
Eating Too Many Carbs
Eating too many carbs, especially refined carbs, can lead to insulin resistance and contribute to liver inflammation and damage.