{"id":56130,"date":"2024-04-11T03:15:40","date_gmt":"2024-04-11T10:15:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/?p=56130"},"modified":"2024-04-11T03:27:25","modified_gmt":"2024-04-11T10:27:25","slug":"five-ways-to-love-your-liver-and-how-kylas-at-home-test-can-help","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/blog\/five-ways-to-love-your-liver-and-how-kylas-at-home-test-can-help\/","title":{"rendered":"Five Strategies for Boosting Liver Health"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When\u2019s the last time you thought about your liver? The body\u2019s largest organ, this football-sized dynamo cleans impurities from your blood. That means the toxic effects you might face from a night of binge drinking or excessive reliance on over-the-counter medications are greatly reduced by this hardworking organ. Did you know the three-pound liver has been linked to over 500 vital functions<\/em> including regulating the clotting of your blood and resisting infection by removing bacteria from your bloodstream? So you want to make sure your liver functions<\/strong> and functions well.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The challenge is what when it comes to liver health<\/strong>, it\u2019s not easy separating fact from fiction. Alcohol plays an outsized role in how well the liver functions<\/strong>. Overeating or overusing medications can also harm this organ. The good news is that reversing liver damage<\/strong> is usually possible and often happens with some simple changes in lifestyle. First, however, you need to check your liver functions<\/strong>. This can be accomplished by a simple, low-cost, at-home test like the ones offered at Kyla<\/a>. If you want to learn more liver health and about how to take care of this vital organ, read on. Because while Paul Simon once sang about \u201c50 Ways to Leave Your Lover,\u201d he might not have realized there are also five ways to love your liver<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most people who regularly drink are not alcohol dependent or addicted. In fact, one study concluded that, \u201cMost excessive drinkers (90%) did not meet the criteria for alcohol dependence.\u201d In other words, even if alcohol is not affecting your career or relationships, it can still affect your liver health<\/strong> and overall physical wellbeing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Binge drinking standards are fairly low \u2013\u2013 just four drinks in a single occasion for women, five for men according to the CDC. Since your body metabolizes about half a drink an hour, it\u2019s quite possible for someone who drinks consistently to be both a binge drinker and rarely feel drunk or hungover. Yet there\u2019s no escaping the connection between alcohol and liver damage<\/strong> \u2013\u2013 even if you don\u2019t feel like you drink to excess.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s also no escaping the risks that happen whenever someone binge drinks. Twenty percent of the deaths among people aged 20-49 years are linked to excessive drinking. During the pandemic in 2020, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism reported that an \u201canalysis of death certificates from 2019 and 2020 showed that deaths involving alcohol rose from approximately 79,000 to more than 99,000, a 25.5% increase.\u201d  Further, the The Alcohol-Related Disease Impact application links some 178,000 deaths in the U.S. each year to excessive drinking. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Frighteningly, some studies on alcohol and liver damage<\/strong> have found an increasing incidence of the most advanced form of liver disease, cirrhosis, among younger adults \u2013\u2013 though a 2023 study published in the medical journal JNMA<\/em> concluded that, \u201cThe prevalence of liver cirrhosis in young adults was found to be lower than the other studies done in similar settings.\u201d Still, around a quarter of the 22,000 Americans who die of alcoholic liver disease are under aged 49 with many in their 20s or 30s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s really scary is that there are few if any symptoms of liver disease<\/strong>. Until it reaches its most advanced stages, it\u2019s likely you won\u2019t know if you have an issue. That\u2019s why doctors recommend that people either abstain or consume no more than two drinks per day. While some studies have suggested that moderate drinkers outlive teetotalers, the evidence is very mixed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. If You Drink, You May Want To Reduce Alcohol Consumption<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are drinking regularly, the best thing you can do for your health is to moderate. The next best thing? Get a liver function test.<\/strong>  Testing from Kyla<\/a> is convenient, inexpensive, and best of all done from the privacy of your own home. No need for an uncomfortable conversation with the doctor who\u2019s been treating you since you were 12. Even better, follow-up care is available which will include a health profile and access to a data-driven risk engine<\/a> to help you extend your healthy life and make the best choices you can. You\u2019ll even have an opportunity to speak with a healthcare professional. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Watch Out For Medication<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You could fill pages listing the many liver functions<\/strong>. Just know that it is a very hardworking organ, responsible for everything from vitamin and mineral storage to metabolizing proteins, carbs, and fats. It receives nearly one-third of your cardiac output \u2013\u2013 in other words, the blood from your heart. Uniquely, it actually gets both arterial and venous blood. Along with metabolizing alcohol, it also metabolizes medications. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just as with alcohol, taking higher doses of medications or using them for longer than recommended can cause serious liver damage. What you may not realize, is that many common, over-the-counter medications pose a potential risk. Tylenol, for example, has been linked to liver damage. If you\u2019re in the habit of going to sleep with a TylenolPM after a glass of wine or three, you\u2019re taking a serious risk and could do long term damage to liver functions<\/strong>. Other drugs including anabolic steroids and anti-seizure medicine have been conclusively linked to liver damage. Less certain is green tea extract, a common weight loss supplement, which has caused issues among those with a genetic predisposition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The key, as with alcohol, is moderation. If your doctor is about to prescribe a new medication and you regularly consume more than two drinks per day it\u2019s important that you are honest and forthright about your consumption. Your liver is depending on you. To make sure you enjoy optimal liver health, the primary care panel from Kyla<\/a> can make a real difference. With a simple needle prick and submission of the sample to Kyla, you\u2019ll quickly get results from a wide variety of tests including thyroid and cortisol levels, along with hormone, liver, and heart health. Best of all, while other companies charge hundreds of dollars, Kyla\u2019s test is just $99. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Add Liver Healthy Foods To Your Plate<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Alcohol and medications are not the only things affecting liver function<\/strong>. In fact, they aren\u2019t responsible for the most chronic liver disease in the world: non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. As the name implies, damage to this vital organ occurs when the liver becomes too fat \u2013\u2013 the result of its owner being overweight or obese. Fat deposits can swell the liver and lead to scarring of the organ \u2013\u2013 also known as cirrhosis. This is an irreversible condition. Liver cancer has also been linked to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, even if you don\u2019t drink or take medications to excess, you could be at risk from other things you put into your mouth. High sugar, high fat, processed foods can do as much if not more damage to this organ as an alcoholic drink. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The good news is that reversing liver damage<\/strong> is as simple as changing what you put on your plate. Turns out upping your protein could save your life. Science Daily <\/em>reported on a recent study on protein and liver health that showed \u201ca calorie-reduced, high-protein diet decreased liver fat more effectively than a calorie-reduced, low-protein diet: while the liver-fat content in the high-protein group decreased by around 40 percent, the amount of fat in the liver samples of the low-protein group remained unchanged.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although participants in both groups lost a few pounds, only the high-protein, reduced calorie group reduced their liver fat. Keep in mind the secret to increasing both your protein and liver health<\/strong> is dependent upon which proteins you choose. Just scarfing cheeseburgers won\u2019t solve anything. Lean protein sources include boneless skinless chicken breast (baked or broiled not fried) and fish. Occasional cuts of lean red meat are acceptable but as always moderation is the key.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course, these aren\u2019t the only foods for liver and kidney health<\/strong>. High fiber foods actively promote organ health and may help with reversing liver damage<\/strong>. A 2023 study published in Frontiers in Public Health concluded that \u201cincreasing dietary fiber intake could confer a greater benefit to protect against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.\u201d It also suggested that increasing fiber intake could improve liver health<\/strong> and prevent non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not coincidentally, many of the best foods for liver and kidney health <\/strong>are also great for reducing belly fat and helping other organs. For instance, some great options for liver health<\/strong> include oatmeal, blueberries, broccoli and almonds. Along with at-home testing, Kyla offers some amazing recipes for everything from a Pomegranate Guava Smoothie to Blueberry Peach Feta Salad. Check them out<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Not everything ideal for your largest internal organ has to be chewed. Green tea, coffee, and water are all excellent for your liver while also being heart healthy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Regular Testing Is Key To Liver Health <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Although we\u2019ve covered alcohol and liver damage<\/strong>, you might be surprised to learn that the same behaviors that can damage that organ also put your heart at risk. Yes, there have been multiple studies showing that alcohol and in particular red wine can raise your HDL cholesterol levels \u2013\u2013 the good cholesterol. Red wine is also loaded with heart-healthy antioxidants. However, these benefits diminish with excess. A glass or two is fine. Four or more can be a problem, leading to hypertension, and even heart failure or stroke. It has also been linked to a disorder of the heart muscle called cardiomyopathy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s what\u2019s so great about a convenient, at-home test from Kyla<\/a>. You\u2019ll get results that examine your heart health including a high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) test that indicates inflammation. A common side effect of excessive alcohol use, among other things, this is a marker that can predict a wide variety of heart diseases. You\u2019ll also get a lipid panel which will look at how much cholesterol and other fats are present in your blood. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The panoply of tests are available for just $99<\/a> and include an explanation of what the results mean for your liver health, your heart health, and your overall well being. Remember the symptoms of liver disease <\/strong>are often nonexistent but reversing liver damage<\/strong> is possible if it\u2019s discovered early. That\u2019s why testing is so important. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Follow up Is The Key To Good Liver Health<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Yes, reversing liver damage<\/strong> is possible which is why you want more than just a test. You want a holistic approach that will pair you with a medical professional who can discuss your options and help you develop a program to optimize your liver health<\/strong>. Kyla\u2019s data-driven risk engine<\/a> uses state of the art AI to extend your lifespan and lengthen your years of good health. Of course this starts with healthy choices \u2013\u2013 which is why the team of medical experts at Kyla don\u2019t believe in one and done. Rather they hope you\u2019ll join them on a lifetime journey that will overcome any obstacles to your living a long and healthy life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sources: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Feaster, Rachel, PharmD, BCOP, BCPS. \u201c Ten Medications That May Raise Your Risk of Liver Damage.\u201d GoodRx. April 26, 2023. https:\/\/www.goodrx.com\/health-topic\/liver\/the-ten-worst-medications-for-your-liver<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. \u201cLiver: Anatomy and Functions,\u201d John Hopkins Medicine. https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/health\/conditions-and-diseases\/liver-anatomy-and-functions#:~:text=All the blood leaving the,body or that are nontoxic.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Esser MB, Hedden SL, Kanny D, Brewer RD, Gfroerer JC, Naimi TS. \u201cPrevalence of Alcohol Dependence Among US Adult Drinkers, 2009\u20132011,\u201d Preventing Chronic Disease. 2014. https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/pcd\/issues\/2014\/14_0329.htm<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. \u201cAlcohol Use and Your Health,\u201d Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. February 29, 2024. https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/alcohol\/fact-sheets\/alcohol-use.htm#:~:text=Long-Term Health Risks,liver disease, and digestive problems.&text=Cancer of the breast, mouth,liver, colon, and rectum.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. \u201cAlcohol-Related Emergencies and Deaths in the United States,\u201d National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. 2024. https:\/\/www.niaaa.nih.gov\/alcohols-effects-health\/alcohol-topics\/alcohol-facts-and-statistics\/alcohol-related-emergencies-and-deaths-united-states<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. LBhusal, Mohan et al. \u201cLiver Cirrhosis among Young Adults Admitted to the Department of Gastroenterology in a Tertiary Care Centre: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study.\u201d JNMA; Journal of the Nepal Medical Association February 1, 2023, https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC10088990\/#:~:text=Therefore, cirrhosis cases are increasingly,the cause of this condition <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  7. Chen, Nancy. \u201cAlcohol-related Liver Disease Rising Among Young people,\u201d CBS News. January 16, 2023. https:\/\/www.cbsnews.com\/news\/alcohol-related-liver-disease-rising-young-people\/<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  8. Vaja, Rakesh, and Meenal Rana. \u201cDrugs and the liver,\u201d Anesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Vol. 21,10 (2020).https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7508170\/#:~:text=Metabolism of drugs by the,oxidation, reduction and hydrolysis reactions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  9. Smith, Andrew.\u201cGreen Tea Extract May Harm Liver in People With Certain Genetic Variations,\u201d Rutgers Today. December 1, 2022.https:\/\/www.rutgers.edu\/news\/green-tea-extract-may-harm-liver-people-certain-genetic-variations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  10.  \u201cNonalcoholic fatty liver disease,\u201d Mayo Clinic. April 4, 2024. https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/nonalcoholic-fatty-liver-disease\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20354567<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  11. \u201cHow Protein Protects Against Fatty Liver,\u201d Science Daily. August 18, 2020. https:\/\/www.sciencedaily.com\/releases\/2020\/08\/200818103815.htm<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  12. \u201c14 Best and Worst Foods for Your Liver,\u201d WebMD.November 26, 2022. https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/hepatitis\/ss\/slideshow-best-and-worst-foods-for-your-liver<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  13.  Zhu, Yu et al. \u201cDietary Fiber Intake and Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: The Mediating Role of Obesity,\u201d Frontiers in Public Health. January 6, 2023. https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC9853063\/<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

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    <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    When\u2019s the last time you thought about your liver? The body\u2019s largest organ, this football-sized dynamo cleans impurities from your blood. That means the toxic effects you might face from a night of binge drinking or excessive reliance on over-the-counter medications are greatly reduced by this hardworking organ. Did you know the three-pound liver has […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":56137,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[{"id":40,"name":"Anti-Aging","slug":"longevity","link":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/blog\/category\/longevity\/"}],"tags":[],"featured_image_url":"https:\/\/s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com\/kyla.com-wordpress\/p\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/11031101\/liver2-scaled.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/56130"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=56130"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/56130\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":56142,"href":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/56130\/revisions\/56142"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/56137"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=56130"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=56130"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=56130"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}