October is
Liver Awareness Month.
Commit
To Better Living &
Say "YES" To
Loving Your Liver!

October is Liver Awareness Month; a great time to take a step back and learn new ways to nurture yourself and your liver!

Did you know that every substance we eat, drink, inhale and/or absorb through the skin, will enter the bloodstream, make its way around the body, and then end up in the liver? That’s right, the liver is the body’s chemical treatment plant. All substances, both good and bad, are processed by the liver.

Because the liver performs hundreds of vital functions in the body, it’s super important to take care of it. Here we'll explore several ways that you can do just that.

Sober October

Most people think of alcohol, or abstaining from it, when considering how they can help their liver. This is a smart first step because alcohol is toxic to the liver. Not drinking alcohol is the only surefire way to prevent alcoholic liver disease. It is reported that almost every heavy drinker has fat accumulation due to drinking. Fat in the liver is considered the first stage of liver disease. Astonishingly, this fatty buildup can begin even after only a few days of heavy drinking. Luckily though, in a many cases, this fat will go away once the drinking stops. You can find more information on the toxic effects of alcohol here.

In addition to Liver Awareness Month, some refer to this month as Sober October. All over the world, organizations have designated October as a time to forgo alcohol to raise awareness (and donations) for a cause.

One example of these organizations is the U.S. based Sober October Foundation, a nonprofit organization that challenges adults over the age of 21 to give up alcohol for all of October. As if moving toward a healthier lifestyle weren’t enough, the $10 registration fee, along with all donations, goes directly to the Prevent Cancer Foundation. For more information, or if you are interested in participating in Sober October, please visit the Sober October Foundation's website here.

Tips

Nutrition

With the weather changing, it can feel quite natural to cozy up and indulge in unhealthy food choices. Who doesn't enjoy comfort food from time to time? A lot of comfort foods, namely those of the pre packaged convenience food variety, can be particularly destructive to the liver.

Artificial ingredients, preservatives, excessive (often hidden!) sodium, and the like, have been scientifically shown to have negative effects on liver function. A diet rich in whole foods, especially fresh fruits and vegetables, is a proven way to help keep your liver running strong. You can find healthy recipe ideas here.

Tips

Hygiene

Often overlooked, hygiene is a very important consideration in keeping the liver in good working order. Remember, the liver processes everything, even substances we touch and breathe in! Always be sure to use safety precautions when exposed to hazardous substances. Sometimes it is difficult to know what is potentially harmful and what is safe. Read product labels and instructions. If you're not sure about whether or not a product is safe for skin contact or inhalation, err on the side of caution and assume that it's not.

More Tips:

How will you nurture yourself for Liver Awareness Month?

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This October, commit to better living and say YES to loving your liver!