Roughly three million Canadians have a liver disease, according to the Canadian Liver Foundation. Since it’s Liver Health Month, we want to explain why the liver is a vital organ, shed light on liver problems and share tips on taking care of your liver. 

The liver’s core functions are metabolizing fats and proteins, removing toxins from the body’s blood supply, and stabilizing chemical levels in the blood.

You’re at higher risk of liver problems if you’re overweight, have diabetes or high cholesterol, or drink lots of alcohol.

Symptoms of liver problems are itchy skin, easy bruising or bleeding, dark urine, abdomen pain, loss of appetite, chronic fatigue, and nausea. If you have these symptoms, talk to your doctor.

Treatment options for liver issues include lifestyle changes, as well as possibly medications and surgery, which may involve removing part of the liver or a liver transplant.

Following these tips will help keep your liver in good shape.

1.) Limit or avoid alcohol consumption. Drinking lots of alcohol raises your risk of liver problems.

2.) Before taking new medicine, vitamins or pharmaceutical drugs, speak to your doctor. Certain health products can be hard on your liver.

3.) Achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Please note: A healthy weight is different for everyone.

4.) Eats lots of plant-based foods, which include whole grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables, and foods high in Omega 3, which include salmon, sardines, light tuna, nuts, and seeds.

5.) Limit your intake of high-cholesterol foods — including baked goods, sweets, butter, and fried foods — and foods with added sugar, which include candy, cake and soft drinks.  

6.)  Stay active. Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day, three days a week.

Read this Dietitians of Canada article to learn more healthy eating tips and this Canadian Cancer Society article to learn more about liver problems.