September 24, 2024: Dr. S.K. Sarin, director of the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences in New Delhi, is among the leading liver specialists in the country. He can often determine whether a person’s liver is healthy or not just by examining them. In a conversation with Lallantop, Dr. Sarin revealed several insights about liver health, emphasizing that a healthy liver can enhance overall well-being.
Dr. Sarin pointed out that certain harmful habits can cause significant damage to the liver, and maintaining these habits can lead to severe consequences. He stressed the importance of adopting four key “lifelines” for a healthy liver and life. Many of us often engage in the behaviors he identified as detrimental to liver health, which can be concerning.
Three Main Causes of Liver Damage
Dr. Sarin explained that when we experience minor ailments like headaches, we tend to reach for painkillers. Similarly, when dining out, we may take antibiotics out of fear of infection. This tendency to address small issues with medication can be detrimental to the liver. He identified three types of medications that can primarily harm the liver: antibiotics, pain relievers, and tuberculosis (TB) medications. All three can be quite damaging to liver health.
He advises avoiding these medications unless absolutely necessary, allowing the body to address minor health issues naturally. Medications should be the last resort or a lifeline in any illness.
Healing Through Willpower
Dr. Sarin emphasized that the body can often heal minor ailments on its own. However, if the underlying issues are significant, one should leverage their willpower. He shared an anecdote about a friend who fell ill one night; instead of taking medication right away, the friend chose to see if he could recover overnight. By morning, his health had improved, demonstrating the power of will.
Thus, it’s essential to allow the body to fight off minor illnesses before resorting to medication, which should only be considered when all other options have failed.
Four Lifelines for a Healthy Liver
Dr. Sarin highlighted four crucial lifelines for maintaining a healthy liver and lifestyle. He stated that if you effectively implement the first three, the need for the fourth will diminish significantly:
- Diet and Weight: Consuming healthy foods is paramount. Regularly eating green leafy vegetables, whole grains, fresh fruits, nuts, and seeds can help ward off most illnesses.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity is vital. Engaging in strenuous workouts keeps the liver strong and promotes overall health.
- Lifestyle: Your sleeping patterns and daily routines impact your liver health. Quality sleep is essential for a healthy liver and overall well-being. Many people today tend to sleep late, which is a detrimental habit that increases the risk of fatty liver disease. Therefore, aim to sleep early and rest peacefully to allow your body to heal.
- Medication: This should be the last resort. If you properly utilize the first three lifelines, the need for medication will be minimal. However, if medication becomes necessary, it should be used only as a last option.
By following these guidelines, you can significantly improve your liver health and overall quality of life.