Save Your Liver with This Simple Daily Habit

In today’s modern world, our livers are more susceptible than ever to damage due to poor diets filled with excess body fat and processed foods. Fatty liver disease, or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is the most common cause of chronic liver disease affecting 25 percent of Americans. With no drugs available to treat this condition, what can we do to prevent or improve NAFLD?

The answer has been proven time and time again: Exercise.

The Magic of Exercise

Exercise seems to be the cure for many health issues, and there’s a good reason for that. It improves bloodstream circulation, allowing for better oxygen and nutrient delivery throughout the body. Furthermore, exercise reduces inflammation and burns off excess fat, especially the harmful “visceral” fat surrounding our vital organs, such as the liver.

A study conducted at the University of Sydney involved four dozen overweight individuals with fatty livers. Researchers divided participants into four groups, each assigned a specific type of exercise, while one group acted as a control by not exercising at all.

The results were astounding. All of the participants who exercised had reduced liver fat, even if they didn’t lose overall weight. On the other hand, those in the control group saw an increase in liver fat. The study concluded that any form of exercise, regardless of volume or intensity, could effectively reduce liver fat and visceral fat in previously inactive, overweight, or obese adults.

As liver disease rates continue to rise, this presents a substantial challenge to our healthcare system. Today, almost 16,000 individuals are on a waiting list for a liver transplant, yet only around 6,000 transplants are performed each year.

Start with Walking

So, what can you do to protect your liver from hidden fat suffocation? The easiest way to start is by walking around your neighborhood a few times a day. However, incorporating more than walking wouldn’t hurt either.

In addition to walking, body weight exercises can be conveniently done at home, mimicking real-world activities that keep you strong as you age. These exercises improve balance, leg strength, and coordination, all crucial for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

One such exercise is walking up and down stairs. This simple activity can be performed at home, at work, or even in public spaces, making it accessible for just about anyone.

Other Exercises to Consider

Other body weight exercises include push-ups, squats, lunges, and planks. These workouts, which don’t require any equipment, also challenge your core and help improve your overall strength and flexibility, ultimately benefiting your liver health.

Yoga and Pilates are also great options for improving your liver health, as both exercise regimes focus on building strength, balance, and flexibility. In addition, these relaxing practices also promote better digestion and detoxification.

Finally, it’s important to remember that any form of exercise is better than none. Simply get active to reduce the hidden fat that could choke your liver, improve your cardiovascular health, and enhance your overall quality of life. Your liver (and the rest of your body) will thank you for it.