Treat your liver this holiday season
While we treat ourselves to another slice of triple cream brie or finish off the last bit of sauvignon blanc this holiday season, we might tell ourselves, ‘This little bit isn’t going to hurt’. In reality, those ‘little bits’ each day can add up down the track.
‘The liver is the underrated workhouse of our body,’ says Professor Darrell Crawford, Director of Research at Gallipoli Medical Research Foundation (GMRF), located at Greenslopes Private Hospital (GPH) in Brisbane. ‘This organ performs more than 500 functions, and for the most part is content to quietly go about its job. But as industrious as it is, there is only so much it can handle.’
In addition to his role at GMRF, Professor Crawford is a prominent gastroenterologist at GPH treating many people with liver injury.
Professor Crawford sees first-hand the rapidly rising rate of liver injury in Australians. One in four Australians has or will develop fatty liver disease in their lifetime. With symptoms that fly under the radar, this disease can go undetected for a long time. If left untreated, fatty liver disease can progress to further liver damage and in some cases may turn into liver cancer. For people with liver cancer the treatment options are limited.
At GMRF, world class scientists are conducting innovative research to help people with liver injury from the early stages of disease to advanced cancer.
The severe impact of liver illness on our veterans highlights the necessity of this research right now.
To overcome some of these challenges, GMRF researchers are investigating less invasive ways of detecting liver injury using saliva samples rather than expensive equipment. This could enable more healthcare access to rural and remote communities.
Other GMRF scientists are searching for different ways to treat aggressive cancer stem cells by understanding the microenvironment surrounding the cancer. The GMRF Liver Research Unit is working tirelessly to prevent the devastating impact of liver disease and liver cancer on the Australian community.
So think about treating your liver this holiday season and balance the festive cheer by increasing fruits and vegetables or adding some more movement into your day.
Here are some easy ideas to treat your liver this festive season.
- Eat the rainbow – The more colourful the food, the more nutrients. Eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables the same colour as the rainbow. Dark leafy greens, wholegrains and healthy fats such as avocado and salmon provide a wide range of health benefits.
- Take small steps – Household chores such as vacuuming are a great way to get your steps up. Taking the stairs where possible or even parking a little bit further away from where you want to go and walking can make a difference.
- Try low alcohol alternatives – Keeping your alcohol consumption to two standard drinks a day can help reduce your risk of liver injury. Trying low alcohol alternatives lets you drink safely and responsibly.
- Over 50? Get a check-up – Talk to your GP about your liver and learn how healthy your liver is. Prevention is half the battle.
