Though anyone can be affected, men are more prone to certain types of liver conditions. And while there are many causes of liver disease, the good news is that preventative measures can reduce risk and help fight many different types of liver disease.
Here are 6 tips for men’s liver health:
- Maintain a healthy weight. If you’ve been diagnosed with obesity or are overweight, you’re in danger of having a fatty liver that can lead to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is now called metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). NAFLD is one of the fastest growing forms of liver disease. Left unchecked, it can lead to more serious conditions, like nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), now called metabolic dysfunction associated steatohepatitis or MASH, cirrhosis, or liver cancer. Men tend to have higher rates of metabolic liver diseases. Find out if you’re at higher risk by taking our liver health quiz.
- Eat a balanced diet. Avoid high calorie-meals, saturated fat, refined carbohydrates (such as white bread, white rice and regular pasta) and sugars. Don’t eat raw or undercooked shellfish. For a well-adjusted diet, eat fiber, which you can obtain from fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grain breads, rice and cereals. Also eat meat (but limit the amount of red meat), dairy (low-fat milk and small amounts of cheese) and fats (the “good” fats that are monounsaturated and polyunsaturated such as vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, and fish). Hydration is essential, so don’t forget to drink water instead of high-calorie or sugary beverages.
- Exercise regularly. When you exercise consistently, it helps to burn triglycerides for fuel and can also reduce liver fat. It can also help with weight management and obesity.
- Use alcohol responsibly. Men tend to have higher rates of alcohol consumption compared to women, and alcoholic beverages can create many health problems, including liver diseases like cirrhosis. They can damage or destroy liver cells and scar your liver. Talk to your doctor about what amount of alcohol is right for you. You may be advised to drink alcohol only in moderation or to quit completely.
- Take action to prevent viral hepatitis. Wash your hands after going to the bathroom and when preparing food to avoid Hepatitis A. Practice safe sex, avoid illegal drugs and any unsterilized needles to prevent exposure to Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. Hep B and C are the main causes of liver cancer, which is more prevalent among men.
- Avoid toxins. Everything you eat, drink, breathe in, and touch is processed by your liver. Toxins can injure liver cells. Limit direct contact with toxins from cleaning and from aerosol products, insecticides, chemicals, and additives. When you do use aerosols, make sure the room is ventilated, and wear a mask. Don’t smoke.