You love your car. It’s your baby. You follow the maintenance schedule to the letter and even perform oil changes yourself. Did you know that taking good care of your liver shares a lot in common with preventative vehicle maintenance? Discover several ways your love of cars can teach you to protect your body, too.
The Ultimate “Oil” Filter
To understand why your liver is so important, it’s helpful to compare it to your vehicle’s oil filter. This filter helps to remove impurities, harmful substances and other particles that would otherwise damage your engine.
Well, in this comparison, your blood is just as vital as engine oil. It keeps everything working smoothly. Your liver is the primary organ responsible for filtering your blood. It can neutralize and eliminate toxic substances and waste products that would otherwise hurt your body.
Of course, your liver is far more complex and impressive than a simple oil filter. It performs filtering and elimination constantly and automatically, so there’s normally no need to “replace” it. Toxins and old cells get directed to your kidneys or intestines to remove them from your body permanently.
High-Quality Products
Classic car collectors spend a lot of money to give their vehicles the best support products. You may invest in high-performance oil, gasoline with a better octane rating and other top-tier liquids that provide good overall protection.
Your liver deserves an even higher level of care because it’s essential for a long and healthy life. Give your body high-quality foods that contain a variety of support nutrients: vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, proteins and good fats.
Instead of heavily processed foods that don’t have many nutrients, choose fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and whole grains. You can also use a liver health supplement to support your liver. Supplements don’t replace the need for healthy foods, but they can complement your diet.
Here are a few examples of nutritious foods that can benefit your overall health and offer liver support:
- Sprouts and leafy greens
- Broccoli and cabbage
- Garlic and onions
- Nuts, berries and citrus fruits
- Mushrooms
True, making meals at home instead of ordering a pizza requires time. Fresh fruits and veggies often cost more than junk food, too. Still, investing in good nutrition is wise. Not only can maintaining normal organ function help you feel good in the short term, but it can also help you enjoy a long life.
Regular “Maintenance”
Changing your car’s oil and oil filter, plus keeping an eye on other vital liquids, helps you avoid breakdowns on the road. Overall, your engine lasts longer and you have fewer trips to the mechanic.
In the same way, setting aside time for exercise isn’t always easy with the hectic pace of modern life, but it’s time well spent. An active lifestyle can support your liver in several ways:
- Staying in shape: Avoiding being overweight is important for long-term liver health, and physical activity is a great way to burn calories and limit total fat.
- Lowering inflammation: Exercising can help lower inflammation around the body, which helps the liver do its job correctly.
- Reducing occasional stress: Working out can help lower anxiety, reducing hormones that put stress on the liver and other organs.
- Improving sleep: With less inflammation and stress, it’s easier to sleep soundly and deeply at night, contributing to rest and repairs for your body.
You don’t have to set aside tons of time every day for exercise. Even 15-30 minutes can make a difference.
Professional Advice
When your car experiences problems you don’t understand, visiting a professional mechanic can help. Figuring out what’s going on helps you find ways to keep small troubles from turning into bigger ones. In the same way, your liver can benefit from regular checkups with your doctor. Seeing the results of a blood test can give the doctor “clues” regarding your liver’s overall condition. If your physician offers recommendations regarding lifestyle, diet or habits, follow them!
