Exercise Can Also Strengthen the Liver
Regular exercise can be the answer to many health problems, and liver health certainly is one of them. But the catch-22 with exercising when you have an ailing liver is that one of the first symptoms is fatigue, and working out is one of the last things you want to do when you're tired. But there is a growing body of evidence that suggests that one of the best things you can do for chronic and acute liver disease is to begin an exercise program.
There are several benefits that exercise can bring, and for those with acute liver issues they are actually just what the doctor ordered. Just a few of them are:
1. Oxygenation of the blood. Exercise enhances the oxygen carrying capability of the blood, and the more oxygen delivered to the liver the better to help it heal itself.
2. Higher energy levels. Anything that can make the cardiovascular system more efficient is going to improve the delivery of oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. This leads to higher energy.
3. Exercise helps to reduce obesity. Liver problems such as fatty liver and obesity go hand-in-hand. Exercise helps keep the weight off, thus reducing fatty liver disease along with diabetes issues.
4. Reduction of depression. Exercise will stimulate the release of endorphins and promotes a sense of well-being. Depression is a common problem for anyone with liver issues and can prevent the healing process from taking place.
So now that we've talked about just why people with liver issues need to get into exercise programs, just how do you go about doing something that is inherently so difficult?
1. Don't overdo it at first. It's perfectly fine to start off with a program that you can handle. It might be as simple as standing up and sitting down in a chair five or ten times in a row, or taking a series of brief 10 minute walks. If you have advanced liver disease you probably haven't exercised in quite a while, so don't start off being real hard on yourself.
2. Find a special-needs trainer. Finding a trainer that understands what you're going through will help you navigate the obstacles of exercising when you simply don't have the energy for it. The program will have to be designed specifically for you, but you will need a lot of support and understanding.
3. Have an attitude that never quits. It's not going to be easy, so go in with the attitude that you're not going to quit, but take it a little at a time. It can be a daunting task when it is actually painful to work out in the beginning, and if you think you'll have to go through that pain for months it may seem an impossible task. But if you take it a little at a time things actually will become easier as you get into better shape. In the long run the liver is going to thank you, because it will get stronger and healthier, and before long will be able to increase your exercise.
Heart health fortunately can be turned around, even when there has been damage to the heart. But you must start before there is too much deterioration, and some highly intensive programs will help your heart and help in other ways. Read about raising your metabolism on our website. Rich Carroll is a writer and health advocate living in Chicago.
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