It’s that time of the year again when the halls are decked with brightly lit Christmas wreaths, menorahs, Kwanzaa decorations and Holiday parties underway! But much as we all enjoy the frenzy, it cannot be denied that the holiday season can stress out our body – and liver – as well. So how can we celebrate a liver-friendly holiday? ADRLF offers some merry suggestions.
Juggling with holiday shopping (and holiday returns)pressure? Be calm, be bright. Let your heart be light.
Squeezing through large crowds and waiting in long lines can take the fun out of shopping. Add to that the pressure of giving your parents, your partner, and your friends the perfect gift, writing up the perfect cards, and decorating your surroundings after a seasonal house cleaning – and it’s you vs. the holiday! Studies have shown that mental and physical stress has adverse effects on the body, causing heart diseases, liver dysfunction and reduced immunity to illness. For people with liver disease, stress aggravates liver inflammation, and further disrupting proper liver function.
Can’t escape the fatty, sugar-filled holiday feasts? This year, save your liver from tears – eat smart.
Holiday gatherings offer a wide selection of tasty treats including the traditional glazed ham with creamy mashed potatoes, lasagnas, gravies, assorted pies, latkes, fruitcake, eggnog — and cookies, cookies, and more cookies. These foods are filled with sugar, fat, and cholesterol that are harmful to the liver. Choose healthier alternatives such as lean meat; broiled foods over fried ones; steamed green vegetables and skip the butter; and dark chocolate for dessert. Additionally, strengthen your liver with anti-oxidant rich supplements like fruits, milk thistle and tea.
Tempted by alcohol beverages all around? ‘Tis the season to be jolly – drink moderately.
Traditional holiday drinks like eggnog are typically mixed with liquor containing high alcohol content. Socializing during the holidays almost always means getting a round or two of alcoholic drinks — so make sure to keep a tab on your alcohol intake. For those with liver problems, swap alcoholic drinks with safer choices like green tea, which will actually help your liver breakdown toxins from that heavy holiday meal.
Ringing-in ‘all-nighter’ holiday parties? Make sure to get enough sleep.
The stress from gift shopping, organizing parties, fulfilling deadlines before the holiday break, and cooking for the family can affect the quality and amount of sleep we get. This is definitely a significant problem for people with liver disease as they are already prone to sleeping difficulties and insomnia. Manage physical and psychological fatigue by getting enough refreshing sleep this holiday season. You will not only be caring for your liver, but you will surely have the energy to enjoy the holiday’s festivities. So give yourself the gift of sleep!
FELICIDADES this holiday season to you and yours!
