AskDocDoc
/
/
/
How to improve heart and liver health?
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7, 100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime. No sign-up needed.
General Health
Question #12338
46 days ago
149

How to improve heart and liver health? - #12338

Sai

I am really worried about my health lately. A few months back, I went in for a routine checkup, and my doc said my liver enzymes were elevated, and my cholesterol levels weren't great either. Like, I wasn't even expecting it, man. I generally eat pretty well, but with work stress and snacking a lot, I think I've been slacking. I do exercise, but honestly, it has been more inconsistent. I've been reading about how to improve heart and liver health, but all the info out there seems kinda overwhelming. My dad had some heart issues, and that just adds to my anxiety about it, ya know? I guess I just want to know, how to improve heart and liver health in a realistic way that fits into my crazy life? Are there simple dietary changes or specific exercises that could help? I don’t want to dive into a bunch of supplements or anything too extreme unless absolutely necessary. Also, is there a particular connection between the heart and liver that I should know about? I find that super interesting and a bit scary. Any advice on how to improve heart and liver health would be super appreciated!

FREE
Question is closed
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential.
No sign-up needed.
CTA image asteriksCTA image

Doctors’ responses

Improving heart and liver health can certainly become part of your routine without upending your life. Starting with diet, focus on incorporating whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, such as avocados or nuts. To specifically help your liver, try avoiding excessive alcohol and minimize high-fat, high-sugar foods. Reduce your intake of red meats and opt for fish or plant-based proteins when possible, as these can benefit both your liver and heart. Also, keep an eye on your salt intake, as high sodium can impact blood pressure, adding stress to your heart.

As for exercise, consistent physical activity is key. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise like brisk walking or cycling per week. Even short bouts of 10-20 minutes can contribute significantly if you manage a tight schedule. Include strength training exercises a couple of days a week to improve muscular health and metabolism. Try fitting in activities that you enjoy, making it easier to stick to them long-term.

Regarding your curiosity about the heart-liver connection, the liver processes bad cholesterol (LDL) and produces good cholesterol (HDL), so keeping it healthy helps manage cholesterol levels, impacting heart health. Elevated liver enzymes might indicate strain or injury, linking back to lifestyle factors.

When dealing with stress, consider mindfulness techniques or relaxation exercises to manage both work-induced anxiety and encourage a healthier lifestyle. If you’re concerned about your enzymes and cholesterol long-term, regular medical check-ups and following up with your doctor will help guide appropriate interventions and rule out any serious underlying conditions. Remember, gradual changes can make a significant difference, and it’s important to keep a balanced approach.

6047 answered questions
74% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously

Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.

About our doctors

Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


Related questions