(NaturalHealth365) Your liver – a large wedge-shaped organ in the upper right area of your abdomen – has a lot of important roles. In addition to filtering and detoxifying blood from your digestive tract, it also secretes bile into the intestines, makes proteins that helps your blood clot, and more. There’s no question that your liver health is essential for overall well-being.

Unfortunately, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is a common problem facing Americans (to say nothing of liver disease caused by excessive alcohol consumption).  And new research reveals why so many people with this condition experience high amounts of fatigue.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is rising in U.S.

We recently reported that the prevalence of fatty liver disease is increasing in the U.S.  The implication here is dire, since untreated and progressively worsening liver disease can increase the risk of scarring on the liver (cirrhosis), liver cancer, and even heart attacks.

Unfortunately, many people with liver disease find themselves suffering from extreme fatigue, making even daily tasks (let alone exercise) a challenge. The new study, published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, offers a new insight into why:

Fatty liver disease appears to impair the body’s ability to get adequate iron in the blood, leading to a “functional” iron deficiency. And being deficient in this mineral can lead to significant amounts of lethargy and fatigue, among other symptoms.

7 ways to protect your liver health

Preventing liver disease is easier, more enjoyable, and let’s face it, far cheaper than treating it!

Naturally, having good liver health can positively impact all other systems in your body – plus help you avoid life-altering chronic fatigue, too. So to protect this important organ, check seven of these research-backed healthy tips from the Liver Foundation:

1. Maintain a healthy weight: As many as 80 percent of people are overweight or obese also live with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, suggesting a strong correlation between the two conditions.
2. Eat the stuff you know is good for you:  For example, fruits and vegetables, complex carbohydrates that are rich in fiber (like some whole grains), lean protein and healthy fats. The above-mentioned study suggests that if you had to choose between improving your diet and adding in exercise to boost liver health, then your diet should be the priority.
3. Exercise on most or all days of the week: Regular physical activity helps you maintain a healthy body weight and can help burn excess triglycerides which would otherwise get stored in your liver.
4. Don’t use drugs and if you choose to drink do so in moderation: The max amount recommended for men and women is up to two servings and one servings of alcohol per day, respectively. (Although, we at NaturalHealth365 would suggest that’s too much.)
5. Use your medications as directed: Of course, ask your doctor about alternatives to harsh (liver toxic) prescription drugs.
6. Don’t share personal hygiene items: For obvious reasons, razors, nail clippers, or anything else that may contain trace amounts of contaminated blood.
7. Practice safer sex: Be sure to use protection and avoid having multiple sexual partners to reduce your risk of contracting hepatitis B or hepatitis C (infections of the liver).

Sources for this article include:

Eurekalert.org
Liverfoundation.org
NIH.gov
NIH.gov