Drink Up!

The most effective therapy for those suffering with liver disease is to simply drink water. The basic beverage is crucial in providing healthful benefits to those individuals living with chronic liver disease. Together with air, water is the most important factor to living, as sixty to seventy percent of our bodies are made up of the liquid. Moreover, an adequate quantity must be consumed to help an ailing liver fulfill its requirements on a daily basis. Aside from helping the liver, water also hydrates the body, removes waste products, aids in digestion, and conducts vital nutrients throughout the body. When a person does not receive the requisite amount of water that his body needs, he runs the risk of toxins building up in the kidneys, liver, and bowels. Additionally, he may have trouble concentrating, functioning properly, and will generally feel tired.

Although the idea that we all need eight glasses of water a day has been touted for a number of years, current research indicates that each person’s water needs are different. It depends on an individual’s activity level, metabolism, where he/she lives, size, and other health conditions. To determine if you are consuming enough water, it is best to look at the color of your urine. Usually, dark colored urine indicates that the body is dehydrated. This method may need additional investigation, as dark urine can also be a sign of advanced liver disease, kidney or bladder problems, or another health condition. You may also assess your physical state to determine if your water intake is sufficient. Some examples of dehydration include chronic joint and muscle pain, headaches, fatigue, constipation, and dry skin.

Water is especially important to liver function because liver filters the body’s blood and water is responsible for blood’s fluid content. Therefore, not consuming enough water increases the blood’s thickness, which makes it more difficult for the liver to process. Further, because liver disease patients often have scarring and inflammation impacting the liver’s ability to detoxify the body, not having water in addition to the scarring or inflammation further impedes the liver function. As such, it is even more important for someone living with liver disease to drink an adequate amount of water in order to aid the liver in the detoxification process. Individuals who have chronic liver disease live with a number of problems and symptoms that make life difficult. Examining your urine’s color and reaching for a glass of water, rather than a can of soda, can make it a little easier.