Vaccination, avoiding alcohol and tobacco, maintaining weight, preventing aflatoxins, and having regular health check-ups contribute to preventing cancer and protecting a healthy liver.
The liver is an essential organ, responsible for the function of detoxification, metabolism and maintaining overall health. However, unhealthy eating habits, obesity, alcohol use and hepatitis B and C virus infection are increasingly threatening this important “filter”.
Although nutrition or specialist advice plays an important role, lifestyle change is still the decisive factor, because liver cancer progresses silently and dangerously. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Basant from HCG Cancer Center, Bengaluru shared 6 healthy habits to reduce the risk of liver cancer.
Get vaccinated against hepatitis
An injection can become a “shield” to protect the liver. According to Dr. Basant, hepatitis B vaccine has the ability to prevent the virus – the main cause of most liver cancer cases. Screening for hepatitis B and C according to recommendations of the Ministry of Health helps early detection and timely treatment.
He advised using sterile needles and safe sex to avoid viral infection. For parents, getting the whole family vaccinated just once can contribute to long-term benefits.
Illustration of a person getting vaccinated. Image: Ngoc Thanh
Limit or avoid alcohol
Alcohol is the “silent enemy” of the liver, causing scarring and increasing the risk of cancer, doctors said. National guidelines on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease warn that even with occasional drinking, liver damage can occur.
Instead of clinking glasses at parties, choose a glass of lemonade or coconut water, which both brings a refreshing feeling and helps the body relax.
Keep your weight stable
Being overweight causes the liver to work overtime due to fat accumulation, leading to long-term damage. A fiber-rich diet with cereals, oats and fresh vegetables such as spinach and carrots supports effective weight control.
Replace soft drinks and fried foods with fruit salad or roasted lotus seeds, and maintain a habit of walking or practicing yoga to increase metabolism and reduce stress.
Avoid aflatoxins
Aflatoxin is a toxic mold that often appears in grains such as corn and peanuts. When stored incorrectly, it can increase the risk of cancer.
Experts recommend storing cereals tightly closed, dry, buying from a reputable place, and avoiding foods with signs of mold or strange odors. This is a simple way to protect your family’s health right from your daily meals.
Quit smoking and limit exposure to chemicals
According to the National Tobacco Control Program, smoking seriously harms the liver. Although quitting smoking is difficult, it is completely possible if you are persistent. In addition, doctors advise limiting exposure to strong chemicals in detergents and pesticides.
“A smoke-free house with few toxins is a precious gift for children’s health,” he said.
Regular health check-ups and liver screening
Liver function tests and periodic ultrasound help detect abnormalities early. People who have had hepatitis or drink a lot of alcohol should be tested more often.
Consider regular health check-ups a family habit. A simple blood test can detect early damage that is difficult to see with the naked eye.
Liver cancer forms after many years of exposure to hepatitis B and C, alcohol, obesity, diabetes, tobacco and aflatoxin. However, this disease is completely preventable.
Besides the main measures, Dr. Basant recommends maintaining small but persistent habits such as drinking enough water, sleeping deeply, meditating or breathing deeply, and exercising regularly. These simple actions contribute to creating the foundation for a healthy liver and energetic body.