January is Liver Cancer and Viral Hepatitis Awareness Month. This year’s theme is "Malusog na Atay, Masayang Buhay" which raises awareness, emphasizing the importance of the liver and keeping it healthy.
The liver plays a central role in nutrient metabolism and regulation, including production of bile to help absorb dietary fats, cholesterol, and fat-soluble vitamins; storing nutrients by filtering blood; enzymatic production and activation; protein synthesis; and creating blood clotting proteins.
Hepatitis and liver disease impair these functions and can lead to weight loss and muscle loss due to inadequate nutritional intake and/or abnormal nutrient digestion, absorption, and/or metabolism of macronutrients and micronutrients (DeBarmore, B., 2021).
In order to avoid damaging the liver and to keep it healthy, one should follow the 10 Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos, also known as "10 Kumainments," highlighting the following number (I)Eat a variety of foods every day to get the nutrients needed by the body; (III) Eat more vegetables and fruits to get the essential nutrients needed in the body, particularly the micronutrients, which are vitamins and minerals and fiber for the regulation of body process; (IV) Consume fish, lean meat, poultry, egg, dried beans or nuts for body tissue growth and repair. (VI) Consume safe foods and water to prevent diarrhea and other food-water-borne diseases such as hepatitis A, which can be spread through contact with contaminated food or water, and lastly, (X) Be physically active, make healthy food choices, manage stress, avoid alcoholic beverage and do not smoke to prevent lifestyle-related noncommunicable disease such as liver cancer and/or diseases.
The National Nutrition Council Caraga reminded everyone to practice the 10 nutritional guidelines, also known as the "10 Kumainments," to achieve good health and optimal nutritional status, including keeping the liver and other body organs healthy. #JAOPortillas
Reference:
DeBarmore, B.(2021). Medical Nutrition Therapy Study Guide for the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Examinations. Liver Disease pp. 63.
