September 13, 2024
As Hopi people, we hold a deep connection to the land and our traditions, which extends to our approach to health. Among the vital components of our well-being are our liver and kidneys, organs crucial to our body’s detoxification and overall function. Today, we’ll explore how we can take proactive steps to maintain the health of these organs, including modern diagnostic tools like the liver fibrosis panel, and traditional as well as contemporary strategies for nurturing our bodies.
Understanding Liver Health: The Liver Fibrosis Panel
The liver is essential for filtering toxins, processing nutrients, and producing bile. However, factors such as diet, lifestyle, and environmental toxins can sometimes lead to liver damage. One tool that helps in assessing liver health is the liver fibrosis panel.
A liver fibrosis panel is a series of blood tests designed to evaluate the extent of fibrosis, or scarring, in the liver. This test is crucial because it can detect liver damage early, even before symptoms become apparent. By measuring specific biomarkers in the blood, the panel helps healthcare providers gauge how well the liver is functioning and whether there is any progression of liver disease.
Traditional and Modern Strategies for Liver and Kidney Health
1. Diet and Nutrition
Our traditional diet, rich in whole foods and natural ingredients, is a cornerstone of liver and kidney health. To support these organs, we should focus on:
- Hydration: Drinking plenty of water helps kidneys filter waste effectively.
- Fresh Vegetables and Fruits: Foods such as leafy greens, berries, and citrus fruits provide antioxidants and vitamins essential for liver detoxification.
- Whole Grains and Lean Proteins: Incorporating foods like quinoa, brown rice, and lean meats can reduce the load on the liver and kidneys.
Avoiding processed foods high in sugars and unhealthy fats is also key. These can contribute to liver fat accumulation and inflammation.
2. Exercise
Regular physical activity is beneficial for both liver and kidney health. Exercise helps in:
- Maintaining a Healthy Weight: Excess weight can lead to fatty liver disease and increase the burden on the kidneys.
- Improving Circulation: Physical activity promotes better blood flow, which aids in the efficient functioning of the liver and kidneys.
Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week, which could include activities like walking, jogging, or traditional Hopi dances that honor our heritage while keeping us active.
3. Nutritional Supplements
Certain supplements can also support liver health. Milk thistle, a well-known herbal remedy, is particularly beneficial. Its active component, silymarin, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help protect the liver from damage and promote regeneration. Another less studied supplement is quercetin, found in onions, apples and green leafy vegetables, which may support liver health.
Before adding any supplements to your routine, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking other medications.
Cultural Integration of Health Practices
Incorporating these modern strategies while honoring our traditional practices can create a holistic approach to health. As Hopi people, integrating our cultural wisdom with contemporary medical practices offers a balanced path to maintaining optimal liver and kidney health.
By staying informed and proactive, we can ensure that we continue to thrive both as individuals and as a community. Let’s embrace both our traditional knowledge and modern advancements to protect and nourish our bodies, ensuring that we remain strong and healthy for generations to come.
For more information on liver health and to access liver fibrosis panels, consult with your healthcare provider. Embrace our traditions and modern knowledge to support your well-being.
Sources:
Armandi, A., & Bugianesi, E. (2024). Dietary and pharmacological treatment in patients with metabolic-dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease. European Journal of Internal Medicine.
Chen, L., Guo, W., Mao, C., Shen, J., & Wan, M. (2024). Liver fibrosis: pathological features, clinical treatment and application of therapeutic nanoagents. Journal of Materials Chemistry B.
Mohammadi, S., Ashtary‐Larky, D., Asbaghi, O., Farrokhi, V., Jadidi, Y., Mofidi, F., … & Afrisham, R. (2024). Effects of silymarin supplementation on liver and kidney functions: A systematic review and dose–response meta‐analysis. Phytotherapy Research, 38(5), 2572-2593.
Thompson, A. S., Candussi, C. J., Tresserra-Rimbau, A., Jennings, A., Bondonno, N. P., Hill, C., … & Kühn, T. (2024). A healthful plant-based diet is associated with lower type 2 diabetes risk via improved metabolic state and organ function: a prospective cohort study. Diabetes & Metabolism, 50(1), 101499.
Xiong, F., Zhang, Y., Li, T., Tang, Y., Song, S. Y., Zhou, Q., & Wang, Y. (2024). A detailed overview of quercetin: implications for cell death and liver fibrosis mechanisms. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 15, 1389179.
