Lately, you may have heard the term “inflammation” being tossed around a bit and thought, “With so much to obsess about these days, should I even care about it?” Simply put, inflammation happens when the body’s cells—your liver cells for example—are attacked by a disease-causing virus or substances. The damaged cells then release chemicals that cause blood vessels to leak fluid into nearby tissues causing swelling.  About 90% of primary liver cancer cases are caused by inflammation due to the hepatitis virus or toxins from alcohols and drugs. So, notin
It is safe to assume that many people do not know, nor would even suspect that there is a connection between liver health and Alzheimer’s disease. In July 2018, at the annual Alzheimer’s Association International Conference held in July in Chicago, researchers from the University of Pennsylvania presented interesting findings which identify the liver as a ‘new player’ in the study of Alzheimer’s disease. Here’s the science: The researchers, led by associate professor of psychiatry Dr. Mitchel A. Kling, found a connection between the level of plasmalogens &#
YES, injections may pinch for two seconds. NO, no one loves to get them. However, the few moments of discomfort pale in comparison to the damage that the perilous diseases they prevent can wreak havoc on your body; and in some cases, lead to death. Vaccines have been protecting children and adults from diseases for centuries, from polio to tuberculosis, from hepatitis B to the flu. Containing weakened or killed germs, vaccines—once they’re introduced—trigger the release of the body’s natural immunizing response (aka antibodies) so that your system can fight off the ‘familiar
As the stressed-out world continues to hunker down — for almost a year now, due to the COVID-19 pandemic — many of us may find ourselves in emotional spirals laced with anxiety and cabin fever as we navigate today’s complex ‘new normal’ of isolation and social distancing, the wearing of masks, and constant vigilance against a mutating virus. What may easily and often get lost in the mix is the need for mental and emotional clarity — which will highly benefit both our mind and our body as a whole – which, of course, includes our hard-working liver. In fact, studies ha
The autumn chill has officially arrived, along with the enticement of snuggling under the covers with a cup of hot apple cider or a pumpkin spiced latte for weekend of Netflix marathon-ing. But as alluring as hibernation sounds, a new study reminds us to avoid long periods of sitting to keep — not only our heart, but also — our liver healthy. A recent study published in the Journal of Hepatology found that sitting for 10 or more hours a day increases the risk of developing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) by 9%. The study involved over 139,000 middle-aged and generally heal
Embattled Essential Workers. Healthcare Heroes. Infection Blooming. Lives Lost. Economies Upended. Jobs Evaporated. Racial Imbalance. Civil Unrest. Tightened Protocols. Black Lives Matters Rising. Heightened Activism. Upside-down Days. Anxious Nights. Welcome to 2020! COVID-19’s global pandemic may have cancelled so many important goings-on in our professional, personal, and social lives—from elective surgeries, to graduations, to travel plans—however, this critical period of hunkering down at home (for those fortunate enough to have one) does not mean forgetting about liver hea

The Al D. Rodriguez Liver Foundation (ADRLF) has been raising public awareness about the potentially life-threatening and often silent association between chronic viral hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) -- the most common cause of liver cancer. Advocating for hepatitis screening, prevention, and treatment has been ADRLF's mission since 2008. In providing timely information and healthful resources, while also collaborating with partners to sponsor special events and clinics offering free testings, vaccinations, and educational workshops -- particularly to engage at-risk and under-served communities -- ADRLF's support has funded and produced initiatives to counter liver disease, as well as reduce its risk, while promoting healthy lifestyles, mindful practices, and liver wellness.