October is National Liver Awareness Month

Guard your liver: It’s big, but not very tough

It’s the largest organ you have. The liver is about the size of a football, but not nearly as tough. There’s another big difference: You can live without a football, but you’ll die without a liver.

Weighing three or more pounds and located behind your lower ribs on the right side, it’s the body’s refinery, says the American Liver Foundation. It filters out and disposes of harmful substances, and it converts nutrients into building blocks that the body can use.

The liver quietly goes about its many jobs with little attention from you. All it needs is your protection. Here are some ways to guard your liver.

* Don’t overwork it. Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight and obese can increase your risk of fatty liver disease.

* Be careful with chemicals, including pesticides, aerosol cleaners, and paint sprays. Avoid inhaling chemicals or letting them come into contact with your skin. Skin absorbs chemicals.

* Prevent liver diseases hepatitis A, B, and C. They can be spread through contaminated tattoos and other needles and shared razors, toothbrushes, or nail clippers.

* Practice safe sex. Unprotected sex or sex with multiple partners increases the risk for hepatitis B and C.

* Get vaccinated for hepatitis A and B if you are at risk.

* Stay away from street drugs such as heroin and cocaine, which seriously damage the liver.

* Use alcohol responsibly. Too much too often can lead to cirrhosis of the liver, which causes irreversible scarring and can be fatal.