Not long ago, if a person suffered from a liver failure or disease, the outlook was grim. Today, with the assistance of modern medicine, advanced technologies, and education, more people are willing to become liver donors and more lives are saved each year. The liver is a hardworking organ in the body and its main function is to filter out blood coming from the digestive tract before passing it to the rest of the body. The liver filters out toxins, metabolises drugs, and produces proteins necessary for blood clotting and other functions. However, if the liver is damaged beyond repair, what should be done? We recommend patients to go for a liver transplant. However, what should you do after you received a healthy new liver? What steps should you take to ensure your liver functions properly for years to come? General Hygiene After a liver transplant, it is imperative to stay as hygienic as possible to reduce the risk of an infection. For instance, it is important always to wash your hands after using the washrooms or before you eat a meal. Every surface you touch is infected with bacteria and potentially harmful germs. To minimise the risk of an infection, thoroughly wash your hands with anti-bacterial soap for at least a minute. If you do not have access to soap, use a hand sanitizer or anti-bacterial hand wipes to get the job done. Drinking Water and Cutting Down on Harmful Substances After a liver transplant, it is important to keep your body hydrated by drinking at least eight glasses of water a day. There have been debates whether or not liver transplant receivers are allowed to drink treated water (chlorinated) or not and the answer is: Yes, you can drink it. However, keep in mind that if your water came from a questionable source such as a well, it is advisable not to drink it. However, it is good practice to boil water for five to ten minutes to kill off any potentially harmful bacteria. On the subject of drinking, one of the most harmful substances you can put in your body is alcohol. After a liver transplant, it is highly advisable to avoid drinking large quantities of alcohol as your new liver is highly sensitive to chemicals. Quitting alcohol would ultimately benefit your liver and body in the long run. Applying new lifestyle changes can help you cope with a new liver and changes should not only apply for a short period but long-term periods as well. Avoid Ill People Since your liver transplant, your body’s immune system may not be as effective as it used to be. Therefore, it is recommended to stay away from people who are visibly ill, who express flu-like symptoms, or have diarrhoea. If you do not take care of yourself and contract their illnesses, what was possibly a minor ailment for them could spell out disaster for you. You should always keep your distance when possible and if you need to speak to them, wear a surgical mask. Food Safety Getting a new lease on life does not come often and one of the best ways to take advantage of a new life is starting with eating healthy and nutritious meals. You can try to add more fruits, vegetables, and low-fat milk into your diet. Also, it is always good to decrease your sodium intake as well. Moreover, it is best to avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juices since they can effect immunosuppression medications. Stay on Top of Check-ups One of the most important things you can do after a liver transplant is to keep in touch with your doctor at Apollo Hospitals. There is always a minor possibility of you getting an infection or experiencing complications afterwards. Undergoing a liver transplant should never hinder your life. In fact, a liver transplant presents a new start for you. It is a new start for those who want to lead a healthier lifestyle without toxins ruining their body from old, bad, and unhealthy habits. If you are committed to cementing a change, but you are unsure of where to start, you can always talk to one of our online doctors for advice on how you can live your post-transplant life worry-free.

Today, let's focus on liver transplants. Liver transplants occur only when the liver suffers an acute failure or was subjected to end-stage liver disease. It is imperative for the person to receive a new liver as soon as possible to extend their longevity and lead a normal life. If you or someone you know is planning to undergo a liver transplant, you can refer to our infographic, Liver Transplant: 5 Quick Facts to know more. [caption id="attachment_301" align="aligncenter" width="840"] Liver Transplant: 5 Quick Facts[/caption]