Exercising For Your Liver
Physical activity is great for health. It reduces the risks of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes and heart disease and improves your mood.
It’s especially important for people with liver disease who are trying to lose weight. It will also help prevent muscle wasting and frailty that can be caused by advanced liver disease.
Think of physical activity like medicine – it’s one of the main treatments for fatty liver disease.
Australian recommendations for adults are to be active most days, preferably every day. Each week, adults should do either one of the following, or a combination of both:
2 ½ to 5 hours
moderate intensity physical activity – such as a brisk walk, golf, mowing the lawn or swimming
1 ¼ to 2 ½ hours
vigorous intensity physical activity – such as jogging, aerobics, fast cycling, soccer or netball
It’s recommended to include muscle-strengthening activities as part of your daily physical activity on at least 2 days each week. This can be:
- push-ups
- pull-ups
- squats or lunges
- lifting weights
- household tasks that involve lifting, carrying or digging
Doing any physical activity is better than doing none. Don’t worry if you can’t do the full amount straight away – build up slowly.
There are lots of exercise programs for people of all abilities. Try to have fun as you move and find the right exercise for you. This will help you stick to your plan.
Always see your doctor before you start physical activity for the first time.