Physical activity can improve the quality of life of people with liver disease – especially if the exercises are approved by a doctor or healthcare professional. Sports can have a positive effect on your metabolism, one of the most important functions performed by the liver. However, it is important to find the right balance: Exercising too much, especially during periods in which your disease is progressing, can lead to further complications. If you are not sure what kind of exercise is right for you, please always consult a healthcare professional.
Properly selected exercises can help improve blood circulation and bile flow, as well as provide relief from abdominal spasms and constipation. In general, sports recommended for people suffering from liver diseases are walking, light jogging, swimming, skiing and skating.
Moderate exercise and physical therapy combined with breathing exercises are a good combination to support liver treatment.
Here are some examples for effective exercises:
- Warmup exercise: In an upright position, slowly rise up onto the balls of your feet on your tiptoes and back down. Repeat 10 – 12 times. Each time, gently lower your head to the side for a light stretch, alternating left and right, without twisting your neck.
- Lie on the left side with your arm straight and the left knee bent. Then, raising the right hand, exhale and pull your right knee to the chest. Repeat with other side.
- Getting up on all fours, raise your head and take a breath. Slowly move the right leg to the position between the arms, while the foot should slide along the floor. Then, perform the same exercise with your left leg.
- Lying on your back, pedal in the air as if you were riding a bike for 30-60 seconds.
- Lie on your left side, then simultaneously raise your right arm and leg.
- Stand on all fours, then sit on your heels and hold this position for 1-2 minutes.
- Do squats with your hands on on your hip 15-20 times.
- Jump up and down on two legs 5-6 times.
