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Exercise refers to the physical activity that is planned, structured, repetitive, and aims to improve or maintain physical fitness.
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This means that activities of daily living, such as light walking, washing dishes, mowing the lawn, cleaning or fishing do not account for exercise. Instead, it is activities directed to improve health, such as brisk walking, jogging, or doing weights at the gym, what should be considered as exercise.
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In order to improve physical fitness, people need to routinely exercise. Being physically fit is very important in order for heart, lungs, and muscles to be up to the challenge of the activities we enjoy in life. Exercise increases energy and lowers the risk for health problems.
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EL-FIT is about becoming physically fit in spite of the presence of advanced liver disease. Based on multiple research studies, exercise can help:
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Decrease weight and the fat content in the body
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Increase muscle mass and strength
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Decrease the levels of circulating insulin and inflammation in blood, which damage heart and arteries
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Help with fatigue, mood and quality of life
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Improve liver chemistry tests and reduce levels of ammonia
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Help with cardiorespiratory fitness
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Importantly, exercise would decrease the risk of transplant candidates becoming "too sick" to transplant.
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The benefits from exercise in liver disease are multiple, and in order to live better and longer, patients with cirrhosis should exercise on a routine basis.
