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Liver Health and Prevention: The liver is the body’s kitchen, filter and life support system, but it is often ignored. It can regenerate itself, so people think that minor problems will get fixed on their own. This thinking is dangerous, because the liver deteriorates gradually and by the time symptoms appear, the damage has already been done.

According to Dr. Nishant Nagpal, Gastroenterology and Hepatobiliary Sciences, Fortis Noida, today almost every third person in India is affected by fatty liver or any liver problem. It is not right to ignore the liver, as it controls hundreds of processes like digestion, detoxification, hormone balance, immunity and energy. If the liver gets damaged, other parts of the body are also affected.

Most prevalent liver diseases these days

Earlier, liver diseases in India were mainly caused by viral infections, but now metabolic and lifestyle reasons have become the biggest reasons. Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD/MASH) is increasing rapidly. Apart from this, hepatitis B and C, liver damage from alcohol, autoimmune hepatitis and genetic diseases like Wilson’s disease and hemochromatosis are also important causes.

Role of liver in digestion and bile

Dr. Nishant says that liver is an important part of the digestion process. It produces bile, which is stored in the gall bladder. When we eat food, especially fatty foods, bile is released into the small intestine to break down the fat into smaller particles so that it can be easily digested. If the liver does not make bile, fat and fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamins A, D, E and K will not be absorbed, which can lead to many nutritional problems. Apart from this, liver removes toxins from the blood, breaks down medicines and protects the body from harm.

When is fatty liver visible on ultrasound?

Fatty liver occurs when fat increases in the liver cells. This is visible in ultrasound when more than 25% fat is accumulated in the liver. Early fatty liver often doesn’t show up on ultrasound, so tests like FibroScan are better at detecting it and fibrosis.

Relationship between protein and liver

The liver makes many important proteins. The most important is albumin, which maintains water balance in the body and prevents swelling. The liver also produces clotting factors, which help in blood clotting. The risk of bleeding increases when the liver is damaged. The size of a normal adult liver is 13–15 cm, which may increase in obesity or inflammation and shrink in cirrhosis.

symptoms of liver damage

Liver failure starts slowly, so it is often ignored. The first and most common symptom is persistent fatigue. After this, symptoms like loss of appetite, nausea, heavy stomach and weight loss appear. As the disease progresses, problems like jaundice, yellowing of eyes and skin, dark colored urine, swelling in the stomach and legs, itching and easy bleeding occur. In severe cases, mental confusion and even coma may occur.

Is liver transplant necessary in cirrhosis?

Cirrhosis is the final stage of the liver, when most of the liver turns into fibrosis i.e. scar tissue and stops functioning. If the liver starts failing completely, there is frequent filling of water in the stomach, vomiting of blood, frequent infections or the patient has hepatic encephalopathy, then liver transplant becomes a life-saving solution.

Major causes of liver cancer

Liver cancer is often the result of long-term liver disease. Cirrhosis, hepatitis B and C, excessive alcohol consumption, long-term fatty liver, obesity, diabetes and toxins are the main causes of liver cancer.

Lifestyle to keep liver healthy

Dr. Nishant said that the most important thing to keep the liver healthy is a balanced lifestyle. Regular exercise, weight control, adequate sleep and stress management are very important for liver health. Reducing processed and fast food from outside, staying away from alcohol and avoiding excess sugar are important steps to protect the liver.

Green leafy vegetables, fruits, whole grains, turmeric, garlic, lemon, oats and green tea are considered beneficial for the liver. It is also important to drink plenty of water, because it helps in removing toxins from the body.

detox, Confusion spread regarding diet and supplements

Detox diets and juices are not miracles for the liver. A balanced diet is necessary for the liver. Walnuts, Omega-3/6 and colorful fruits and vegetables are beneficial for the liver. Be careful with unknown herbal supplements. Do not ignore small symptoms and get checked from time to time.

Important liver tests

Liver Function Test (LFT) is the most common test to check liver health, which includes bilirubin, SGPT, SGOT, albumin and ALP. Apart from this, PT/INR, ultrasound, fibroscan and viral markers like HBsAg and Anti-HCV are also important tests.