Diseases affecting the liver are on the rise and have reached alarming
proportions. Uncontrolled consumption of alcohol and lifestyle disorders are
primarily to be blamed for the progression of diseases in the liver.
The liver is a vital body organ that helps in proper digestion, produces
sufficient bile, cholesterol, and unique proteins, and converts excess glucose
into glycogen. It helps clean and clear bilirubin from red blood cells, thus
regulating blood clotting. It ensures that the body functions properly, has a
good appetite, and has a healthy body. Apart from digestion, the liver helps to
get rid of waste products from the body and produce substances known as
clotting factors that help in blood flow.
Amidst all the good functional properties, the organ is under severe stress
as diseases of the liver are found to affect many due to lifestyle disorders,
genetic issues, etc. A diseased liver can cause various health issues, leading
to death if not treated on time.
Diseases
Various liver diseases, such as Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E, are well known
and can take a severe toll on patients suffering from them. The basic symptoms
of a malfunctioned liver are skin yellowing, also known as jaundice, pain in
the stomach and belly region, swelling of legs and ankles, itchy skin, pale
stool, yellow urine, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting.
Also, cases of fatty liver are on the rise, and it is associated with
alcohol consumption. In contrast, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, on the
other hand, occurs in individuals who consume little to no alcohol, and it is
common in obese people.
According to a study conducted by the Indian Journal of Community
Medicine, nine percent to 32 percent of the Indian population have
non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Avoiding liver diseases
For proper body function, the liver needs the utmost care. Intake of alcohol
is a prime reason for liver diseases, followed by junk, oily, and spicy food.
Adopting a healthy lifestyle, avoiding alcohol intake, regular liver
screening, etc, are recommended to know if any disease exists. A balanced diet
and consistent physical exercise can improve liver function. Regular screening
of blood to access liver functions is strongly recommended. Any previous
medical conditions like diabetes, Hepatitis B and C, non-alcoholic
steatohepatitis, cystic fibrosis, and blocked bile ducts make it more important
to go in for tests.
A healthy liver
A healthy liver can do magic to one’s health, so taking care of it is
essential. Though the symptoms of certain liver diseases occur within the body,
it has to be ensured that a good lifestyle and keeping alcoholic products at
bay will give the much-needed impetus for a healthy liver.
Though liver detox products are available in the market in abundance, many reports suggest that they sometimes do more harm than good. In this scenario, it is advisable to consult with a medical practitioner and follow a healthy diet as suggested.
