Did you know that our liver alone can be credited for performing at least 500 vital functions? It controls everything from regulating blood sugar, keeping muscles from tremoring, and filtering toxins from the blood to processing everything that your stomach and intestines absorb and digest. This organ, about the size of a rugby ball, is one of the most important organs in the human body.
Located in the upper right portion of the abdomen, protected by the ribcage, the liver's main function is bile production, a chemical that converts fat into fuel the body can utilize. Bile is also important for digestion and helps to remove toxins from the body. This is why it is so important for the liver to function properly in order to keep the body healthy. You won't be able to eat burgers and milkshakes without a healthy liver, which are considered fatty liver foods to avoid. The liver breaks down the fats, proteins, and carbohydrates found in these types of foods, which can be difficult for the body to process in large amounts. If the liver is not functioning properly, these foods can cause a buildup of toxins in the body, leading to a variety of health issues. The list of amazing functions carried out by a healthy liver doesn't end here.
The liver facilitates muscle growth when you exercise regularly. Furthermore, it has a positive effect on the health of the heart. Hence, it is safe to say that a healthy liver can be regarded as one of the keys to a healthy life, and when the liver gets sick, several health problems can follow.
Over the years, there has been a dramatic rise in the number of patients suffering from liver diseases, most of them arising from a sedentary lifestyle, lack of exercise and excess consumption of junk food, high cholesterol and triglyceride, alcohol consumption, and obesity. Before we look at a comprehensive guide to keep your liver healthy, let's take a look at the biggest enemy and fastest-growing problem of the liver; fatty liver diseases.
One in every four adult people is affected by fatty liver disease. Also known as hepatic steatosis, it is a condition resulting from the accumulation of excess fat in the liver. When the fat accumulation in the liver exceeds 5 to 10% of the liver weight, it becomes extremely dangerous.
And contrary to the myth, alcohol isn't the only cause of liver damage. Even non-alcoholics can develop non-alcoholic fatty liver owing to leading a bad lifestyle, consumption of a fatty liver diet, untimely liver function test, and if the symptoms aren't taken seriously, it can lead to cirrhosis of the liver and progress to become cancer, leading to liver failure.
Symptoms of Liver Diseases
Like any other physical disease, even liver diseases show certain signs and symptoms before fully affecting your body. On the sign of any of the below-listed symptoms, get a liver function test, commonly known as the LFT test:
- Hormonal imbalance is a sign of liver disease as the liver performs the function of breaking down old hormones.
- Toxins spread to the blood when the liver loses its toxin-removal abilities.
- Unprecedented weight gain.
- Memory loss, drastic change in sleep patterns, and fatigue.
- Digestive problems like gas and dysfunctional bile production.
- Swelling on the feet or other body parts.
- Recurring jaundice.
The most likely and prevalent cure for most liver diseases is a liver transplant. And while transplants have saved numerous lives, the demand for a healthy liver is always greater than the existence and supply as patients with life-threatening liver diseases are given more preference.
Moreover, the list for a liver transplant is extremely long and evaluated on the need of the severity of the patient's disease. It also comprises conditions like diagnosis after a liver function test, the donor and recipient having the same blood type, the size of the liver being similar, etc. And the wait for a new liver can take days, months, or years. You can avoid such pain and expense by keeping your liver healthy.
To avoid liver diseases, explore this guide and make it a part of your daily routine to keep your liver healthy:
Also Read: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Symptoms, Causes and Tests
1) Maintain Your Weight:
People who are overweight are in danger of having a fatty liver which can also lead to non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases, which is one of the fastest growing forms of liver diseases. Keep your weight in check and lose weight if you're obese to keep your liver healthy. Avoiding a fatty liver diet, including junk as part of your daily eating schedule, can work wonders on this journey.
2) Follow A Balanced Diet:
While all of us have soft-spot for food for fatty liver, it is essential to cut down on high-calorie meals, refined carbs, fats, and sugars. Increase your fibre intake and switch to good fats such as nuts, fish, and seeds. Hydration is also a part of having a balanced diet, so stay hydrated to keep your liver and, simultaneously, your whole body healthy.
3) Regular Exercise:
Consistent exercise helps burn triglycerides for body fuel and also reduces liver fat arising from fatty liver foods to avoid. Regular exercise is a boon for a healthy body and healthy liver. Try to make exercise a daily part of your everyday life.
4) Avoid Alcohol And Toxins:
Toxins and alcohol injure a healthy liver. Stay away from chemicals, aerosol, and smoke and ensure you're in ventilated surroundings. Alcohol creates many liver-damaging problems as it can destroy liver cells and scar the liver. Hence, it is advised that you consume alcohol in moderation or not consume it at all.
5) Stay Away From Illicit Drugs:
Illicit drugs used non-medically or in excess as an addictive measure must be cut short to keep your liver healthy.
6) Avoid Sharing Personal Hygiene Items:
Nail cutters, toothbrushes, and razors carry microscopic levels of blood and other contaminated bodily fluids. You must be amazed to know that these factors can also be the cause of harm to your liver. Also, avoid unprotected sex as it can increase the risk of hepatitis B and C.
7) Follow Your Doctor's Instructions:
Always consult your doctor before starting medications, as mixing medicines can harm your liver. Follow your doctor's instructions, undertake timely LFT tests, and consume only over-the-counter medicines and supplements prescribed by them. Always consult a professional physician if you observe any of the symptoms, as it can help in curing liver disease at an early stage.
The Bottom Line
Liver diseases are usually scary and painful to deal with, but you don't have to worry when you have professionals to treat and guide you. We hope this blog acquaints you with the functions and symptoms of liver-related diseases and ways to keep your liver healthy. As for ensuring you are well diagnosed with any liver or bodily diseases, connect with Agilus Diagnostics. At Agilus Diagnostics, we render quality and accurate diagnoses which is an important part of a patient's healthcare journey, including liver function tests. Hence, our priority lies in customer centricity.
Agilus Diagnostics, a subsidiary of Fortis Healthcare Limited
