The liver of the human body performs around 500 life-sustaining functions. Most of the functions of this organ is involved in metabolism. The liver produces the following substances: protein for blood plasma, cholesterol and other special proteins to transport fats, and bile for fat digestion. This organ is also responsible for glycogenesis, or the conversion of unused glucose to its storage form, glycogen; the liver also regulates amino acids in the blood and stores iron processed from hemoglobin. Its other functions include processing of drugs and other toxic substances, regulates blood clotting, fights infection, changes harmful ammonia to urea, and clears bilirubin from the red blood cells.
Liver diseases come in many forms. Some of these are fatty liver or hepatitis, cirrhosis and liver cancer. Factors that may increase the likelihood of having liver disease include heavy alcohol consumption, obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, exposure to toxins, harmful substances and family history.
In order for our liver to work well physiologically without the threats of these diseases, it is imperative that we take extra care of our liver. Consider these health and nutrition advices to avoid liver disease:
Eat a healthy diet. A healthy diet is a ticket to avoiding liver disease and lifestyle related diseases. The American Liver Foundation emphasizes that high-calorie meals, saturated fats, refined carbohydrates and sugars must be limited or avoided. Diet must compose of go, grow and glow foods, with emphasis on fiber-rich foods (whole grains, rice, vegetables, fruits) and low-fat dairy. For meats, limit the amount of red meat. Go for “good fats” which are the monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (vegetable oils, fish, nuts). Lastly, hydration with 8-12 glasses of water is important.
Keep your weight in check. Obesity may cause non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Fat build-up in the liver is usually seen among obese individuals. Although the early stages of NAFLD causes no harm, it could lead to serious liver damage in the long run. Risk to diabetes, kidney disease and high blood pressure is also increased with NAFLD. Given that, efforts should be made to burn fat for fuel and to help reduce liver fat.
Limit alcohol consumption. According to Osna et. al., When a person excessively drinks alcohol, the liver suffers the greatest tissue injury because it is the primary organ responsible for ethanol metabolism. The liver can be inflamed, scarred, or it may accumulate fat. Over time, the liver condition gets worse with heavy drinking. Drinking cessation proves to be an effective strategy to manage alcoholic liver disease, more so when combined with lifestyle modifications.
The World Health Organization says that since there are health risks associated with alcohol consumption, it is difficult to draw a fine line to define universally applicable thresholds for low-risk drinking. Therefore, it is better to limit alcohol intake, or better yet, to never consume alcoholic beverages.
Maintain good hygiene. Keep your hands clean by frequently washing it with running water and soap, especially before and after food preparation. Do not share personal hygiene items as well.
Take supervised medications. Prescription and nonprescription drugs must be taken only when necessary and upon the advice of a healthcare professional. Improper intake of medical drugs can harm the liver. Also, never drink your medicine together with alcohol. Get in touch with your doctor for better supervision.
Vaccination. Vaccines are available for hepatitis A and B. However, these must be done with the professional advice from your physician.
The liver is capable of regenerating itself. That’s why early diagnosis of liver diseases is essential to prevent the liver from getting any more damage. However, many people with liver diseases do not feel the disease itself, especially during the early stages. If left untreated, liver disease may progress to an irreversible point. This could lead to liver failure, and worst, death.
January is celebrated as Liver Cancer and Viral Hepatitis Awareness Prevention Month. This campaign reminds us to take care of our liver as much as our liver does wonders for us. (NO III Sheena Marie G. Talle)
References:
American Liver Foundation. n.d. Your liver performs essential, life-sustaining functions. Retrieved from: https://liverfoundation.org/for-patients/about-the-liver/the-progression-of-liver-disease/
NHS. 19 November 2018. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Retrieved from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/non-alcoholic-fatty-liver-disease/
Osna NA, Donohue TM Jr, Kharbanda KK. Alcoholic Liver Disease: Pathogenesis and Current Management. Alcohol Res. 2017;38(2):147-161. PMID: 28988570; PMCID: PMC5513682. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5513682/
Stanford Children’s Health. n.d. Anatomy and Function of the Liver. Retrieved from: https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=anatomy-and-function-of-the-liver-90-P03069
World Health Organization. n.d. Alcohol. Retrieved from: https://www.who.int/health-topics/alcohol#tab=tab_2
