Every year on April 19, World Liver Day is commemorated to raise awareness about liver diseases. With the exception of the brain, the liver is the second biggest and most complicated organ in the body. It is an important component of your body's digestive system. The liver processes everything you eat and drink, including drugs. You cannot live without your liver. It is an organ that may be easily injured if not properly cared for.
Functions of the liver
- Bile production, which aids in the removal of waste and the breakdown of lipids in the small intestine during digestion.
- Production of cholesterol and specific proteins to aid in the transport of fats throughout the body
- Excess glucose is turned into glycogen for storage (glycogen can later be converted back to glucose for energy), and glucose is balanced and produced as needed.
- Blood amino acid levels, which are the building blocks of proteins, are regulated.
- Hemoglobin is processed in order to make use of its iron content (the liver stores iron)
- Conversion of toxic ammonia to urea (urea is an end product of protein metabolism and is excreted in the urine)
- Removing drugs and other noxious chemicals from the blood
Liver disorders are real killers because the weak liver tolerates all of the stress until it is quite advanced and damaged to the point of no return, which is known as liver cirrhosis. Patients in the early stages of fatty liver disease are often asymptomatic or have non-specific symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, bloating, general weakness and fatigue, or a reduction in appetite. As the condition advances, patients may have signs of liver failure such as jaundice, abdominal distention (ascites), leg edema, blood vomiting, black faeces, and/or altered sensorium. Each year, around 3-5 percent of people with liver cirrhosis develop liver cancer.
Lifestyle adjustments can often help reverse or stop the course of fatty liver disease. Furthermore, boosting your liver's health can have a wide range of health advantages.
Tips for keeping the Liver clean and prevent diseases
- Consume a nutritious, well-balanced diet. Limit your intake of fat, cholesterol, and salt. Consume a lot of veggies and fruits.
- Engage in regular exercise. Exercise promotes your general well-being and aids in the maintenance of a healthy body weight.
- Limit your alcohol consumption. Heavy alcohol use can permanently harm your liver and impair its capacity to operate. Adults should limit themselves to no more than two standard drinks per day, with at least two alcohol-free days per week.
- Request a liver health check and hepatitis test from your doctor. Viral hepatitis frequently has no symptoms, but if left untreated, it can cause liver damage, cirrhosis, and death.