The liver is the second largest organ, next to our skin, the liver weighs 1.5kgs in adults. It is located under our rib cage on the right side of our body. Everything we eat and drink, including medication, is processed in the liver. The liver gets rid of harmful chemicals, makes bile to break down fat in food and stores glucose for energy. The liver is so remarkable that we can lose a part of our liver and it can still grow back. Even when one donates a part of his/her liver it can grow back whole.
Every year, thousands of people are affected by liver disease, more than 900 million people are living with liver disease, and it kills nearly 2 million every year. The good news is that 90 % of liver disease are preventable and early prevention can save many of these lives. 19th April is commemorated all over as World Liver Day with the aim to put the spotlight on the rising burden of liver diseases. Chronic Liver Diseases develop silently, causing scarring and cirrhosis. The theme for 2024 World Liver Day is Be Vigilant, Get Regular Liver Check-Ups and Prevent Fatty Liver Diseases.
Vital Functions of Liver
There are more than 500 known vital functions of the liver, following are just a few of the numerous functions of the liver.
Though the liver is well equipped to perform these huge number of tasks viruses, obesity, poor dietary habits, alcohol use and medications can severely affect its ability to function optimally. Liver diseases may not show symptoms immediately but some of the symptoms are yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes-jaundice, loss of appetite, constant tiredness, swelling of legs, nausea and vomiting, easy bruising, dark urine.
Types of Liver Diseases.
There are many kinds of liver diseases that may develop due to different causes such as viruses, medicines, obesity, autoimmune, alcohol abuse and inherited liver diseases.
One of the most common chronic liver diseases is Fatty Liver Disease where in too much fat accumulates in your liver. This is further divided as Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver disease and Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD).
- This type of fatty liver disease is not related to heavy alcohol use.
- When there is fat build up, but before there is any inflammation or liver cell damage, it is called simple fatty liver.
- When there is inflammation and liver cell damage, it is called non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and can cause fibrosis or scarring of the liver known as cirrhosis.
Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (ALD).
- This condition is caused by heavy alcohol consumption.
- The next stage of this disease is called alcoholic hepatitis.
- The third stage is cirrhosis that is scarring of the liver.
Knowing the type of fatty liver disease matters because for most people with simple fatty liver there are no symptoms. In patients of NASH and Alcoholic fatty liver disease there is chance of disease progression and ending in fibrosis, cirrhosis, or liver cancer.
The most important part of treatment of Fatty Liver Diseases is Lifestyle changes.
Fatty Liver is a silent process much like high blood pressure or diabetes. The good news is that you can make changes in your lifestyle to prevent it, control it and avoid progression.
- Lose weight: losing up to 5 to 7 % of your current body weight decreases the fat in your liver cells and improves liver function.
Diet plays equally important role in preventing and treatment of fatty liver disease: Diet rich in antioxidants such as dark chocolate, black coffee, cow ghee, strawberries, jamun, guava, pomegranate, grapes help in repair of the damaged liver. Include curd in your diet which helps increase the good gut bacteria. Including 2-4 teaspoons of cow ghee in your diet which will act as a laxative. High protein and fibre rich diet is important while repairing a damaged liver. High fibre foods like carrots, cucumbers, flax seeds, green leafy vegetables, and millets help avoid constipation. Included lentils, dals, pulses, eggs, and chicken to complete your protein needs.
- Regular exercise: more than focusing on losing weight exercise is the key. Aerobic exercises are known to improve liver function.
Holistic Care for your Liver
Homoeopathic treatment is a holistic form of treatment focusing on patient as a whole. Homoeopathic medicines offer personalized constitutional treatment in cases of fatty liver disease, where your family history, type of fatty liver disease, behavioural problems and other risk factors and triggers are considered before making a prescription. Some of the common medicines used in treatment of fatty liver disease are Myrica, Chelidonium, Lycopodium, Leptandra etc. Always consult your homoeopathic physician for the correct prescription. Do not consume mother tinctures without consulting your homoeopathic physician.
Key messages
- Liver disease can affect anyone regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, and socioeconomic background.
- Simple lifestyle changes like maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, nutritious diet, and vaccination against hepatitis causing viruses can reduce the risk of liver diseases.
- Talk to your doctor and get help early if you suffer from any of the following symptoms like lethargy, constant tiredness, loss of appetite.
- Ask your doctor about liver screening tests. That way if there is a problem you can detect it early and repair your liver.
- Be aware of the risks of alcohol consumption.
- Avoid self-medication.