The liver is a vital organ in the human body that performs a wide range of functions necessary for our health and well-being. 

World Liver Day is celebrated every year on 19 April to explain how important it is for the liver to be healthy. The theme for this year is "Be Vigilant, Do Regular Liver Check-Ups, Fatty Liver Can Affect Anyone."

In this blog, we will know why the problem of fatty liver is increasing in non-drinkers, what is its treatment, and what is the risk of losing a life due to it.

What is the function of the liver?

The liver is inside the ribs of a person on the top side of the stomach. The liver is the storage location for fat-soluble vitamins and handles cholesterol homeostasis. It stores iron and copper. It plays a role in hematology with clotting factors and protein synthesis. The liver plays a role in heme breakdown into unconjugated bilirubin and conjugates it. It stores vitamins and glucose and makes such proteins that are considered necessary for blood clotting.

If you do not take care of the liver, then the following diseases can harm you -

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis B

Liver Cirrhosis 

Liver Cancer

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)

What is Fatty Liver?

When fat accumulates on the liver, it is called fatty liver.

When we eat food, then after digesting its fats, they go through the blood and get processed in the liver. In such a situation, when we eat high fat food, the extra fat gets deposited in the liver. Because of this overeating of fat, you can get fatty liver.

Those who eat too much oil, spices and oily food, are overweight or drink a lot of alcohol, usually have fatty liver problems. In this condition, the liver grows or shrinks. Because of this, it cannot work properly.

There are two types of fatty liver disease:

Non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFLD)

Alcoholic fatty liver (AFLD)

The risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver is in those who do not drink alcohol or drink less.

Fatty liver caused by alcohol, i.e. alcoholic fatty liver. After drinking alcohol, it is processed in the liver. The liver has some limits to detoxifying it. If someone drinks more alcohol than that, then the liver starts getting damaged. 

Eating fried food with alcohol increases the problem of fatty liver.

Both these situations are fatal. That is why it is very important to get the right treatment in time.

What are the symptoms of fatty liver?

Most people with non-alcoholic fatty liver do not have early symptoms. That is why they do not realize its seriousness.

Gradually the problem becomes serious, and some symptoms appear. As-

Tiredness

feeling of heaviness

abdominal pain or bloating

Abnormal stomach or intestinal problems

stomach gas or indigestion

vomiting or the urge to vomit

dizziness or confusion

Anaemia

itchiness or dryness of the skin

gum problems, such as bleeding, swelling, or pain

Can fatty liver disease be cured?

Yes, it is possible. If it is in stage one, then 30% to 40% can be controlled by lifestyle changes.

If someone has diabetes, it is necessary to control it. The hba1c of such people should be around 6.

If someone has obesity or is overweight, then reduce your weight. Their BMI i.e. body mass index should be less than 28.

Similarly, if there is a defect in lipids or cholesterol, it has to be cured by exercise, diet, and medicine.

On the other hand, if the fatty liver disease has reached the stage of fibrosis or cirrhosis, swelling or patches have occurred, then it is right to cure it with medicines.

Those who understand the value of their life, take it seriously, only they will be able to do this. For this, it is necessary to bring changes in lifestyle.

What is Liver Fibrosis? 

The first stage of liver damage is called liver fibrosis. In liver fibrosis, scars form on the healthy tissues of the liver.

In this condition, the liver does not function properly. Injured tissue blocks blood flow inside the liver. Because of this, the healthy cells of the liver start getting damaged.

What is Liver Cirrhosis? 

If the liver has become more damaged after fibrosis, then this condition is called liver cirrhosis.

In this, the patient may have to undergo a liver transplant. However, lifestyle changes and medical treatment can prevent liver fibrosis from progressing to liver cirrhosis.

What is Liver Cancer?

Liver cancer is also called hepatocellular carcinoma or hepatic cancer. When this cancer develops in the liver, then it starts destroying the cells there. Liver is not able to do its work properly.

Changes in Lifestyle to Keep Your Liver Healthy

Do not make alcohol addiction.

Eat less sweet things.

Should not eat processed food.

Do not eat oily food.

Eat only fiber-rich food.

Do not use steroids and injections.

Avoid eating more painkillers.

Do moderate exercise regularly.

A little exercise should be done every day. It is very important to exercise at least 22-25 minutes daily. Due to this, along with the liver, other body parts like kidneys, heart will also remain healthy.

When is a liver transplant required?

There is no need for a transplant if the liver is not much damaged. Transplantation is needed only when the situation is out of control.

Weight control should be kept to reduce fatty liver.

Instead of eating oily things, it will be beneficial to eat fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Increased weight can also be controlled by exercising.

It is important to note here that the above-mentioned information is for educational purposes only. It should not be taken as a substitute for the medical treatment provided by a healthcare professional. The reader should consult a doctor before making any serious changes in the routine.

Hope you will find this post useful. For more such educational and informative updates, stay connected with Step Up Academy.

Stay Safe and Healthy!!