World Liver Day 2023: Why you need to take care of your liver seriously

Taking care of one's body is very important, especially so that essential bodily functions are carried out uninterrupted. Among the many important organs of the body, experts say the liver cannot be taken for granted. Dr Chetan Kalal at Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital in Vile Parle, who says caring for the liver is crucial, explains, "It's responsible for many vital functions in the body, such as digestion, detoxification, and metabolism. Keeping your liver in good shape helps avoid numerous health issues and contributes to your overall well-being."

Every year, April 19 is observed as World Liver Day to raise awareness about different liver diseases and the importance of taking care of one's liver. The theme for 2023 is "Be Vigilant, Do Regular Liver Check-Up, Fatty Liver Can Affect Anyone" because fatty liver is a major cause of concern; however, there are many other diseases related to the organ that people should be aware of today. Kalal informs that according to recent data, liver diseases affect around 10 per cent of the Indian population, and it's estimated that nearly 1 in 5 Indians are at risk for developing a liver condition. "This emphasises the urgent need for increased awareness and preventive measures," he adds.

Mid-day Online spoke to Kalal, who is the program director - hepatology and transplant medicine at the hospital to understand more about liver disease and their severity, and Dr. Roy Patankar, Gastroenterologist and Director of Zen Multispecialty Hospital, Chembur, Mumbai. While there are different kinds of diseases associated with the organ, the city-based doctor says it is important for people to maintain a healthy liver and do regular health check-ups.

What are the different liver diseases that can affect people and how severe can they get?
Kalal: There is a wide range of liver conditions that can affect people, from mild to life-threatening. These include hepatitis, cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), liver cancer, and fatty liver disease. The seriousness of these illnesses can differ significantly, and if left untreated, some can lead to fatal complications.

Patankar: End-stage chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, liver failure, acute and chronic hepatitis, Biliary Atresia (a rare disease that occurs in infants), Budd-Chiari (a rare syndrome characterized by narrowing and obstruction (occlusion) of the veins of the liver (hepatic veins), liver cancer, bile duct cancer, hepatoblastoma and Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) are some of the common liver problems seen in a large number of people.

What are the different and most common causes of liver diseases?
Kalal: Liver diseases can have various origins, including excessive alcohol consumption, obesity and obesity-related conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), viral infections like hepatitis A, B, and C, inherited genetic disorders, autoimmune disorders, and inherited conditions like Wilson's disease or hemochromatosis.

What are the age groups that are most affected by liver diseases?
Kalal: While liver diseases can affect individuals of all ages, the risk tends to increase as we grow older. Particularly, people above the age of 60 are more prone to liver issues due to a weakened immune system and other age-related health factors.

Patankar: People from all age groups such as children, adults, and elder people are the people who are at a higher risk of suffering from liver disease. Even pregnant women are vulnerable to suffering from liver disease.

Why is it important to take care of one's liver?
Kalal: It is often said that ‘loving liver is loving life,' because caring for your liver is crucial. It's responsible for many vital functions in the body, such as digestion, detoxification, and metabolism. Keeping your liver in good shape helps avoid numerous health issues and contributes to your overall well-being. It's a sad fact that many people overlook the importance of liver health, failing to acknowledge the critical role it plays in detoxification, metabolism regulation, and nutrient storage.

Patankar: If one is suffering from liver disease and fails to seek timely intervention then there can be scarring of the liver (known as cirrhosis) and many even need liver transplantation to survive.

What is fatty liver and is it dangerous?
Kalal: Fatty liver, also known as hepatic steatosis, happens when there's a build-up of excess fat in the liver. In some cases, it might be harmless, but if left undiagnosed or untreated, it can develop into more serious liver conditions like cirrhosis or liver cancer. It primarily results from an unhealthy lifestyle, with factors like poor diet, lack of exercise, and obesity contributing to the build-up of excessive fat in the liver cells, which can lead to inflammation and damage if left unchecked.

Patankar: Fatty liver disease happens when there is an excess storage of fat in the liver. It can be dangerous as it can lead to liver cirrhosis and even liver transplantation to survive. It is better to seek timely medical attention to improve the quality of life.

What are the causes of a fatty liver?
Kalal: The primary cause of fatty liver disease is an unhealthy lifestyle characterised by poor eating habits, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle. This leads to an accumulation of excess fat in liver cells, which can cause inflammation and damage over time.

What are the symptoms of fatty liver and how can it be treated?
Kalal: Symptoms of fatty liver disease can vary and may include fatigue, unexplained weight loss, abdominal pain or discomfort, and yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice). However, many people with fatty liver don't exhibit any symptoms, making early detection crucial.

Treatment for fatty liver disease typically involves making significant lifestyle changes, such as adopting a well-balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and losing excess weight. In more severe cases, medications to manage underlying conditions or surgery, like liver transplant, may be required.

Can other liver diseases be treated?
Kalal: A variety of liver diseases can be treated, with the approach depending on the specific ailment. Early detection and proper care can prevent complications, slow the progression of the disease, and sometimes even reverse the damage to the liver.

Patankar: Remember that early detection is key. It is essential to do regular screening, catch the disease early and then take medication recommended by the doctor only. If it is an end-stage liver disease then the only option is a liver transplant.

Does a person with Covid-19 need to be weary of liver disease?
Kalal: People with Covid-19 should be mindful of possible liver issues, as the virus has been known to cause liver damage in some instances. If you already have a liver condition, you may be at a higher risk of experiencing severe Covid-19 symptoms, so it's important to take extra precautions.

Patankar: According to various studies, those with preexisting liver disease including chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and Covid-19 are at higher risk of death.

What are the common misconceptions associated with taking care of one's liver?
Kalal: Some common misunderstandings about liver health include thinking that only heavy drinking causes liver damage and that liver problems always come with noticeable symptoms. However, various factors can lead to liver disease, and early-stage liver issues might not always show clear signs.

Patankar:

Myth: Fatty liver disease is a common occurrence in fat people

Fact: This statement is false! It is seen in both, underweight and overweight people. Fatty liver happens due to poor diet and not exercising regularly. It is the need of the hour to follow a healthy lifestyle.

Myth: Only adults and senior citizens suffer from liver problems

Fact: Biliary atresia a congenital problem, jaundice, and Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are seen in children.

What are the practices that people can follow to protect themselves from liver diseases?
Kalal: To guard against liver diseases, adopt a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, keeping a healthy weight, limiting alcohol intake, and not smoking. Getting vaccinated against certain types of hepatitis can also help prevent liver infections.

Patankar: To keep liver diseases at bay, eat a nutritious diet, quit smoking and alcohol, exercise daily, maintain an optimum weight, and take medication to manage diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol levels.

What are the different foods that people can eat to prevent liver diseases?
Kalal: To support liver health, consume foods rich in antioxidants like fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats found in nuts and seeds, olive oil, and fatty fish. These foods help protect against inflammation, oxidative stress, and damage to the liver.

Patankar: Grapefruit is packed with antioxidants that protect the liver. Blueberries and cranberries contain anthocyanins, antioxidants that can help to keep the liver healthy. Beetroot juice is rich in nitrates and antioxidants called betalains, which can tackle oxidative damage and inflammation and improve liver health. Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, kale, cabbage, and cauliflower are high fiber content and good for the liver.

How often should people go for check-ups for liver diseases?
Kalal: How often you should get liver check-ups depends on your individual risk factors, such as age, family history, and lifestyle habits. Regular screenings are especially important for those at a higher risk of liver diseases. Talk to a healthcare professional to determine the right check-up schedule for you.

Patankar: Liver function tests (also known as a liver panels) are blood tests to check for different enzymes, proteins, and other substances formed by the liver. These tests will help one to understand his/her liver health. Do it after every 6 months to detect liver ailments at the right time and seek appropriate treatment.

Also Read: Why 68 per cent of urban Indians are prone to obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure