If liver diseases are identified early, they can be cured through medication and lifestyle changes. Avoiding alcohol, adopting a healthy diet, and exercising regularly are essential to maintaining liver health. Performing an LFT (Liver Function Test) once a year can help understand the condition of the liver.
Problems affecting the liver often do not manifest themselves initially. The main culprits are:
1. Excessive alcohol consumption
The liver metabolizes alcohol. When alcohol is consumed excessively for a long time, liver cells are damaged and fat accumulates there. This later leads to a serious condition called liver cirrhosis.
2. Fatty Liver (Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease)
The main reason for the increase in liver disease today, even in non-alcoholics, is fatty liver. This is a condition in which fat accumulates in the liver due to lack of exercise, obesity, and diabetes. If not treated on time, it can cause liver function to stop.
3. Hepatitis B & C
Hepatitis B and C virus infections cause severe inflammation of the liver. If this persists for a long time, liver cells can be destroyed and lead to conditions such as cancer.
4. Overuse of medications
Taking excessive amounts of painkillers without a doctor’s prescription can damage liver cells. Some antibiotics and narcotics can cause great harm to the liver.
5. Processed food and lifestyle
Regular consumption of junk foods and artificial drinks that are high in sugar and fat puts a heavy workload on the liver. This can cause inflammation in the liver.
6. Genetic factors and autoimmune diseases
In some people, the body’s immune system attacks its own liver cells (Autoimmune Hepatitis). In addition, conditions where iron or copper accumulate in the liver can also cause liver damage.
Symptoms of liver disease:
Jaundice, a yellowing of the eyes and skin.
Swelling in the abdomen or legs.
Chronic fatigue and loss of appetite.
Dark urine.
