When you are on the lookout for a friend, be sure you look inside. Your organs are your friends who work tirelessly to help you survive and live. One such organ is your liver. Sadly, we do not take liver-related issues seriously. In fact, putting the right word for it, we take it for granted. We may be thinking about our heart, brain and muscles, but what about the liver?
Our liver isn’t too vocal about it, but it needs a little love, care and attention. So, this World Liver Day, let’s promise to take good care of it as it takes care of us. This blog will mention some of the ways you could be damaging your liver. Consider this as your cue to stop if you are following one or some of these habits.
But first things first, let’s acknowledge the liver and its functions
Your liver is the largest organ in the body which sits beneath the rib cage. This organ performs a plethora of cornerstone bodily functions:
- You must have heard about cholesterol, which is necessary for the production of enzymes and hormones for digestion. Your liver is responsible for creating cholesterol.
- The liver is responsible for producing and secreting bile, essential when it comes to breaking down fat and turning it into energy that can be used for survival and overall functioning
- Metabolising carbs, making sure blood glucose levels are healthy
- Metabolising proteins by converting them down into amino acids
- It is your body’s filter system which converts toxic substances into lesser toxic waste products.
So, where do the problems start?
Liver problems can be genetic, however, sometimes your lifestyle can play a huge role and create problems for your liver. Here are a few ways you could be damaging your liver, knowingly or unknowingly:
Excessive alcohol consumption:
Perhaps the most well-known cause of liver damage, excessive alcohol consumption can lead to a condition called alcoholic liver disease. Chronic alcohol abuse overwhelms the liver’s ability to metabolise ethanol, leading to inflammation, fatty liver disease, and ultimately, cirrhosis.
Poor diet:
Consuming a diet high in processed foods, saturated fats, and refined sugars can contribute to the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This condition occurs when excess fat accumulates in the liver, leading to inflammation and potentially progressing to more severe liver damage.
Overuse of medications:
Certain medications, when used excessively or without proper medical supervision, can be hepatotoxic, meaning they can cause liver damage. Common culprits include acetaminophen (Tylenol) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen.
Viral hepatitis:
Hepatitis viruses, including hepatitis B and C, can cause acute and chronic liver infections. These viruses are typically spread through contaminated blood or bodily fluids and can lead to inflammation, scarring, and liver failure if left untreated.
Smoking:
Tobacco smoke contains numerous toxins and carcinogens that can harm the liver, among other organs. Smoking has been linked to an increased risk of liver cancer and can exacerbate existing liver conditions.
Obesity:
Obesity is closely linked to the development of NAFLD and its more severe form, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Excess body weight increases the accumulation of fat in the liver and promotes inflammation, leading to liver damage over time.
Insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes:
Insulin resistance, often associated with obesity and a sedentary lifestyle, can contribute to the development of NAFLD and NASH. Individuals with type 2 diabetes are also at an increased risk of liver complications due to elevated blood sugar levels and insulin resistance.
Exposure to toxins:
Occupational exposure to certain chemicals and toxins, such as industrial solvents and pesticides, can pose a risk to liver health. Additionally, recreational drug use, including the use of illicit substances, can contribute to liver damage.
Skipping vaccinations:
Vaccinations against hepatitis A and hepatitis B can help prevent these viral infections and reduce the risk of liver damage.
Ignoring symptoms:
Many liver conditions, especially in the early stages, may present with subtle or nonspecific symptoms. Ignoring symptoms such as fatigue, abdominal pain, nausea, and jaundice can delay diagnosis and treatment, allowing liver damage to progress unchecked.
Closing thoughts
The liver plays a critical role in maintaining overall health, and protecting it from damage is essential for well-being. You can be mindful of these potential risk factors and make positive lifestyle choices to support liver health and reduce the likelihood of liver-related complications. So, this World Liver Day, let’s promise ourselves to take care of our liver the way it cares for you.
