The liver is considered one of the largest organs present in the body. Many important metabolic functions are associated with a healthy liver. The conversion of nutrients found in our diet into substances that the body can use is one of its prime functions.
The liver stores these useful substances and supplies them to the cells of the body. The liver also picks up toxic substances, renders them harmless, and releases them from the body.
Once the nutrients, toxic substances, and medications reach the liver, they are processed, altered, stored, and detoxified. Then they are sent to different parts of the body through blood or are eliminated from the body.
The liver produces proteins with the help of vitamin K that play a part in blood clotting. Another function of the liver is to break down damaged or old blood cells.
The liver produces around 1000 ml of bile every day. This bile is transferred to the small intestine, where it helps in the absorption of fats. The liver also plays an essential role in the metabolism of carbohydrates and proteins.
The liver is vulnerable to many different diseases. These can be diseases instigated by viruses such as different types of hepatitis.
Consider watching this video to know more about what is fatty liver?
They can also be diseases caused by poisons, alcohol, and drugs, e.g., cirrhosis and fatty liver disease. Cancer and some inherited diseases such as hemochromatosis also pose a threat to the liver. Let’s have an understanding of these liver disorders.
Hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver, mostly caused by viruses. Hepatitis can lead to liver failure and other medical problems, ultimately resulting in death.
Liver cirrhosis is the irreversible scarring of the liver because of the loss of the liver cells. In this disease, the liver is unable to function properly due to long-term harm to the tissue.
Fatty liver disease is the accumulation of extra fat in the liver.
This is mostly caused because of alcohol. The disease makes it difficult for the liver to work properly and perform its functions.
In hemochromatosis, the body stores excess iron in the liver. This extra iron can cause damage to the liver, and its function can become compromised.
The best strategy to fight liver disease is taking steps for prevention. First of all, it is important to maintain healthy body weight. An overweight person is more likely to have a fatty liver. Losing extra weight can help in reducing liver fat and its vulnerability to disorders.
Eating a balanced diet and regular exercise are critical in maintaining a healthy liver. Avoiding alcoholic beverages and illicit drugs such as cocaine and heroin is also advised.
Contaminated needles should be avoided at all costs. Sharing of personal hygiene items should also be avoided.
Always use warm water and soap to wash your hand after using the bathroom, before eating or preparing food, and after changing a diaper.
It is also important to get yourself vaccinated against hepatitis. Although there is no vaccine available for some types of hepatitis you can still get yourself vaccinated against Hepatitis A and B
If you have any questions or you want us to cover a specific topic, please mention them in the comments section.
Until Next Time,
Team Doctor ASKY!