HOW TO PREVENT LIVER DISEASES


the liver in as much as it's a delicate organ with a lot of responsibilities is actually an underrated organ given that people care less about it's functioning and well being. The liver is one of those organs in the body which once damaged the individual will present with a hard time as such, there is need to prevent liver diseases than may present with life threatening symptoms. 

The liver has a place on the upper right quadrant of the abdomen and is said to be the largest organ in the body. Before we go to the best methods to prevent liver diseases like cancer and cirrhosis, let's see how the liver functions under normal circumstances.


Top Functions of the Liver


The liver has multiple functions and it does this without hesitation but will present with some challenges if it continues working for a longer period. As such, it is important not to overload the liver with much work. Let's dive deep into the liver and get it's functions unravelled to us in no time. The top 7 functions of the liver are listen as follows


  • The liver is responsible for the removal of toxic byproducts of medications that may prove to be very toxic to the liver. These substances, if not eliminated fast enough will end up disrupting the normal functioning of the liver. Some of these substances that may be toxic to the liver are cigarette and acetaminophen also known as paracetamol.

  • The liver is the organ responsible for bile production even though it doesn't store bile. Bile produced in the liver will be stored in theGalbladder then excreted into the intestines in combination with pancreatic enzymes to ease the process of digestion. Bile produced in the liver travel through structures known as Canaliculi into the gallbbladder. From the gall bladder it is released through the bile duct (this area can be blocked by gallstones.)

  • The liver metabolizes drugs and food substances once they are absorbed fro. The gastrointestinal tract or administered through the various routes of drug administration just like intramuscular or intravenous injections. Often times, the metabolite of the drug is less toxic than the parent drug. The end product of food breakdown is the release of energy. 

  • The liver also plays a major role in nutrient storage. the liver is the primary organ involved in glucose storage followed by muscles. It also stores vitamin's and other minerals. 

  • The liver produces proteins that are highly needed in the body for there pair and buildup of tissues. It also produces albumin, a protein needed in the day to day activities of the normal human body. Albumin binds to drugs and some water insoluble hormones to be transported to their target cell. 
  • The liver helps in the production of clotting factors neededin blood clotting to prevent blood loss during an injury. 

  • Lastly, the liver fights against infectious agents like bacteria thus preventing body infections. 


Despite the multi-functioning of the liver, damage to the liver can go a long way to be chronic from the onset or acute depending on the cause. The process whereby liver diseases are manifested is in four (4) steps. That is;

  1. Swelling after infection
  2. Scaring due to infections. This can also be referred to as liver fibrosis due to the presence of fibrous tissues. 
  3. Cirrhosis. Once the fibroused liver continues to upgrade, it can give rise to a liver Cirrhosis. Here the liver begins to loss it's functionality then can progress to a more serious type 
  4. Liver failure. This is commonly seen in some alcoholic patients.


SIGNS OF LIVER DISEASE

The signs associated with liver diseases can be generalized as well as they can be more specific for a particular illness. However, there are symptoms which may prompt you to see the medical doctor urgently. These are

  • Itchy skin also called bruise
  • Jaundice characterized by yellowing of the eyes and skin.
  • Abdominal pain more characteristic on the right upper quadrant of the abdomen. 
  • Loss of appetite. This is commonly seen in patients that have liver failure. 
  • Loss of appetite
  • Swollen legs and stomach in some cases


It is important to note that though we might have acute liver diseases which in some cases will be life threatening, most liver diseases are Chronic. 


CAUSES OF LIVER DISEASES


the factors associated with liver diseases are also risk factors for some other types of organ diseases. Before we dive into the causes of liver disease proper, it's important to emphasize on the fact that some liver diseases are related to other health conditions and can also be a side effect of a drug which a patient might be consuming. So it's advisable for patients to take along the drugs they are taking to see a doctor when going for consultation. However, the main causes of liver diseases when generalized can be under the following category


  1. Lifestyle: like drinking of excess alcohol and limited sporting activities. Sedentary lifestyle can also affect the functioning of the liver as well as the heart. 
  2. Obesity: individuals who are obesed have a greater risk of developing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and some other complecated diseases.
  3. Alcohol on it's own is a very harmful agent to the liver when taken in excess as it increases liver overload and stress. 
  4. Drug and other chemicals also harm the liver. An example is acetaminophen also called paracetamol.  Acetaminophen is the third most dangerous risk factors for liver damage. Other drugs that Cal cause liver disease is aspirin.
  5. Hepatitis A, B and C can cause acute or chronic liver damage. Luckily enough, hepatitis B and C can be prevented by vaccination and normal antiviral drugs can help fight against Hepatitis A which can be transmitted via food.
  6. Autoimmune diseases can also damage the liver cells, making them non responsive to some stimulants and other agent. It can lead to the blockage of receptors for insulin thus causing diabetes. 
  7. The blockage of duct can lead to primary sclerotic chonlangitis which might progress to Budd-Chiari syndrome and gallstones. 
  8. Fatty liver diseases may progress and develope to liver cancer. It might also be genetic. 


The diagnosis associated with liver disease involves

  • Blood test
  • CT scan
  • MRI scan
  • Ultrasound.
  • Biopsy


Blood screening will be necessary to do liver function test. The imaging techniques and biopsy can help view the morohologic changes associated with liver damage. 


HOW TO PREVENT LIVER DISEASES


  • Prevent excess alcohol drinking and smoking
  • Eating a healthy diet will help keep the liver active and functioning properly
  • Increasing on physics activity can also help boost the health of the liver. Cutting down on obesity will not only improve liver health but will also affect the proper functioning of the heart as well. It can also prevent the buildup of fat in the body which may result in bile duct blockage.
  • Avoid unnecessary medications and over the counter drugs will also boost liver health.


It is important to emphasize that this information should not be used for personal assessment. In case you are having any such suspicions you can get to a doctor for proper assessment.