World Liver Day 2024: Causes, Symptoms, Prevention & Diet Tips for a Healthy Future!

World Liver Day, observed annually on April 19, aims to raise awareness about the crucial role of the liver in regulating immunity, metabolism and digestion, and to highlight the impact of liver diseases. In India, liver diseases rank among the top ten causes of death, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). To maintain liver health, it’s important to understand the causes, symptoms, preventive measures and treatments associated with liver diseases.

‘EDUCATION, EARLY DETECTION, AND CARE IS THE KEY’

“Most of the physical problems and illnesses that affect a person can be easily noticed since the symptoms show up immediately; whereas problems with the liver show up only at the advanced stage of the illness often requiring surgery and transplanting and sometimes with no hope, but leading to death. Since the liver can function even when 70% is damaged, people don’t realise the dangers of a liver disease until too late,” explains Dr Naveen Ganjoo, Consultant Hepatologist with the Aster Integrated Liver Care program, Aster RV hospital, Bengaluru.

“By raising awareness about the importance of liver health and advocating for preventive measures, individual scan take proactive steps to safeguard their well-being and reduce the burden of liver diseases. Through education, early detection, and comprehensive care initiatives, we can strive towards a future where liver diseases are effectively managed, and lives are saved,” Dr Ganjoo said.

5 Tips For Healthy Liver

Dr. Naveen Ganjoo recommends some key preventive measures and lifestyle modifications to help maintain liver health.

1. Eating a healthy well balanced diet.
2. Regular daily physical exercise.
3. Testing for Hepatitis Band C. Both infections can be treated effectively if detected early.
4. If negative, ensure Hepatitis B vaccine is obtained.
5. When visiting a hospital, ensure disposable needles are used for injection and testing.

World Liver Day 2024: Symptoms

If you are developing a liver-related disease, your body might indicate it through various symptoms which must not be ignored. Immediate medical attention in case two or more symptoms appear can prevent the chances of liver disease.

• Swelling in the legs and ankles
• Itchy and red skin around the stomach
• Loss of appetite
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Jaundice
• Urine colour
• Blood in stool, etc.

World Liver Day 2024: Causes

1. Alcohol IntakeExcessive alcohol consumption is the primary cause of liver damage, which can lead to conditions like fatty liver disease, cirrhosis and liver cancer.
2. Viral HepatitisHepatitis A, B, and C are the most common types of viral hepatitis, transmitted through contaminated food or water, bodily fluids or from mother to child during childbirth.
3. MedicationsCertain medications and supplements, including acetaminophen, statins, and antibiotics can harm the liver, especially when taken over a long period of time.
4. GeneticsGenetic factors can increase the risk of liver diseases as they impact the way the body stores and metabolises fat. These disorders can cause the liver to store too much copper, iron, or protein, leading to liver damage.
5. ObesityObesity and excess body fat in the whole body increase the risk of liver disease. When excess fat accumulates in the liver for long periods of time, it can lead to a condition called non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD can cause liver scarring, inflammation and liver failure.

World Liver Day 2024: Preventive Measures

Although it gets difficult after you have developed an ailment, one can maintain liver health and prevent liver disease by following some simple tips:

1. Maintain a Healthy WeightObesity is a major risk factor for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced and healthy diet, as well as regular exercise can significantly reduce the risk.
2. Avoid Unhealthy FoodsFocus on consuming liver-healthy foods, such as fruits, leafy green vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains and avoid a high-saturated diet and trans fats to prevent developing fatty liver disease.
3. Limit Alcohol ConsumptionAvoid binge drinking to keep your liver healthy, as excessive alcohol consumption dehydrates your body and makes it hard for your liver to remove the toxins from the body, leading to liver disease.
4. VaccinationGet vaccinated against Hepatitis A and B to protect your liver health.
5. Maintain good hygieneWash your hands regularly to prevent the spread of hepatitis A and avoid contact with infected body fluids to stay away from the hepatitis virus.

World Liver Day 2024: Treatment

Treatment for liver disease depends on the specific cause and severity. Some liver problems can be treated with lifestyle changes like dietary modifications, weight management and avoiding alcohol. Other liver problems may be treated with the help of medications. However, in severe cases with extensive liver damage, a liver transplantmay be necessary.

World Liver Day 2024: Dietary Tips To Keep Your Liver Healthy

It is essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle and eat a balanced diet to keep your liver healthy. Exercise regularly is also essential to avoid diseases like liver cancer, cirrhosis and hepatitis. Some simple tips to keep your liver healthy are:

1. Focus on fruits and vegetables, whole grains, rice, and cereals such as quinoa, millet, and buckwheat.
2. Diets that include green leafy vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, carrots, apples, and walnuts, are recommended.
3. Consume lemon and lime juice.
4. Avoid milk tea, and drink green tea.
5. Use olive oil instead of fatty oils.