Eat right, work out to keep your liver healthy
World Liver Day was observed on April 19. The annual event aims to raise awareness on liver health and the prevention of diseases related to this human body organ. The theme for this year, “Food is Medicine”, emphasised the significant role of balanced nutrition in maintaining liver health.
Dr Sunil Taneja, Professor, Department of Hepatology, PGIMER, Chandigarh, whose research paper has been published in the journal Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, says that a positive impact of home-based food has been observed in alcohol-related acute or chronic liver failure patients, resulting in improvement of chances of survival and reduction in complications, suggesting the role of healthy food as medicine.
Here he talks of what his research and practice as doctor, treating thousands of patients with liver ailments, taught him.
What are the common causes of chronic liver disease?
The common causes of chronic liver disease which are the major contributors to global health challenges are fatty liver disease or MASLD (metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease), alcohol-related liver disease, hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus infection.
The MASLD affects approximately 25–30% of adults across the world, and up to 50% of the urban population in India. Fatty liver is seen in about 50-60 % of patients with type 2 diabetes, and almost all patients with obesity. Fatty liver and alcohol-related liver diseases are the leading indication for liver transplant worldwide now.
What is fatty liver disease?
Fatty liver is the result of the accumulation of excess fat in the liver along with metabolic dysfunction. Fatty tissue slowly builds up in the liver when fat in a person’s diet exceeds the amount his or her body can handle.
A person has a fatty liver when fat makes up at least 5-10% of the liver. Simple fatty liver can be a completely benign condition and usually does not lead to liver damage. However, once there is a build-up of fat, the liver becomes vulnerable to further injury, which may result in inflammation and scarring.
What causes fatty liver disease?
Obesity is the most common cause of fatty liver disease. The other conditions that contribute to fatty liver disease are high blood sugars (diabetes mellitus), elevated lipids in the blood (hyperlipidemia) and high blood pressure (hypertension).
Metabolic dysfunction is characterised by abnormalities in the body’s metabolic processes, which are essential for maintaining energy balance, cellular function and overall health. Major lifestyle changes of today’s world majorly contribute to this type of liver disease. These include unhealthy diet, reduced physical activity, sedentary behaviour, poor sleep pattern and mental stress.
How nutrition impacts the liver health
Energy balance: The liver helps convert nutrients into energy. Overeating, especially sugar and fat, can lead to accumulation of fat in the liver.
Detoxification support: Nutrients like antioxidants help reduce liver inflammation and oxidative stress.
Regeneration: The liver is capable of regenerating, and proper nutrition provides the building blocks it needs to repair damaged tissue.
Immune function: Good nutrition boosts the immune system, helping the body fight off viral infections like hepatitis B and C.
Things to do to keep your liver healthy
Eat smart and right: Avoid processed foods, excess sugar, and alcohol. Supplements, medications and herbs can cause damage to the liver.
Exercise: Physical activity supports liver health. Exercising improves blood flow as well as reduces fat stored in your liver.
Get tested for hepatitis B & C: Early detection saves lives.
Punjab