PRINCE KUMAR
Ranchi, April 19: World Liver Day is observed every year on April 19 to spread awareness about liver diseases, and to encourage people to eat healthily and maintain a healthy lifestyle. The day aims to remind people of the importance of this organ. As per WHO, liver-related diseases are the tenth most common cause of death in India.
In an interview with lagatar24.com, Dr Antriksh Kumar, Consultant Gastroenterologist at MEDICA said that the liver is a very vital organ required for normal and healthy functioning of the human body. It not only helps in the digestion and metabolism of fat, carbohydrates and proteins but also helps in the detoxification of toxins and drugs from the blood. Apart from this, it carries out essential functions namely storage of vitamins and minerals, bile production and synthesis of proteins and clotting factors.
Calling progression to permanent liver damage i.e. cirrhosis, as the last and irreversible stage, Dr Antriksh said that it can be prevented by simple measures.
He advised, “Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is emerging as an important cause of cirrhosis, can be prevented with simple lifestyle measures. Exercise, weight loss and maintaining a lean body help in reducing excess liver fat along with overall body fat. Avoid high calorie-meals, saturated fat, refined carbohydrates (such as white bread, maida flour products and pasta) and simple sugars. These help in reducing the deposition of fat in the liver. Good control of blood sugar in diabetics prevents the accumulation of fat in the liver.”
He added, “Alcohol intake is known to damage the liver and cause cirrhosis. Hence it should be best avoided. Cirrhosis is also caused by Hepatitis B and C viruses. Early diagnosis and treatment are the keys to preventing the progression of liver disease. Hepatitis C can be completely cured whereas treatment of Hepatitis B may take a prolonged time. Moreover, Hepatitis B can be prevented simply by vaccination, which is included in the National Immunization schedule.”
Dr Antriksh shared simple tips to keep the liver healthy. These include:
- Don’t drink a lot of alcohol. It can damage liver cells and lead to swelling or scarring that becomes cirrhosis, which can be deadly.
- Eat a healthy diet and do regular exercise. You’ll keep your weight under control, which helps prevent non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a condition that leads to cirrhosis.
- Medicines and drugs can occasionally have a side effect that causes liver problems like the painkiller. Avoid unregulated drugs and over the counter drugs or self-medication.
- Hepatitis B and C are spread through blood and body fluids. To cut your risk, don’t share items like toothbrushes, razors, or needles.
- Maintaining healthy sexual practices and using barrier contraception methods.
- Avoid high-calorie meals, saturated fat, refined carbohydrates (such as white bread, white rice and regular pasta) and sugars.
- Include green leafy vegetables and fruits in the diet.
