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World Liver Day 2018: Dos and don'ts for a healthy liver

This World Liver Day, let's understand our liver better

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Written By: Editorial Team | Updated : April 18, 2018 4:49 PM IST

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World Liver day is observed on the 19th April every year. The liver is the second largest organ in the body. Liver diseases can be caused by hepatitis A, B, C, alcohol and drugs. Viral Hepatitis occurs due to consumption of contaminated food and water, unsafe sexual practices and drug abuse. If not treated timely, these can lead to Liver Cirrhosis and Liver Cancer.

According to WHO, liver diseases are the 10th most common cause of death in India. People with liver problems often experience few or no symptoms. While there have been major advances in treating liver diseases, there is no complete cure. The only way to manage a failed liver is to get a liver transplant.

This World Liver Day, Dr Arvind Khurana, Director and Head, Department of Gastroenterology, Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh encourages you to understand your liver better. Here's how to keep your liver healthy.

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The liver performs the following functions:

  • Fighting infections and illness.
  • Regulating blood sugar.
  • Removing toxic substances from the body.
  • Controlling cholesterol levels.
  • Helping blood to clot (thicken).
  • Making many of the body s essential proteins.
  • Releasing bile (A liquid that breaks down fats and aids in digestion).
  • Responsible for manufacturing cholesterol and triglycerides.
  • Breaks down medications and drugs, including alcohol.
  • Breaks down insulin and other hormones in the body.

The causes for liver disease:

  • Liver disease can be inherited or genetic.
  • Unhealthy lifestyle and eating patterns.
  • Viruses such as hepatitis A, B and C can damage the liver.
  • Increased consumption of alcoholic drinks along with high cholesterol-inducing junk foods.
  • Overweight, Marked Obesity and Type 2 diabetes.

Read: What is non-alcoholic fatty disease?

Symptoms of liver disease:

  • Jaundice.
  • Sudden weight loss.
  • A decrease in appetite.
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • General weakness and/or fatigue.
  • Pain occurring in the upper abdomen on the right side or near the right shoulder blade.
  • Enlarged liver (hepatomegaly).
  • Enlarged spleen.
  • Abdominal swelling (ascites).

Detox Diet for Liver Cleansing

  • Eat garlic, grapefruit, carrot, green leafy vegetables, apple and walnuts.
  • Use olive oil.
  • Take lemon and lime juice and green tea.
  • Prefer alternative grains (Quinoa, Millet and Buckwheat).
  • Add cruciferous vegetables (Cabbage, Broccoli and Cauliflower).
  • Use turmeric in food.

Prevention of liver disease:

  • Adopt healthy lifestyle habits.
  • Maintain a healthy diet.
  • Eat foods from all the food groups: grains, protein, dairy products, fruits, vegetables and fats.
  • Eat foods that have lot of fibres such as fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grain breads, rice and cereals.
  • Ensure safe blood transfusions to avoid contracting hepatitis A, B, C.
  • Wash hands after going to the bathroom.
  • Avoid tap water when traveling.
  • Say No to alcohol, smoking and drugs.
  • Exercise regularly to keep your liver healthy.

Source: Press release

Image Source: Shutterstock

Editorial Team

Editorial Team

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