Why liver health is vital
THE liver is one of the largest solid organs in the body. It has many essential metabolic functions which are responsible for carbohydrate metabolism, making glucose and detoxing the body. It stores nutrients and excretes bile, which is necessary to digest and absorb the nutrients in food properly. It also helps carry away waste and break down fats in the small intestine during digestion.
Bile by-products enter the intestine and leave the body in the form of faeces. All the blood leaving the stomach and intestines passes through the liver. Blood by-products are filtered out by the kidneys and leave the body in the form of urine. Liver dysfunction can lead to liver disease, metabolic disorders, diabetes and cancer.
According to data from the World Health Organization’s (WHO) internal agency for research in cancer published in October, it was found that liver cancer is the sixth most common cancer in Malaysia and also ranked fourth for cancer-related deaths.
Besides cancer, other liver-related diseases caused by viruses include hepatitis A, B and C. An estimated 325 million people worldwide live with hepatitis B or C, and for most, testing and treatment remain beyond reach.
Consultant physician and endocrinologist Dr Rohaya Abdul Razak at MSU Medical Centre explains, “In general, there are different causes which can lead to liver disease or problems, which includes genetics and autoimmune. But, more commonly, a variety of factors damage the liver such as viruses, alcohol use, obesity and diabetes. The prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in the
“The liver is one of the largest solid organs in the body. It has many essential metabolic functions which are responsible for carbohydrate metabolism, making glucose and detoxing the body. ”
general population of Malaysia is also increasing. Over time, conditions that damage the liver can lead to scarring (cirrhosis), in turn leading to liver failure, a life-threatening condition. However, early treatment may give the liver time to heal.
“Liver disease doesn’t always cause noticeable signs and symptoms. If signs and symptoms of liver disease do occur, it may include skin and eyes that appear yellowish (jaundice), abdominal pain and swelling, swelling on the legs and ankles, itchy skin, dark urine colour, chronic fatigue, nausea or vomiting, loss of appetite, as well as a tendency to bruise easily.
The major causes of liver diseases or problems include:
l Infection – parasites and viruses can infect the liver, causing inflammation that reduces liver function. The viruses that cause liver damage can spread through blood or semen, contaminated food or water, or close contact with a person who is infected. The most common types of liver infection are hepatitis viruses.
l Immune system abnormality – diseases in which the immune system attacks certain parts of the body (autoimmune). Examples of autoimmune liver diseases include autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cholangitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis.
l Genetics – an abnormal gene inherited from one or both parents can cause various substances to build up in the liver, resulting in liver damage. Genetic liver diseases include hemochromatosis, Wilson’s disease and Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.
l Cancer and other growths – these include liver cancer, bile duct cancer and liver adenoma.
Other common causes of liver disease are related to lifestyle, including chronic alcohol abuse, fat accumulation in the liver (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, NAFLD), certain prescription or over-thecounter medications, obesity, type 2 diabetes, tattoos or body piercings, injecting drugs using shared needles, blood transfusion, exposure to other people’s blood and body fluids, unprotected sex or exposure to chemicals or toxins.
Complications of liver disease vary depending on the cause of liver problems. Untreated liver disease may progress to liver failure, a life-threatening condition.
There are many ways to ensure a healthy liver. These include maintaining a healthy weight (within a BMI of 18-23 kg/ m²), eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, avoiding the use of illicit drugs or products which are harmful to the liver, drinking alcohol in moderation, avoiding contaminated needles, practising safe sex, avoiding contact with other people’s blood and body fluids following directions on all medications and getting vaccinated for Hepatitis A and B.
While it may be impossible to manage all risk factors, consuming certain foods and drinks may help promote liver health and may prevent liver disease.
There are a few general tips for a healthy liver:
1) Eat food with fibre such as fruits, vegetables, whole grain bread, rice and cereals. Such foods help your liver work at an optimal level.
2) Drink lots of plain water to prevent dehydration.
3) Do not eat foods high in fat, sugar and salt.
Dr Rohaya urges, “The liver plays an important role in the body. While it largely takes care of itself, a person can help maintain good liver health by consuming certain foods and drinks. Choosing foods that are good for the liver can help a person avoid potential health issues in the future.”