World Liver Day

Be Vigilant, Get Regular Liver Check-ups, and Prevent Fatty Liver Diseases

April 19 is World Liver Day. The observation is to spread awareness about maintaining a healthy liver and bring all the stakeholders together. The world is seeing an increase in Liver-related diseases. Despite its importance, many ignore taking care of the liver’s health. The liver is the second largest body part and the second most complex organ, performing crucial physiological functions. The liver is also unique as it is the only organ in the body that regrows completely. 1 out of every 25 deaths is due to liver diseases. Currently, no drugs are available to treat fatty liver, though the condition is reversible. Liver donation can save lives. The donors can be from the Deceased or Living. A healthy living donor can donate up to 60% of the liver. The success rate for liver transplants is 92%. Maintaining a healthy liver is crucial for overall well-being.

Life loves the liver of it.
Maya Angelou

April 19 is “World Liver Day”. The observation is to spread awareness about maintaining a healthy liver and bring all the stakeholders together. It was launched by the “European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL)” in2010. April 19 is chosen to commemorate the founding of EASL on that day in 1966. The world is seeing an increase in Liver-related diseases. Understanding the risks and taking preventive steps becomes crucial. Early detection and timely treatment are essential.

The liver is the second largest body part (after the skin) and the second most complex organ (after the human brain). It resides beneath the rib cage in the right upper abdomen. The liver performs many vital functions for the human body to function normally. It is the largest organ in the body and performs crucial physiological functions. Those include detoxification, maintaining metabolism, and producing vital proteins. It is a recycling ground for blood. It filters blood before it passes through the rest of the body. The liver can generate new blood during foetal development. The liver is unique as it is the only organ in the body to regrow completely, provided at least 25% of the liver tissues remain attached.  

There are several reasons for liver diseases. Genetic factors, excessive alcohol consumption and viral infections impact the health of the liver. Fatty liver disease is one of the most common conditions, and it occurs when the liver accumulates excess fat. When it becomes severe, it can manifest in signs like hallucination and loss of memory. The other chronic and severe liver conditions are liver cirrhosis and liver failure. Hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver, is a widespread disease that can cause severe liver damage. The brain’s function depends on the liver’s health. Jaundice is another manifestation of liver inflammation.  

Berries are the healthiest fruit, offering potential protection against cancer and heart disease, boosting the immune system, and acting as a guard for the liver and Brain.
Michael Greger

WHO data indicates that the tenth most common cause of death in India is due to liver disease, leading to 1 out of every 25 deaths. Liver cancer alone contributes to 6 to 9 lakh deaths. Due to the changes women’s body goes through in their lives, they are found to be more at risk of diseases relating to the liver. Prevalence of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) affects over a third of the Indian population. A recent AIMS study indicates that 38%of Indians suffer from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Currently, no drugs are available to treat fatty liver, though the condition is reversible. Drinking coffee and green tea protects the liver by reducing liver enzymes and lowering the risk of liver cancer. The fruit to be taken is Grapefruit. Meet eaters can consume liver in their meat, which provides essential vitamins and minerals. Getting vaccinated against viruses like hepatitis A and B can help prevent potential liver damage due to these viruses. Maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding unhealthy foods would help.

Liver donation can save lives. The donors can be from the Deceased or Living. A healthy living donor can donate up to 60% of the liver. It gets regenerated in 4-6 weeks for the donor. The liver in the recipient also grows back at a similar time. The success rate for liver transplants is 92%. India needs annually around 30,000 liver transplants. It is only 1500 that is happening. The Indian Liver Trust, a voluntary non-profit organization, is crucial in promoting organ donation nationwide.  Let’s stand alongside those suffering from liver ailments and remind them that they are not alone in their fight. The day encourages people to adopt a healthy lifestyle by avoiding oily and greasy foods, thereby taking care of their liver.  

Maintaining a Healthy Liver 
is Crucial for overall well-being.

Toons: Anusha
Logs: M. Sai Baba
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