Increasing awareness of liver health is the need of the hour.
World Liver Health Day lays down a crucial responsibility on everyone’s shoulders – to raise awareness of liver health.
According to Greater Kashmir, a think-tank, liver-related deaths in India have reached a staggering figure of 268,580 (3.17% of all deaths) per year contributing to 18.3% of the global 2 million liver-related deaths.
Worrisome data like this can strike to people who are looking for a good time with high sugar , fried and harmful chemical induced food items.
When compared to other liver conditions , fatty liver is the most common . It occurs when there is an abnormal accumulation of fat in the liver cells. As per
The Economic Times 40% of people in India suffer from non-alcoholic fatty liver.
Fatty liver is not the end of the line for liver diseases, genetic conditions like Hemochromatosis, Wilson’s disease, Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency are out of
control of one’s hands . These genetic liver conditions remain unnoticed in their initial stages, making them much more dangerous in the later stages.
There are many potential causes of liver degeneration and liver diseases, including both genetic and environmental factors. Some common causes include:
1. Viral hepatitis: Hepatitis viruses, such as HBV and HCV, damage the liver, causing chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver failure.
2. Chronic and excessive alcohol consumption can damage and inflame the liver, leading to alcoholic liver disease.
3. Inflammation and damage to the liver are caused by autoimmune liver diseases, such as autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC).
4. Damage to the liver can be caused by certain medications, herbal supplements, and other substances.
Liver health is heavily dependent on our lifestyle, choosing the right diet and
daily activities are of utmost importance.
Taking the initiative towards a healthy livers starts with small steps – from adopting healthy lifestyle habits and avoiding or managing risk factors that can
harm the liver.
Here are some tips to promote liver health:
1. Diet: Eat a balanced diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Avoid or limit the consumption of high-fat, high-
sugar, and processed foods, as they can contribute to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
2. Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight, improve insulin sensitivity, and improve liver health. Get 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week, such as brisk walking or cycling.
3. Viral hepatitis, such as hepatitis B and C, can be transmitted through unprotected sex and shared needles. Avoid risky behaviours that can increase the risk of viral hepatitis and practice safe sex.
4. To avoid potential drug-induced liver injury, follow your healthcare provider’s instructions when taking medications and supplements.
5. In order to prevent liver damage, you should reduce your exposure to harmful substances, such as chemicals, pesticides, and other toxic substances.
6. Work with your healthcare provider to manage underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol, as they can increase the risk of liver disease.
7. A regular check-up with your healthcare provider can help monitor liver health and identify any potential liver issues early through blood tests and imaging studies.
Quality of life plays a critical role in the growth of our community. Our healthhelps dictate the quality of life. Making changes in our lifestyle that lead to improved health can be of crucial importance to us and our community.
As the global alcoholic consumer population rises the need for liver health becomes even more relevant. The spike in numbers is due to a lack of awareness regarding disease seriousness, associated risk factors, and prevention.
This day is dedicated to educating the public about the life-threatening risks related to liver disease from experts in the medical field as well as healthcare
policymakers.
Together we can help a range of people by starting with ourselves. By setting an example, we can inspire and influence others to follow. This ripple effect can
create a healthier and more productive society and thus will be able to understand the immense importance of liver health awareness.