Learn to treat your liver right

“Liver disease” is the term used to describe a host of diseases that affect the liver.

The main diseases that affect the liver include hepatitis, fatty degeneration, cirrhosis and liver cancer.

An estimated 25% of the adult population are believed to suffer from some form of liver disease. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is by the most common affliction of this vital organ. Viral hepatitis, cirrhosis and liver cancer occur in less than 2% of the adult North American population.

Men and women are equally affected. Individuals who consume large quantities of alcohol, consume excessive amounts of sugars and refined carbohydrates or excessive amounts of fats or consume drugs like acetaminophen in a large amount daily, are exposed to toxic chemicals that, over a time or exposed to certain viruses can develop liver disease.

The liver is a large, dark red organ located in the upper right portion of the abdomen, beneath the diaphragm.

The liver is the largest and most metabolically active organ in the human body. It has more than 500 different functions. Those functions include such broad categories as intermediate metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins, production of many different types of proteins and enzymes including albumen and globulin that help to regulate fluid volume in the blood stream and initiate blood clotting, production of bile that aids in the digestion and absorption of fats, detoxification and removal of foreign material and toxins such as bacteria, drugs, alcohol and other noxious chemicals, storage of fats, proteins, sugar and various vitamins and minerals, helps to maintain the balance of hormones and breaks down older worn out red blood cells and disposes of them through bile.

The liver is one of the most frequently damaged organs in the body. Fortunately, it has an incredible regeneration capacity. It has been experimentally shown that only 10% of liver mass is required to maintain normal liver function.

Jaundice is the yellowish discolouration of the skin, the whites of eyes and other tissues due to excess circulating bilirubin in the blood. Jaundice is not a disease but is usually a sign of underlying liver dysfunction. Bilirubin is a yellow or orange pigment produced by the breakdown of red blood cells and hemoglobin in the liver. Cholestasis results when bile flow through the liver is impaired. Gilbert’s disease is a genetic condition that predisposes to elevated bilirubin levels in the blood. Five percent of the population are believed to have this genetic condition.

Hepatitis is an inflammatory process that causes damage to liver cells. The major causes of hepatitis are viruses A, B, C, alcohol and drugs. Hepatitis A is spread by fecal oral contamination and causes a flu-like illness. Hepatitis B is associated with a wide spectrum of liver disease from a sub-clinical carrier state to acute hepatitis, cirrhosis or liver scarring and liver cancer. It also causes flu-like symptoms but can progress and lead to liver failure.

Chronic hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver that lasts longer than six months.

Ascites is the term used to describe excess fluid in the abdomen and is usually due to chronic diseases, such as cirrhosis of the liver from alcoholism or liver cancer.

A fatty liver is the abnormal accumulation of fat in liver cells. The liver can store up to 20% of its weight in glycogen or a storage form of sugar and up to 40% of its weight in fat, mainly as triglycerides. It occurs when there is a chronic exposure to environmental toxins, excess consumption of alcohol, excessive consumption or genetic predisposition to high dietary fats or a diet high in sugars and other associated refined ultra-processed foods.

Signs and symptoms of liver disease are numerous. Early signs may include fatigue, poor appetite, nausea, vomiting and fever or chills. Distaste for certain foods or cigarettes is an early characteristic sign of hepatitis. Poor digestion, gas, bloating and heartburn can also occur. Hives and joint pains can occur. Jaundice or a yellowish discolouration of the skin can occur. Blood tests to check liver enzymes and bilirubin, and imaging tests such as an ultrasound are the main tests to diagnose liver disease.

Avoiding excess exposure to toxins is important in improving liver function. Avoid, or decrease, alcohol use and drug use, such as acetaminophen or other potentially toxic drugs.

Diet and lifestyle changes are most important when treating liver disease. Decreasing excessive consumption of fructose, glucose, sucrose, honey and other forms of added sugar is important. Limiting refined carbohydrates, such as ice cream, candy bars, pop, baked goods and white bread can be helpful to improve liver function.

Losing weight, especially abdominal girth, with a healthy whole foods diet, can be helpful in reversing fat accumulation in the liver.

Coffee and other natural bitters can help the liver work better. Supplements, such as digestive enzymes, lecithin, berberine, artichoke, beets, dandelion and milk thistle, can also help improve liver function.

The information provided in this article does not, and is not intended to, constitute medical advice. All information and content are for general information purposes only.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.