All about World Liver Day 2023: Significance, Diseases, and Tips

Significance of World Liver Day 2023

World Liver Day is an annual global event observed on April 19th. The celebration intends to create awareness and highlights the significance of the second largest organ in the human body- the liver.

Every year this dedicated day reminds us to learn more about the liver and take care of it in the long term. Likewise, this year I.e.2023, world liver day has a specific theme – “To stay alert about any liver issues, check liver health often through diagnosis and essential tests and that fatty liver can affect anybody” The theme emphasises the fact that fatty liver can happen to anyone, irrespective of diseases like diabetes, obesity and excess consumption of alcohol.

Understanding the Liver

As a vital organ within the human body, the liver is responsible for many functions, including metabolism, digestion, immunity, filtration, and storing vitamins, minerals, and glucose.

In addition to the functions mentioned earlier, the liver is also responsible for approximately 500 other physiological processes. Ongoing scientific research suggests there is still much to discover about this remarkable organ. Remarkably, the liver can regenerate itself even after extensive damage, with studies indicating it can restore function even after 60-70% damage.

But, apart from these abilities, it might still be prone to damage. The liver is also the second most complex organ in the human body, without which the other tissues would not survive due to a lack of energy and nutrients.

Celebrating world liver day(WLD) intends to create awareness about liver health for everyone.

Let’s begin with the types of liver disorders and how to control/treat them. Secondly, the useful tips and information for maintaining healthy liver.

Common liver diseases

Liver diseases are characterised by damage to the liver, which prevents it from functioning normally.

1. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

It is the fat accumulation in the liver in people who consume little alcohol. This causes scars and, finally, cirrhosis. Liver failure and gastrointestinal bleeding are a few examples.

2. Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a viral infection that leads to fatigue, fever, muscle aches, and loss of appetite and causes liver inflammation. It is primarily spread through the transfusion of bodily fluids, hemodialysis, and needle-stick injuries.

3. Hepatitis B

This infection is characterised by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and jaundice and is caused by a viral infection. Fortunately, this infection can be easily prevented through the use of vaccines.

4. Cirrhosis of liver

The loss of liver cells and scarring of the liver leads to cirrhosis and permanent loss of liver cells. Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B are causes of cirrhosis. The symptoms of the disease are appetite loss, easy bruising and itching, yellowing of the skin (jaundice) and fatigue.

5. Hepatitis A

It is caused by the hepatitis A virus. It passes from one person to another person through contaminated foods & fluids, through sex.

Now that we’ve discussed various liver diseases, the next step is to explore how to provide the best care for this vital organ.

Want a healthy liver? Then follow these pointers.

• Recent findings state that no amount of alcohol is safe for health. Limit alcohol consumption as alcohol consumption will lead to fluid accumulation and scarring of liver tissue. This causes the deadly disease “cirrhosis”.
• Eat liver-healthy foods, and exercise regularly. This will help in maintaining a healthy weight. A healthy body will reduce the chances of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and “cirrhosis “.
• The use of certain drugs and a few painkillers will harm the liver. Rationale use of these drugs will protect the liver from harmful effects.
• Viral hepatitis disease in the liver is transferred through food and fluids. Opt for Vaccination to protect from viral hepatitis.
• Avoid using razors, toothbrushes and needles to reduce the chances of transmission of hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Also, contraceptives and latex protection while having sex and getting a vaccine are good ways to prevent hepatitis B.
• Minimise or avoid exposure to pesticides and aerosol products, which are a potential cause of damage to the liver.
• Avoid smoking, as the additives of cigarettes can harm the liver.
• Stress can harm the liver too. Find ways to de-stress. Pick a hobby, and travel to relax. Do anything which relaxes the mind, body and soul.
• Stay away from high-calorie foods and refined foods like white rice, white bread, and pasta. Instead, eat fibre-rich foods like fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and cereals. These are the best foods to be included for a healthy liver.
• Include monosaturated and polyunsaturated foods such as low-fat milk, cheese, nuts and seafood. These are a source of good fat for the human body.
• Do not eat raw or uncooked shellfish.

Conclusion

There is a quote on the liver by William James,” Is life worth living? It all depends on the liver”. The liver’s primary role is removing toxins, processing food nutrients, and regulating body metabolism. As the liver carries these critical functions, it is imperative to take good care to keep it healthy. The most common liver disorders are fatty liver disease, cirrhosis of the liver, and hepatitis A. Awareness of liver diseases will ensure the prevention and cure the liver diseases during their early stages. Observing a dedicated day 19th of April is to create awareness of liver health and implement measures through diet and exercises for a healthy liver.

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