World Liver Day is celebrated every year on April 19 to raise awareness about liver-related problems such as hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, and liver cancer and to educate people about their prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Out of these hepatitis and fatty liver are the two most common liver problems. As per studies, upto 35% of Indians have fatty liver. Fatty liver is common but not normal! Around 10-20% of people with fatty liver progress to develop a condition called liver cirrhosis which is irreversible. Some of them may end up with liver cancer as well.
What Is Fatty Liver?
One of the most common liver diseases is fatty liver disease, which affects many people in modern day due to major lifestyle disorder, faulty dietary practices and lack of workout.
Dr. Sujoy Maitra, Consultant Gastroenterologist, Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata said, "Fatty liver disease occurs when there is continuous build-up of triglycerides or fat in the liver, which can cause inflammation and damage to the liver tissue in advanced stages. Currently the major point of concern in liver diseases is non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) which develops mainly due to unhealthy lifestyle, weight gain or obesity and diabetics."
Causes Of Fatty Liver:
Fatty liver is a lifestyle related problem. Dr Adarsh C K, Chief Consultant Medical Gastroenterologist, Hepatologist & Advanced Endoscopist, Gleneagles BGS Hospital said, "Obesity/ overweight, diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, thyroid disease, sedentary lifestyle and certain drugs are its common causes."
"Mostly, it doesn’t show any symptoms. However once it progresses to liver cirrhosis which is irreversible, it causes symptoms like abdominal pain, abdominal distension, leg swelling, blood vomit/ black stools, altered consciousness and others," he added.
Risk Factors:
There are many risk factors associated with liver disease, including alcohol consumption, Hepatitis B & C, and autoimmune diseases. However, weight gain or obesity and diabetes are the major risk factors of non-alcoholic fatty liver which is the major form of liver disease in this modern world.
Dr. Sujoy Maitra said, "Weight gain leads to insulin resistance resulting in production of excess insulin in the body. This in turn triggers triglycerides or fat storage in the liver- a process which can cause liver inflammation and Cirrhosis in the long run."
Talking about Cirrhosis he said, "It is a disease in which liver cells become damaged and are replaced by scar tissue The main complication of cirrhosis is liver failure, portal hypertension which may lead to gastrointestinal bleeding, accumulation of fluid inside abdomen and liver cancer. With onset of these complications’ liver transplantation remains the only chance of survival."
What Happens If Fatty Liver Progresses?
Dr. Rajiv Lochan J, Lead Consultant – HPB, Liver Transplantation & Robotic Surgery, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bengaluru said, "If fatty liver disease progresses, it can lead to more severe liver damage and potentially develop into more serious conditions, including: Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH): a severe form of liver inflammation, which is characterised by liver cell damage, inflammation, and sometimes scarring (fibrosis) of the liver."
Prolonged inflammation and liver cell damage can lead to the accumulation of scar tissue in the liver, a condition known as fibrosis. This can impair liver function and increase the risk of development of cirrhosis.
Dr. Rajiv said, "Cirrhosis is an advanced stage of liver disease characterised by extensive scarring of the liver tissue. As cirrhosis progresses, liver function declines, leading to symptoms such as jaundice, fluid buildup in the abdomen (ascites), easy bruising or bleeding, and confusion. This is called Decompensated liver disease where essentially the liver which is the supplier of all energy to other vital organs is unable to do so."
"This is a life-threatening condition that requires urgent medical intervention, such as liver transplantation. People with advanced fatty liver disease, particularly those with cirrhosis, have an increased risk of developing liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma)," he added.
It’s important to monitor fatty liver disease closely and take steps to prevent its progression by adopting a healthy lifestyle, managing underlying conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol, and seeking medical care for liver-related symptoms or complications. Early detection and intervention can help slow or even reverse the progression of fatty liver disease and prevent its complications.
Diet And Prevention:
Liver is a crucial organ that performs essential functions in the body, including detoxification, production of bile to aid in digestion and regulation of metabolism. Hence, taking care of this organ is crucial to prevent liver-related diseases as well as cardiovascular disorders. Preventing metabolic disorders like obesity, diabetes and bad lipids could prevent risk of developing liver disease.
Dr. Sujoy Maitra said, "We have to keep proper lifestyle, healthy diet and avoid alcohol consumption, which increases the chances of fatty liver. The issue of weight gain is matter of concern in this modern world. We have to keep in mind that if the body mass index is more than 25 or if there is central obesity, then the weight should be maintained at an average level by dieting exercises. If there is a patient with diabetic history, they should be keeping their sugar level under control. If the liver test shows that there is an elevation in liver enzymes indicative of liver inflammation, then medicine should be started with the doctor's advice."
In addition, diet is an extremely important aspect of prevention and management of fatty liver.
Dr. Rajiv said, "Research suggests that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, including fatty fish which contain 3-omega fatty acid can help prevent and manage fatty liver disease. Conversely, diets high in saturated fats, added sugars, and refined carbohydrates have been linked to an increased risk of fatty liver disease."
"We should Avoid rapid weight loss: Crash diets and rapid weight loss can lead to the accumulation of liver fat and worsen liver function. Slow, gradual weight loss through sustainable lifestyle changes is recommended to prevent fatty liver disease," he added.
[Disclaimer: The information provided in the article, including treatment suggestions shared by doctors, is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.]