World Liver Day 2024 (19th April), Know Common Types of Liver Disease

World Liver Day is observed every year on April 19th to raise awareness about liver diseases and the importance of maintaining a healthy liver. The liver is one of the largest organs in the body and is responsible for performing many vital functions, including filtering toxins from the blood, producing bile for digestion, and storing vitamins and minerals.

However, liver diseases can be life-threatening and have a significant impact on overall health. Liver disease can be caused by a variety of factors, including alcohol consumption, obesity, viral infections, and genetic predisposition. In this article let us look at the various aspects of liver health.

Types of Liver Diseases

Liver diseases are becoming more common nowadays and the symptoms can be seen in people belonging to all age groups. It is a concerning trend and the major reason behind it is the modern-day lifestyle and the lack of awareness regarding liver health. Some common types of liver disease include

• Fatty liver disease – It is also known as Hepatic Steatosis. It occurs when fat builds up in the liver which can lead to serious complications.
• Biliary Atresia – This is a serious complication that develops in infants that develops when the bile ducts get blocked.
• Cirrhosis – It is the condition when the liver gets scarred and permanently damaged,
• ERCP – It stands for Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography.
• Hemochromatosis – It is a metabolic disorder that causes the body to absorb too much iron from food. This excess iron can build up in the heart, liver, pancreas, joints, pituitary gland, and skin, and can damage organs and tissues over time.
• Hepatitis A – This is a condition of inflammation in the liver caused by the Hepatitis A Virus (HAV).
• Hepatitis B –  It is caused by the infection in the liver caused by the Hepatitis B virus and os generally spread by exposure to infected bodily fluids.
• Liver cancer – IT can be primary (originating in the liver) or secondary (spreading to the liver). The most common type of primary liver cancer is Hepatocellular Carcinoma and is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide.

What is the Theme of the World Liver Day 2024?

The theme of World Liver Day 2024 is: “ Be Vigilant, Get Regular Liver Check-Up, and Prevent Fatty Liver Diseases.”

Be Vigilant – It means that we should pay attention to any kind of symptom or indication that our body may exhibit which can be liver-related. Ignoring them can be risky and sometimes fatal.

Get Regular Liver Checkups – The liver is an organ that we generally ignore until it starts showing signs of discomfort and sometimes it is too late to repair the damages done. Getting regular checkups done can help detect many liver diseases in the early stage and can prevent serious health complications.

Prevent Fatty Liver Diseases – Diseases caused by a fatty liver are caused by the wrong lifestyle habits and can be prevented if detected early. If left unchecked they can lead to more complications and issues.

Measures To Keep Your Liver Healthy

Prevention is key when it comes to liver disease. Here are some ways to keep your liver healthy:

• Limit alcohol consumption: Drinking too much alcohol can damage the liver and lead to liver disease. Limit your alcohol intake to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity is a leading cause of fatty liver disease, which can progress to more serious liver conditions. Maintain a healthy weight through regular exercise and a balanced diet.
• Avoid sharing needles: Injecting drugs with shared needles can lead to hepatitis B and C infections.
• Manage medications carefully: Certain medications can be hard on the liver. Follow your doctor’s instructions and avoid taking more than the recommended dose.
• Eat a healthy diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can help support liver health.

Food That Boosts Liver Health

There are many foods that can help promote liver health. Some of them are:

• Leafy greens: Greens such as kale, spinach, and arugula are rich in vitamins and minerals that can help support liver function.
• Cruciferous vegetables: Vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts contain compounds that can help protect the liver from damage.
• Berries: Berries such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are high in antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation and protect liver cells.
• Garlic: Garlic contains compounds that can help stimulate liver enzymes, which can aid in the removal of toxins from the body.
• Turmeric: Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can benefit liver health.
• Nuts: Nuts such as walnuts and almonds are high in healthy fats and antioxidants, which can help support liver function.

In conclusion, World Liver Day is an important reminder to take care of our liver and maintain a healthy lifestyle. By taking proactive steps towards liver health, we can reduce the risk of liver disease and improve overall health and well-being.