What You Need to Know About Liver Diseases for a Healthy Lifestyle

What You Need to Know About Liver Diseases for a Healthy Lifestyle

The liver is one of the most prominent organs of the human body. It is located just below the rib cage and is present on the right side of the abdomen. From digesting the food and the production of materials that help in digestion, the liver is known to produce red blood cells which help in the smooth transfer of oxygen to the rest of the body. 

Liver disease is an umbrella term that is used for a number of liver conditions which are labeled by the poor or affected performance of the liver. Liver diseases can both be inherited and developed after adopting a specific lifestyle. 

If you left liver conditions unattended then it can lead to scarring of the tissues which can permanently damage the liver and thus affect its everyday functions. Therefore make sure to visit the best liver specialist in Karachi

What are the Causes of Liver Diseases?

Given below are some of the common causes of liver diseases:

Infections

One of the leading causes of liver diseases that you need to know about is infections. These infections can cause inflammation of the liver, depriving the liver of its common functions. These viral factors can easily be transferred by being in close contact with another infected person’s semen, or blood. Viral infections can also transfer through contaminated food and water. 

Some of the common liver infections are as follows:

  • Hepatitis A
  • Hepatitis B
  • Hepatitis C

Genetics

Another factor that is known to play a key role in liver diseases is genetics. A single abnormal gene whether it is inherited from one or both parents can lead to liver damage. Some of the common genetic liver diseases are as follows:

  • Hemochromatosis
  • Wilson’s disease
  • Alpha- 1 antitrypsin deficiency

Cancer or Similar Outgrowths

Some liver diseases can also be due to cancerous mutations in the cells. These are as follows:

  • Bile duct cancer
  • Liver cancer
  • Liver adenoma

Miscellaneous Factors

There are some other factors which can actually lead to the increased risk of liver diseases. Listed below are some of the common ones:

  • Herbal compounds and their consumption without a doctor’s consultation
  • Chronic drinking habits
  • Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or also known as fat accumulation in the liver
  • Over-the-counter medications
  • Medical history of liver diseases

What are the Risk Factors of Liver Diseases?

There are some risk factors which can increase the chances of liver diseases if not catered to at the right time. Make sure to keep these risk factors under check if you wish to enjoy the perks of a stable and healthy liver. 

  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Blood transfusion history before 1992
  • Unprotected sexual intercourse
  • Medical history of liver disease in the family
  • Body piercings or tattoos
  • Exposure to an infected person’s fluid materials such as blood, semen and body fluids
  • Obesity
  • Sharing used needles or injecting drugs
  • Exposure to hazardous materials

What are the Complications of Liver Diseases?

Several factors can play varying roles in decreasing the ability of the liver to function and perform. But make sure to consult with a doctor in these manners, because a late diagnosis can lead to fatal results such as liver failure or liver transplant under severe circumstances. 

Best Dietary Choices for a Healthy and Well Liver

 Given below are some of the dietary choices that are simply the best for your liver:

  • Oatmeal
  • Broccoli
  • Coffee
  • Green tea
  • Water 
  • Almonds
  • Blueberries
  • Grapes

Foods that You Should Avoid if You Have Liver Disease

If you want your liver to stay healthy then you should make sure to avoid the following foods. Either because of high-fat content or sugar content, these foods are a no-no, especially when you are struggling to recover from liver diseases. 

  • Baked food items
  • Frizzy or aerated drinks such as sodas and colas
  • Alcohol consumption
  • Bread
  • Fast food items 
  • High sodium content foods
  • Red meats

What are the Preventive Measures for Liver Diseases?

Given below are some of the measures that can prevent the onset of liver diseases;

Vaccinations

Make sure to update your status of vaccinations. In case there is a medical history of such scenarios then you need to consult with your doctor about the vaccination for Hepatitis A, B and C. 

Pay Attention to Personal Hygiene

You need to be highly attentive towards matters of your personal hygiene. Wash your hands every now and then and avoid any sort of direct contact with the infected person’s body fluids as mentioned above. 

Maintain a Healthy Weight

This one is highly important. If you are overweight it can put an additional burden on your liver. This might lead to an increased risk of inflammation. Obesity can also lead to an increased risk of hepatitis. 

The Bottom Line

Make sure to make good use of the above-provided information. This is not only helpful for knowledge but also for keeping your liver health intact. 

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