The largest glandular organ in the human body; our liver, simultaneously fulfills more than 500
functions. These functions of digestion, absorption, glucose regulation, and toxin filtration are essential for human survival, yet liver health is often neglected. The burden of liver disease in India is significant, with approximately 10,000 patients with cirrhosis being diagnosed for the first time in India each year (1). If this continues, according to experts, India could become the world capital of liver disease by 2025 (2). Given the high prevalence, it is important that we are aware of the possible factors that can damage the liver.
Excessive alcohol consumption. Drinking large amounts of alcohol can lead to fatty buildup and inflammation in the liver, which can develop into a chronic condition known as alcoholic fatty liver disease.
sugar
Too much sugar (>50g per day) is not only bad for your teeth but also for your liver. Excessive consumption of refined sugar or high fructose chemicals leads to fat accumulation in the liver, leading to liver disease ( 4Trusted Source ). This can affect you even if you are not overweight. This is another reason to limit your intake of foods with added sugars, such as sodas, pastries, and candy.
Parasites and viruses can cause inflammation in the liver and impair its function. These infections are easily spread through blood, semen, contaminated food,
water, and even through close contact with an infected person. Viruses such as hepatitis A, B, C and E (5) cause damage to the liver when infected
, and to avoid this, proper sanitation and hygiene must be maintained.
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Excess body fat can accumulate in liver cells and lead to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). When this happens, your liver becomes swollen and over time can harden and scar tissue. If you have medical conditions like obesity, diabetes, or blood sugar levels, you may be more susceptible to NAFLD (6). This condition is relatively common in middle-aged people in the 40-60 age range. So, to avoid complications, one must eat a balanced diet and follow a healthy exercise regimen.
Abnormal Autoimmune Diseases. There are times when your immune system accidentally attacks the cells in your body. However, in rare cases, it has a negative effect on the liver. There are times when your immune system attacks the liver for no reason, it becomes inflamed and this condition is called autoimmune hepatitis. In another case, when the body's natural defenses mistakenly attack the bile duct, it fills with toxic contents that injure it. This condition is called primary biliary cholangitis.