Liver Disease

The liver is the second largest organ in the human body, located on the right side of the abdomen. It weighs about 1,5 kg, is protected from external damage by the chest, has the shape of a triangle and consists of two lobes. The right lobe is larger than the left, and both are separated by a band of tissue that is connected to the diaphragm. A system of tubes called the bile ducts runs through the liver, collects bile, and carries it to the gallbladder or intestines.

The liver is located below the gallbladder and borders parts of the pancreas and intestines. All these organs work in close cooperation to digest, absorb and process food. The liver also filters blood from the digestive tract.

The liver plays a key role in digestion and detoxification. It also acts as a storage area, storing fats that can be used during fasting. Therefore, any liver disease severely affects the entire body.

The liver produces bile, which starts the process of digestion. Bile is an important digestive juice necessary for the breakdown of fats. In addition, the liver converts glucose into glycogen, which is stored in the liver and muscle cells. It produces cholesterol and triglycerides, which are essential for energy storage.

Hepatocytes in the liver are responsible for protein synthesis, which is a central component for many bodily functions, including maintaining the circulatory system.

The liver breaks down drugs into simpler elements that can be carried by the body in the treatment of disease. It breaks down alcohol, as well as insulin and other hormones, helping to regulate blood glucose levels.

Some vitamins and minerals, such as B12, folic acid, iron, vitamins A, D, and K, are stored in the liver. They are important for the production of red blood cells, calcium absorption, and blood clotting.

What are liver diseases

The liver can be damaged due to excessive alcohol consumption or an unhealthy lifestyle. Fatty liver disease, cirrhosis and hepatitis are some of the most common liver diseases that require treatment.

Fatty liver disease. Fatty liver disease is manifested by the accumulation of cholesterol and triglycerides in the liver, not associated with alcohol abuse. Fatty liver disease is also known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).

Cirrhosis. Regular alcohol consumption can lead to scarring of the liver. Liver tissues can harden and eventually lose their function. The damage is irreversible and is considered fatal as it can lead to liver failure.

Hepatitis. Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver that can be caused by various causes, such as infections or viruses. There are different types of hepatitis:

• hepatitis A – its cause is often unsanitary conditions and improper cooking;
• hepatitis B and C are spread through contact with infected body fluids, especially with contaminated needles or during unprotected sex;
• hepatitis D is transmitted simultaneously with hepatitis B and hepatitis delta;
• Hepatitis E is an infection transmitted through water or food.

Genetic diseases of the liver. Some genetic abnormalities can also cause a number of liver problems:

• hereditary hemochromatosis – it is manifested by the accumulation of excess iron in the organs;
• Wilson’s disease – in this case, copper accumulates;
• alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency is a disease in which the body cannot produce enough of this substance.

autoimmune liver disease. The human body is supported by an immune system that protects against external threats, including bacteria and viruses. In some rare cases, the body’s immune system attacks healthy cells for various reasons. Attacking healthy liver tissue can lead to inflammation and scarring of the tissue. Autoimmune liver diseases include:

• primary biliary cholangitis (PBC);
• primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC);
• autoimmune hepatitis.

Инфекции. Some infections can also cause liver disease. Among them:

• toxoplasmosis;
• cytomegalovirus;
• adenovirus;
• Epstein-Barr virus.

How are liver diseases treated?

If the liver is left untreated, diseases can cause deterioration of its function and permanent damage. Non-surgical treatment may not reverse underlying liver damage, but may relieve pain and discomfort.

Your doctor may recommend lifestyle and dietary changes to help control your cholesterol levels. It is often advised to reduce alcohol intake and maintain a healthy weight. You should also reduce your intake of fats, sugar and switch to fiber.

For the treatment of the liver, medications are also used:

• anti-inflammatory drugs – to reduce inflammation;
• hepatitis drugs – against hepatitis viruses;
• blood pressure medications;
• supplements – vitamins and minerals.

In extreme cases, a doctor may recommend surgery, such as a liver transplant.

Prevention of liver diseases

The liver breaks down all food. It acts like a giant filter that removes toxins from the body. This happens as follows: toxins, especially fatty ones, are broken down by liver enzymes and oxygen, and then combined with amino acids and excreted in the urine.

In cases of liver damage, the body is overloaded with toxins, which is fraught with health problems.

Here are top tips for keeping your liver healthy:

Add healthy foods to your diet. Some foods can help the liver in detoxifying the body – they stimulate the liver to remove toxins from the body. These include:

• broccoli and cauliflower – they contain a compound called glucosinolate, which can promote the production of liver enzymes that remove toxins, and they also contain sulfur, which improves liver health;
• beet – This vegetable cleanses the blood and helps to quickly break down toxic waste, thereby facilitating their elimination, it is also known to stimulate blood flow and increase enzymatic activity.
• carrot – it is rich in flavonoids and beta-carotene, which support the overall function of the liver;
• leafy vegetables – they are rich in chlorophyll, which can flush out toxins from the bloodstream and neutralize heavy metals;
• citrus – oranges, grapefruits, limes and lemons speed up the detoxification process, in particular, they promote the release of enzymes from the liver that remove toxins;
• apples – они богаты пектином, который помогает организму в детоксикации;
• avocado – this fruit helps the body produce glutathione, which cleanses the body of toxins;
• walnuts – они улучшают очистку печени и способствуют детоксикации аммиака;
• turmeric – it contains antioxidants that can restore liver cells, as well as help flush out toxins, in addition, turmeric also helps to remove heavy metal salts, increasing bile production;
• green tea – It is rich in antioxidants, which have been proven to improve liver function.

Eat in moderation. Overeating can increase the load on the liver and affect its performance. Watch what you eat and keep track of the amount. An excess of calories, especially in the form of fat and alcohol, leads to fatty liver.

Follow a healthy diet. Proper nutrition will reduce the load on the liver. A balanced combination of fats, proteins and carbohydrates helps the body and liver work efficiently.

Limit your alcohol intake. A sober lifestyle will help prevent cirrhosis and other liver problems.

Drink plenty of fluids. It will facilitate the elimination of toxins and reduce the load on the liver.

Follow hygiene. Wash your hands regularly to avoid hepatitis.

Popular questions and answers

We asked a number of questions about liver pathologies gastroenterologist Marat Zinnatullin.