CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: The liver is an important organ in the human body. It plays a key role in processing nutrients from food, producing bile and removing harmful substances from the body. Its special feature is that it has the ability to repair damaged tissue and regenerate its cells. This process is called liver regeneration. However, this ability is not unlimited. Prolonged damage caused by fatty liver, alcohol consumption, viral hepatitis or other factors can lead to permanent scarring in the liver.
Fatty liver: an early warning sign. In fatty liver, excess fat begins to accumulate in liver cells. In the early stages, there are often no clear symptoms. As a result, a person may not even realise that the liver is being affected. With timely changes in diet and lifestyle, the fat deposited in the liver can be reduced and the disease can be controlled in its initial stage.
Inflammation and fibrosis increase the risk. If fatty liver is ignored, some people may develop inflammation in the liver and damage to liver cells. Continuous damage can cause fibrous tissue to form in the liver, a condition known as fibrosis. As the disease progresses, this damage can become serious. However, it is not necessary that the disease will progress in this sequence in every patient with fatty liver.
Cirrhosis: when the damage becomes severe. When long-term liver damage causes extensive scarring and structural changes, the condition is called cirrhosis. At this stage, the liver’s normal functioning may be affected. In early cirrhosis, treating the cause of the disease can slow further damage, but it is often not possible to completely reverse scarring that has already formed. In severe stages, complications such as fluid accumulation in the abdomen, jaundice, bleeding and confusion may occur. Some patients may also require a liver transplant.
What should be done to keep the liver healthy? Eat a balanced diet and limit sugary drinks and highly processed foods. If overweight, reduce weight gradually under medical advice. Include regular physical activity and exercise in the daily routine. Avoid alcohol, especially if liver disease is present. Keep diabetes, high cholesterol and other related conditions under control. Undergo liver function tests and medical check-ups as required. Do not take medicines or herbal supplements without a doctor’s advice.
Timely testing can help prevent serious damage. Liver disease can be present in the early stages even without symptoms. Therefore, people at risk should get tested on medical advice. Seek immediate medical help if symptoms such as yellowing of the eyes or skin, abdominal swelling, unusual bleeding or mental confusion occur. The liver’s ability to heal itself depends on the cause of the disease and its stage. Therefore, instead of ignoring early signs, timely testing and treatment are most important.
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