Though we ignore our liver, it is one of the essential organs of our body. Relax! We will take care of it.
LIVER DISORDER- AN OVERVIEW
The liver is one of the most vital organs in the human body. It holds the same importance as of lung and heart. Survival without a proper functioning liver is not possible. The liver enacts as your body’s engine which processes the food, enzymes, vitamins, carbohydrates, fats and is also largely responsible for the digestion, and metabolism of various essential compounds. It is also important for a healthy survival as well as it is responsible for the filtration of blood and distribution of vital nutrients throughout the body.
Common Causes of Liver Diseses
- Consumption of alcohol in large quantity.
- Drug abuse.
- Obesity.
- Diabetes.
- Abnormal cholesterol levels in the blood.
- Exposure to certain toxins or chemicals.
- Spread of infection from the infected person through unprotected sex, sharing needles or blood transfusion.
Major functions of a healthy Liver are as hereunder:
- Detoxification and filtration of blood
- Bile formation and secretion
- Digestion and Metabolism of ingested nutrients
- Transporting oxygen and supporting the immune system
- Regulation and Storage of glycogen- the source of energy
- Protein metabolism and synthesis
- Regulation of PH levels in the body
- Generation of Red Blood Cells
- Regulation of blood volume and pressure.
General Symptoms of Liver Diseases
- Itching, yellowish discoloration of the skin
- The sclera of the eyes.
- Fatigue, weakness, weight loss, and shortness of breath
- Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and indigestion.
- Change in color of urine and stools.
- Pain in the right upper side of the abdomen.
- The tendency to bleed excessively or bruise easily
Types of Common Liver Diseases
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). This highly contagious disease is spread by eating or drinking something contaminated by the fecal matter of the infected person. The virus is easily spread in the areas having poor sanitation and proper hygiene or cleanliness is not maintained. The symptoms include tiredness, fatigue, diarrhea, fever, loss of appetite, joint pain, dark urine, and jaundice.
However, once a person gets infected by Hepatitis A virus develops life-long protection from the infection in the future.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a contagious liver disease that is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). It can be transmitted to others by getting in contact with the blood, open sores, or body fluids of someone who has the hepatitis B virus, such as, by having unprotected sex, sharing needles, syringes or from an infected mother to her baby during birth. It is categorized as either “acute” or “chronic.”
Acute Hepatitis B virus infection is a short-term illness that occurs within the first 6 months after someone is exposed to the Hepatitis B virus. People who do not recover from acute infection can go on to develop chronic HBV infection.
Chronic Hepatitis B virus infection is a long-term illness that occurs when the Hepatitis B virus remains in a person’s body and leads to liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, liver failure, and even death.
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is an infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). It spreads by direct contact with an infected person’s blood and other body fluids by sharing drug needles and intranasal drug devices, getting a tattoo or body piercing with unsterilized tools, sexual contact, or from a pregnant woman to her unborn child.
Hepatitis C is the most serious type of hepatitis. It’s now one of the most common reasons for liver transplants in adults. HCV gets into the liver cells and makes more viruses inside them, over many years; the liver gets very damaged with lots of scarring. This is called ‘cirrhosis’ and can lead to liver cancer and liver failure.
Hyperoxaluria
Hyperoxaluria is an inherited liver disorder characterized by the significant increase in oxalate levels in the urine. Patients with severe hyperoxaluria may have the problem of recurrent kidney stones.
Primary hyperoxaluria is due to a genetic defect that results in overproduction of oxalate by the liver. Whereas, secondary hyperoxaluria results from over absorption of oxalate from the diet.
Hemochromatosis
Hemochromatosis is a serious genetic condition in which the body absorbs and stores too much iron. This inappropriate absorption of dietary iron may lead to the development of life-threatening complications of cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), diabetes, and heart disease.
People with hemochromatosis absorb iron more than the body needs. The body has no natural way to rid itself of the excess iron, causing the excess to build up in the organs, especially the liver, and causes serious damage. In the absence of proper treatment, the disease can cause these organs to fail.
Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis is scarring of the liver caused by continuous, long-term liver damage. The damage leads to scarring, wherein the scar tissue replaces healthy tissue in the liver and prevents the liver from working properly.
Cirrhosis can take many years to develop and can do so without any noticeable symptoms until the damage to the liver is very serious. The build-up of scar tissue can interfere with the flow of blood to your liver and stop it from functioning properly. Cirrhosis can lead to liver failure.
Drinking too much alcohol over many years, long-term infection of Hepatitis C virus, the build-up of excess fat in the liver are the primary causes of cirrhosis.
Liver failure
Liver failure is a life-threatening condition which arises when your liver is severely damaged and loses its ability to function properly. Many different diseases and health conditions cause liver failure, such as Hepatitis B and C, alcohol abuse, hemochromatosis, overuse of certain drugs or toxins, or cirrhosis. The symptoms include nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting blood and blood in the stool. Treatments include avoiding alcohol and avoiding certain foods.
Ayurvedic Treatment for liver Diseases
When it comes to liver disease, Ayurveda has the best answer for all the liver-related diseases. It is highly regarded for its cleansing and purifying effects. Various herbs such as haldi, manjistha, dalchini, amla, tulsi, adrak, stimulate the immune system, eliminate inflammation and infections of hepatitis and help improve liver health and function.
The specific mixture of vital herbs clear the toxins, treat cirrhosis, jaundice, prevents liver failure, improves bile formation, and rejuvenates the liver by regenerating healthy cells. It enacts as a support to the liver in its own healing as well.
If you want to take your efforts one step further, it is recommended to quit alcoholism, eat a healthy diet to strengthen and support the liver, drink plenty of water or juices, practice exercise to remove excess fat and live a healthy and active life.