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A new study reveals that liver disease will be the leading cause of death by 2020. These will be young and middle-aged people deaths, with alcohol and obesity to blame. This premature death of middle-aged persons is due to the modern lifestyle changes and habits. The liver is the largest internal organ of the human body with many vital functions. It helps in digestion, store energy and eliminate toxins.
Liver diseases can be genetic or caused by various factors like alcohol and viruses. There is a global burden of liver diseases due to the millions of deaths worldwide due to the liver diseases. This entire article is dedicated to the liver disease and its consequence. More articles on Health Facts & Benefits could be viewed at Pulse Plus Pharmacy.
Kinds of liver diseases
Liver diseases caused by viruses : Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C
Liver disease caused by too much alcohol and drugs: Fatty liver disease and Cirrhosis
Liver diseases caused by genetic factors : Hemochromatosis and Wilson disease
Symptoms of liver disease
Many people ignorant of the liver diseases as symptoms start to show after a significant amount of liver tissue is damaged. The typical signs and symptoms of underlying liver diseases:
- People may have jaundice and yellowing of the skin as the liver metabolize bilirubin.
- Pain in the upper quadrant of the abdomen, nausea, and vomiting due to the inflammation of the liver(hepatitis).
- Due to the inability of the liver to synthesis proteins, exhaustion, fatigue, and loss of weight may occur.
- Gynecomastia(enlarged breasts in men) and impotence(Erectile Dysfunction) may happen as the liver is involved in the metabolism of sex hormones.
- Swelling of the ankles & legs and passing dark urine are also typical symptoms of liver disease.
- Due to the limited function of the liver, the coagulation process is affected resulting in bruising easily and bleeding excessively.
Alcohol abuse and liver disease
Over-drinking of alcohol damages the liver. The alcohol-related liver disease reduces the liver function causing chronic illness. This liver disease happens as a result of long-term liquor drinking. The more alcohol you drink there is more chance of liver diseases. Initially, there are no typical symptoms to be noticed and symptoms start to develop slowly.
Symptoms become worse after a long period of heavy drinking. The worsen liver function symptoms include fluid in the abdomen (ascites) and legs, pale colored stool and yellowing of the skin &eyes. With this long-time liver condition cirrhosis, can occur. Cirrhosis is a chronic disease of the liver marked by excessive drinking of alcohol. Global liver cirrhosis deaths are steadily increasing to over 1 million. The burden is on all of us and it’s time to limit alcoholism.
Obesity and liver disease
Research says that obesity can lead to the fatty liver- a silent killer. Obesity increases the risk of developing chronic diseases including diabetes, coronary heart disease, gout, gallstones, colon cancer and a form of liver disease known as nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases. The nonalcoholic fatty liver disease causes serious inflammation to the liver and has been known to link with obesity.
This means the greater the BMI, the more chance of liver disease. Sedentary lifestyle and high-calorie food intake are the major causes of obesity. Mostly nonalcoholic fatty liver causes no symptoms at all. The only way to identify is a blood test that shows slightly high levels of liver enzymes in the blood and ultrasound examination of the abdomen. Liver disease associated with obesity is more prevalent in western countries. Proper lifestyle changes should be adopted to inhibit this obesity-related liver disease.
Lifestyle changes to end the liver diseases crisis
Many of us are putting our lives at risk by drinking too much alcohol. Certain lifestyle changes should be implemented and executed to curb alcohol abuse and alcoholism. Limit your alcohol intake and avoid going to bars. Socialize with people without alcohol and make new friends. Avoid situations and people that encourage drinking. Follow a healthy diet and do not reach for a drink when stressed, instead find other ways to keep you happy and engaged. When it comes to obesity, physical activity is the best way to manage your weight. Change your bad eating habits and rely on fresh fruits & vegetables for sound health. Practice deep breathing, meditation, yoga, regular exercise, and relaxation. Making lifestyle changes and strictly following these strategies would help you stay healthy and away from many diseases.
