How much can a liver take?

The liver is the largest organ in a human body. Its function ranges from protein production, clotting of cholesterol and sugar to iron metabolism. Hence, different diseases can also affect the liver. 

Liver DiseasesAccording to the Hepatologists, there are many diseases of the liver. All these come under the term ‘liver disease’. 75 percent of the liver tissue should be damaged to cause any liver disease. According to them, there are many types of liver disease.

Types of Liver DiseasesHepatologists divide liver disease into two types – Alcoholic Liver Disease and Non Alcoholic diseases. Alcoholic Liver diseases are caused by excessive intake of alcohol. While non-alcoholic diseases happen to people with no alcohol intake.

1.Alcoholic Liver DiseaseThese are caused by high intake of alcohol. Some of the diseases are – fatty liver, fibrosis or cirrhosis. Alcohol is the major cause of liver diseases in the western countries. But, alcohol is not the only reason for liver diseases. Many chronic drinkers develop cirrhosis and fibrosis.

Facts related to Alcoholic Liver Disease
1. Consumption of 60g-80g of alcohol for more than 20 years increases the risk of hepatitis.
2. If you drink alcohol other than the meal times, you are three times more prone to liver failure.
3. Women are twice more susceptible to alcoholic liver diseases than men.
4. Deficiency of Vitamin A and E can worsen the alcoholic related diseases.

1.Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver diseases
Although alcohol-related diseases are more, they are not the prime cause of liver failure. There are other causes as well. These come under Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver diseases. According to Hepatologists, Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver diseases are marked by liver inflammation. It may cause severe cirrhosis and ultimately death .

People Prone to Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver diseasesIt usually occurs at every age. But people in their 40s to 50s are more prone to Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver diseases. It is linked to the metabolic syndrome. These people are more prone to Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver diseases:-

1. Overweight or obese people.
2. People with Diabetes, especially Type 2 Diabetes.
3. Insulin resistant cells.
4. High level of fats in the blood and liver. Excess fat acts as a toxin to the liver cells.
5. People who are at risk of heart diseases.

Symptoms of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver disease
According to Hepatologists, following are the symptoms of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver disease-
1. Fatigue
2. Pain in the upper right abdomen
3. Enlarged Liver

Symptoms of Non-Alcoholic Cirrhosis
Hepatologists consider these as the symptoms of Non-Alcoholic Cirrhosis-
1. Red Palms
2. Yellowing of the skin
3. Enlarged Spleen
4. Abdominal Swelling
5. Enlarges blood vessels beneath the skin

Prevention
1. One should always opt for a balanced diet. Diet should be rich in fruits, vegetables, and grains.
2. Reduce the number of calories. Opt for a healthy diet .
3. Exercise most of the days in a week. Maintain your weight by choosing a healthy diet and daily exercise . Get an OK certificate from your doctor if you haven’t been exercising past.

So, it is not just the alcohol which causes the liver failure. Also, the fats result in nonalcoholic fatty disease. So, instead of alcohols, you may also need to avoid the fat-rich products. Moreover, consult a Hepatologist when there is a presence of any of the above symptom as liver transplant can be your last resort.

To know more about your specific condition, please visit an Hepatotologist in a a trusted hospital close to you.