2023-12-12 00:24:25
(Korea Health Management Association Gyeongsangbuk-do Branch (Daegu Northern Health Examination Center)) As the year comes to an end in December, concerns regarding liver health increase. This is because there are more opportunities to drink alcohol in various places and fatigue may accumulate. Obesity and excessive drug intake can also tire the liver, the energy management center, so be careful.
‣ Importance and function of the liver
The liver is the largest metabolic organ in the human body, and as it performs a variety of functions, it is involved in the entire body and plays a critical role in maintaining health. The liver is made up of special cells called hepatocytes, and these liver cells are involved in most biochemical processes that occur in our body. First, the liver is the energy management center of our body. After ingested food goes through a digestion process, it is delivered to the liver, which converts it into energy or stores it as needed. Second, the liver produces energy by metabolizing sugars and fats and uses them as needed. Third, as the detoxification center of our body, the liver neutralizes or converts absorbed drugs, chemicals, alcohol and other toxic substances and expels them from the body. Without this process, these substances can accumulate in our bodies and cause various diseases. Fourth, the liver also acts as a production factory. Produces proteins and several hormones necessary for blood clotting in our body. In addition to this, the liver stores vitamins and minerals and supplies them to the body as needed.
If the liver, which performs such diverse and important functions, is damaged, it will have a significant impact on the health of our entire body. However, even if liver damage occurs, it is often difficult to recognize it. Because of this, by the time the seriousness of the problem is realized, it is likely that the disease has already progressed to a considerable extent. Therefore, regular checkups are essential to maintain liver health. It is important to consistently listen to the silent cry of the liver, which is called the ‘silent organ’, and maintain its health through proper management and prevention.
‣ Factors that threaten liver health
The liver is an organ responsible for key functions in our body, and despite its importance, it can be easily damaged by various external and internal factors. The following are factors that threaten liver health.
Alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption directly damages liver cells and can lead to alcoholic fatty liver disease or alcoholic hepatitis, followed by alcoholic cirrhosis or liver cancer.
Obesity and metabolic syndrome: The main causes of fatty liver include obesity and metabolic abnormalities caused by high calorie intake, westernized eating habits, and lack of exercise. When fat accumulates in the liver, inflammation occurs in liver cells and can cause long-term liver function decline.
Hepatitis viruses: Hepatitis B and C viruses are the main culprits that can cause chronic liver inflammation and damage.
Drugs: Some drugs can be toxic to the liver, especially if taken in large quantities or for long periods of time. Unproven health supplements can also cause liver damage.
Autoimmune liver disease: The body’s immune system may attack its own liver cells, which may cause liver damage.
Genetic factors: Liver disease may develop due to specific genetic changes. Representative examples include hemochromatosis and Wilson’s disease.
Fatigue and stress: Constant fatigue and stress can weaken liver function.
‣ Types and treatments of liver disease
Alcoholic liver disease: Abstaining from alcohol is the best treatment. In the case of alcoholic fatty liver disease that has not yet progressed to cirrhosis, it can be greatly improved or completely cured if you abstain from drinking for a certain period of time. If alcoholic cirrhosis has already progressed, abstaining from drinking rarely eliminates the cirrhosis, but it can prevent it from getting worse. In cases of severe alcoholic hepatitis, improvement can be expected with the use of steroids.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: It is mainly caused by obesity and metabolic syndrome and can progress from simple steatosis (a condition in which fat accumulates abnormally in the liver) to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and then cirrhosis. To date, there is no approved drug for the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, but it can be improved by improving lifestyle habits such as weight loss, diet control, and exercise.
Viral hepatitis: It is difficult to completely cure hepatitis B, but if managed well through antiviral treatment, the possibility of complications and liver cancer can be reduced. Not everyone needs antiviral treatment, so if you have chronic hepatitis B, you should consult with your doctor to decide whether to receive antiviral treatment. In the case of chronic hepatitis C, complete cure can be expected with a very high probability if oral medication is administered for approximately 2 to 3 months. In the past, injection medication was administered to treat chronic hepatitis C, which was cumbersome, had many side effects, and was less effective, but now, complete cure is possible with simple oral medication without any side effects.
Autoimmune liver disease: It is a rare disease, but its prevalence is increasing as the number of diagnoses increases. In the case of autoimmune hepatitis, liver inflammation can be reduced through steroids and immunosuppressive treatment, and in the case of primary biliary cholangitis, high doses of ursodeoxycholic acid are used.
Cirrhosis: A condition in which inflammation and damage to the liver persist, leaving behind scars and hardening the liver. Treatment methods vary depending on the cause. Liver cirrhosis is divided into compensated cirrhosis and decompensated cirrhosis. Compensated cirrhosis refers to a condition in which the liver has hardened, but there are no complications resulting from it. Decompensated cirrhosis is a condition in which various complications occur due to cirrhosis, such as ascites, jaundice, variceal bleeding, hepatic encephalopathy, hepatorenal syndrome, and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. In this case, liver transplantation can be considered.
Liver cancer: Among cancers that occur in the liver, it mainly refers to hepatocellular carcinoma. A treatment method is selected by considering various factors such as the stage (level of progression) of the cancer, the patient’s health status, and liver function. It can be treated with a variety of methods, including surgery, radiofrequency burst therapy, hepatic artery chemoembolization, radiation therapy, and systemic chemotherapy. Recently, through multidisciplinary treatment, experts in various fields related to liver cancer have gathered to recommend the best treatment for patients.
‣ Preventive measures to protect liver health
To maintain liver health, it is necessary to improve various lifestyle habits. The main preventive measures to follow for liver health are as follows:
Balanced diet: The liver is the main metabolic center of our body, and a balanced diet is very important for liver health. It is best to consume adequate calories, avoid excessive fat intake or sweet foods, and limit refined carbohydrates. Additionally, adequate protein intake is important, and it is recommended to consume low-fat meat, white fish, beans, and low-fat dairy products. Eating fresh vegetables and fruits is also important.
Weight management and exercise: Obesity is a common cause of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, so weight management is important. It is a good idea to regularly exercise until you feel out of breath, at least three times a week.
Limit alcohol intake: Excessive alcohol consumption can damage liver cells, so it is best to abstain from alcohol if you already have alcoholic liver disease. If you find it difficult to quit drinking, you should try to abstain from alcohol. If you consume alcohol, enjoy it within an appropriate amount and avoid excessive drinking.
Vaccination: Chronic hepatitis B can be prevented through vaccination, so check whether you have produced hepatitis B antibodies and, if you do not have antibodies, get vaccinated to prevent it. In addition, acute hepatitis A is rare, but it can lead to serious outcomes such as fulminant hepatitis and death, so it is recommended to receive the hepatitis A vaccine.
Personal hygiene management: To prevent the spread of hepatitis, you should not share personal items (razors, toothbrushes, etc.) with others and always maintain personal hygiene by washing your hands thoroughly.
# Data provided – Gyeongsangbuk-do branch of Korea Health Management Association (Daegu Northern Health Examination Center)
Written by Lim Tae-seop, Professor, Department of Gastroenterology, Yongin Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine
Excerpt from the December 2023 issue of the Korea Health Management Association Health News
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