world liver day It is celebrated on 19th April to spread awareness about the importance of liver health and educate people about how to maintain a healthy liver.
Speaking to IANS, Dr Abhay Singh, Senior Consultant Gastroenterologist, Primus Super Specialty Hospital, New Delhi, said, “Liver disease has become an epidemic in India, affecting one in five people. “
“In India, liver-related deaths have reached a staggering 268,580 (3.17 percent of all deaths) each year, accounting for 18.3 percent of the global 2 million liver-related deaths, making it the 11th leading cause of death globally.” Is.
“Alarmingly, liver cancer rates have tripled since the 1980s, with an estimated 1.1 million deaths from liver cancer by 2030.
Dr Singh said, “About 30-40 per cent of the patients in my outpatient department have liver problems. Every month, I take care of about 30-35 persons with liver disease, aged between 30-60 ”
Liver diseases are largely caused by hepatitis viruses (A to E), alcoholism, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), drugs, autoimmune and genetic diseases, cryptogenic and liver tumors – benign and malignant.
Dr. Singh said, “The main reason for these diseases is to consume excessive amount of junk food, high fat diet and sugary drinks.”
Dr. (Brig.) Atul Kumar Sood (Retd.), HOD and Director, Hepatic and Digestive Sciences, Sarvodaya Hospital, Faridabad, said that due to the ever-increasing alcohol consumption, cases of Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (AFLD) are also on the rise in India.
AFLD develops when excess fat accumulates in the liver, which can lead to liver inflammation, scarring, and even liver failure.
“Some people are more susceptible to AFLD than others due to metabolic and genetic factors. Heavy drinkers are most at risk, while obese people or those with a high body mass index (BMI) are also more susceptible. People with diabetes face a higher risk.” AFLD and, conversely, people with AFLD have a higher risk of developing diabetes,” Dr Sood said.
“The risk increases as age increases. People with poor nutrition are also more susceptible to liver damage. In addition, women are at increased risk of developing AFLD, because Their bodies metabolize alcohol differently than men.”
However, all of these can be prevented and managed with lifestyle changes, vaccination against hepatitis B, and early detection and treatment of hepatitis C.
Doctors suggested avoiding excessive drinking and limiting alcohol intake; Avoiding foods high in fat, sugar, and salt, and eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. He also recommended regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and reducing stress.
“To take care of your liver, you should maintain a healthy weight, eat a healthy and balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins, limit alcohol consumption, avoid exposure to chemicals and pollutants Avoid coming in contact with substances that can harm your liver,” said Dr. Shuchin Bajaj, founder and director of Ujala Cygnus Group of Hospitals.
He added, “Vaccination can help protect you from hepatitis A and B, which can cause liver damage. Exercise regularly as well as practice safe sex as hepatitis B and C can be spread through unprotected sex.” . Use protection to reduce your risk.”