LIVER DAMAGE:Another silent killer that people doesn't talk about
As a medical laboratory student that have undergone clinical postings for a very long time now,I have come to realize that many people damage their liver without knowing it. The shocking and scary part is that liver failures doesn't show signs and symptoms from onset until the damage have been serious.
What your liver actually does (function)
Most people know that the liver is one of the most vital organ in human body but when you ask them why,they can't give a proper answer to backup their response. But don't worry,I will break the functions down here. The liver is like your body's chemical factory and detoxification center,I will explain.
The liver being a detoxification center means it filter out harmful substances from your blood. Each day,we do take in harmful substances (toxins) that can end a life if left in the body for a long period of time but we have the liver that can remove all these toxins out so that we can excrete them either through urine or faeces. Is that not wonderful? The liver being a chemical factory is the result of it being able to break down drugs and alcohol. The drugs can't work unless it is broken down into its metabolites that can alter the function of it's target cell,thanks to the liver for doing that for us. The liver can also store important nutrients and produce bile for digestion.
Our daily activities that destroys the liver
As we can see, without the liver I don't think survival will be possible. But their are things we do everyday that keeps destroying our liver. One excess alcohol (Over time it leads to liver inflammation and eventually cirrhosis), two fatty Foods & Sugar can cause fatty liver disease, even if you don’t drink alcohol,three Unregulated Drugs & Herbal Mixtures Many people in the world take these without knowing the liver damage risk,four viral infections (Hepatitis) These attack the liver directly and can become chronic.
why liver disease is dangerous
Apart from hypertension,liver damage is another form of silent killers worldwide,this is because it's early stage have no symptoms,damages build up slowly and many people discover it late.
How to protect your liver
These are the tips on how you can care for your liver; Drink alcohol in moderation (or avoid it) Eat more fruits and vegetables Avoid self-medication Get tested regularly (very important!) Take hepatitis vaccines
My personal advice
From my years of study and clinical postings,I have come to realize that prevention is way more cheaper and safer than treatment . Always check your body,don't wait until your body starts giving warning signs. Always visit your chemistry lab for your liver function test.
Have you ever done a liver function test before? Or do you know someone dealing with liver issues? Let's discuss this in the comment section.