World Hepatitis Day: Your liver is the most under-appreciated body organ which can cause you many health hazards if you continue overlooking it.
World Hepatitis Day: You can fall prey to many dangerous diseases if you ignore your liver
HIGHLIGHTS
- Liver plays an essential role in digestion process
- Excessive alcohol intake can lead to liver damage
- Liver detoxifies the body and drives away harmful substances
We hop around the gyms to get rid of the belly fat; we go to the dentist to gloss up our teeth and visit every possible healthcare centre to treat every organ of the body. But, unfortunately we usually ignore the most important organ of our body, which is our liver. Located behind our rib cage, liver plays an essential role in the whole digestion process and also detoxifies our body by releasing harmful substances. This under-appreciated organ weighs around 1.4 kg and can cost you a life if you don't look after it.
Here are some deadly health hazards which you can fall prey to if you continue overlooking this most essential organ-
1. Viral Hepatitis
Viral Hepatitis is an infection of the liver which is caused by a group of viruses that have a particular affinity for the liver. Out of all of these viruses, hepatitis A and E are caused by eating food contaminated with the virus. Hepatitis B, C and D are acquired through blood, body fluids and by unprotected sexual contact.
2. Liver Cancer
Liver cancer can be caused by many factors including viral infections (hepatitis B and C), chronic alcoholism, certain food contaminants, genetic factors and cirrhosis of the liver.
3. Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis or scarring of the liver is caused mostly due to excessive alcohol intake, viral infection due to hepatitis B and C, bile duct disease or iron overload. According to world reports, it is among the top 10 causes of death in the world.
Also Read Abdominal fat linked to liver cancer
4. Fatty Liver
Fatty liver is caused due to excessive intake of alcohol and is known to occur in association with metabolic syndrome consisting of hypertension, diabetes, obesity and hyperlipidemia. This disease occurs because of faulty fat metabolism in the liver.
5. Drug induced Damage
This is caused due to the various medicines we take and chemicals we are generally exposed to. As liver detoxifies your body, it is subject to an enormous variety of drugs and chemicals. Counter medications like paracetamol can also lead to liver damage.
Also read: World Hepatitis Day: Liver Damage From Hepatitis A; Diet Tips To Prevent It
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