Stages of Liver Disease
Causes and types of liver disease vary with the progression of the disease. Liver disease is generally broken down into five stages, from minor to severe.
- Inflammation (In this early stage, liver enlarged or inflamed).
- Fibrosis (In the inflamed liver, scar tissue begins to replace healthy tissues).
- Cirrhosis (Severe scarring has built up, making it difficult for the liver to function correctly).
- End-stage of liver disease (Here, we cannot reverse the liver damage other than a liver transplant).
- Liver cancer (Development and multiplication of unhealthy cells in the liver).
The liver performs several crucial functions:
- filter toxins from the blood
- Metabolize drugs
- Store energy
- Fight infections
- Help with digestion and many others.
It can repair and regenerate itself.
| 5.5 Million The approximate number of Americans living with Chronic Liver Disease. |
| 4.4. Million The approximate number of Americans living with hepatitis B or C. most don’t even know they are affected. |
| Three times Liver cancer prevalence has more than tripled since 1980. About 30,000americans die from liver cancer each year. |
| 20-30% Adults with excessive fat in the liver can lead to more serious Liver Disease. |
Causes of Liver Disease
Common causes of liver diseases;
- Genetics
- Auto-immune system disease
- Obesity
- Poor diet/lifestyle
- Certain drugs and medications
- Viral infections, including hepatitis B and C
- Alcohol abuses
- Reactions of herbal supplements
Symptoms of Liver Disease
Several symptoms vary in a different person. Some are the following;
- Feeling unwell
- Fatigue
- Sleepy
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Abdominal swelling and pain
- Yellowing of skin and eyes
- Feeling confused
- Loss of appetite
- Easy bleeding
- The buildup of fluid in your legs, arms and abdomen
- Darkening urine
- Severe itching
Diagnosis of Liver Deisase
For diagnosis, perform additional tests,
- Liver Blood Test
- Other Blood Test
- Imaging Test
- Biopsy
Prevention from Liver disease
Prevent liver failure by changing a lifestyle that keeps your liver happy and healthy. Some guidelines are;
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Regular exercise
- Drink alcohol in moderation
- Take medicines when needed
- Don’t mix medications without consulting a doctor
- Get vaccination of hepatitis B and C
Diet for Liver Disease
Foods that are good for the Liver disease
- Coffee to help lower abnormal liver enzymes
- Greens to prevent fat buildup
- Beans and soy to reduce risk of NAFLD
- Fish to reduce inflammation and fat level
- Oatmeal for fibre
- Nuts to help reduce inflammation
- Turmeric to reduce markers of liver damage
- Sunflower seeds for anti-oxidants
- Increase unsaturated fat intake
- Garlic to improve the overall health
Foods that avoid liver disease
- Alcohol
- Added sugar
- Fried foods
- Added salt
- White bread
- Pasta
- Rice
- Red meat
Guidelines for Healthy Liver
Best ways to fight against liver diseases. Proper ways to achieve liver wellness;
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Eat a balanced diet
- Exercise regularly
- Avoid toxins
- Use alcohol responsibly
- Avoid the use of drugs
- Avoid contaminated needles
- Get medical protection if you are exposed to blood
- Don’t share personal hygiene items
- Practice safe sex
- Wash your hands
- Follow directions on all medications
- Get vaccinated
| Healthy Lifestyle Eating a healthy diet and regular exercise helps the liver to work well. Eating an unhealthy diet leads to liver disease. |
| Limit the Amount of Alcohol you Drink Alcohol can damage liver cells. Talk to your doctor regarding what amount of alcohol is good for you. |
| Avoid Breathing in or Touching Toxins Limit direct contact with toxins from cleaning or aerosol products, insecticides, chemicals and additives in cigarettes. |
| Manage Your Medications Follow instructions and talk to a doctor or pharmacist about your medicines. |
Diet Plan for Cirrhosis Patients
| Pre-Breakfast | One glass of lukewarm water |
| Breakfast. (7-8 AM) | 1scrambled egg Two toast multigrain bread 1 cup of tea |
| Snack # 01(10-11AM) | 1 cup coconut water |
| Lunch (1-2 PM) | 1 cup parboiled rice 1 cup dal 1 cup mixed veggies salad |
| Snack# 02 (4-5 PM) | 1 cup lukewarm skim milk Two whole-grain biscuits |
| Dinner (7-8 PM) | 1 cup chicken and vegetable curry 1 ½ chapatti One cucumber |
Diet Plan for Fatty Liver Disease
| Pre-breakfast | One glass of lukewarm water |
| Breakfast (7-8 AM) | Two slices of brown bread One cheesy Omelette 1 cup of tea |
| Snack#01 (10-11 AM) | One portion of seasonal fruit (include different coloured fruits. Don’t stick with a particular one) |
| Lunch (1-2 PM) | 1 cup vegetable pulao rice ½ cup soya chunk curry ½ cup low-fat curd |
| Snack#02 (4-5 PM) | 1 cup light tea Two wheat rusk |
| Dinner (7-8 PM) | One chapatti 1 cup kidney beans curry ½ cup salad |
Do’s and don’ts:
Do’s:
- Eat whole-grain cereals
- Include a salad with meals
- Eat fruits between main meals
- Include fresh Garlic and Ginger for gravy
Don’ts:
- More oil for food preparations
- Fast foods
- Sweets, pastries and baked foods
- Meat and meat products
- Alcohol and alcoholic beverages
Food items that you can easily consume
- Cereal: Brown rice, whole wheat, oats, pearl millet
- Pulses: Red gram, green gram, black gram
- Vegetables: all gourds-bitter gourd, snake gourd, lady’s finger, green leafy vegetables
- Fruits: citrus fruits- orange, grapefruit, lemon, berries, papaya, pineapple, guava
- Milk and milk products: low-fat milk and low-fat curd
- Meat, fish and egg: chicken, egg white, fish like salmon, sardines, trout, tuna, mackerel
- Oil: 2 tsp (10ml)
- Sugar: 2 tsp (10gram)
- Other beverages: green tea
References:
- https://www.healthline.com/health/liver-failure-stages
- https://www.healthline.com/health/fatty-liver-diet
- https://liverfoundation.org/for-patients/about-the-liver/health wellness/nutrition/
- https://www.healthifyme.com/blog/fatty-liver-causes-symptoms-dos-and-donts-and-diet-plan/
