Do you know someone who is Obese or consumes alcohol? I bet the answer is an emphatic yes. This is precisely why we should talk about Fatty liver disease as the above two factors are major contributors. The incidence has quadrupled in the past few years and is occurring at a younger age (25 yrs. now as compared to mid-40's earlier) thanks to our lifestyle. Other causes of liver disease are Infection (viral hepatitis) which ranks second only to Tuberculosis amongst killer infectious diseases. Type 2 Diabetes, Hypertriglyceridemia, drugs, starvation diet also contribute.
How will you know if you have liver disease?
Unfortunately 50% may be asymptomatic or have non specific symptoms like persistent fatigue, malaise, upper abdominal discomfort, anorexia or nausea. Later symptoms ascites, edema, jaundice etc. may develop.
What can you do?
Avoid alcohol. Safe limits for alcohol are not clearly defined. However a consumption of more than 40-80 gm./day will definitely lead to Alcoholic liver disease. Manage your weight and try to keep your BMI around18-25. Lead an active lifestyle. Avoid shared needles and unsafe sex to avoid Hepatitis B & C. Get your blood work and USG done if symptomatic and not wait to be surprised during insurance or blood donation testing.
Homoeopathic medicines Nux Vomica, Chelidonium, Cardus M, Apocyanum, Lycopodium, Phosphorus,Sepia, Digitals, Bryonia, Arsenic album and many more are useful in different stages of liver disease.
Contact us if you have any of the above or wish to know more or need more advice.
Wish you a Healthy liver for life!