The liver is a vital organ in the human body responsible for various essential functions such as filtering toxins, producing bile, storing energy, and regulating metabolism. Factors such as poor diet, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, and viral infections can cause liver damage and lead to liver disease.
Signs Of A Healing Liver
According to a report published in the National Centre of Biological Information, liver damage is a reversible condition. Although, in the early stages, the signs that your liver is healing may not be evident, but as the condition progresses, it may start to show up.
Speaking with OnlyMyHealth editorial team, Dr Anukalp Prakash, Lead Consultant - department of Gastroenterology, CK Birla Hospital Gurugram shared a few signs of a healing liver and how you can promote your liver health.
1. Reduced fatigue and increased energy levels
One of the earliest signs of liver damage is fatigue, which can significantly impact an individual's quality of life. However, as the liver begins to heal, the body's energy levels start to increase, and the feeling of fatigue reduces. This improvement is due to the liver's ability to produce glycogen, which is stored in the muscles and released as energy when required.
2. Improved digestion
The liver produces bile, which is essential for digesting fats in the body. When the liver is damaged, bile production is affected, leading to digestive problems such as bloating, constipation, and diarrhoea. As the liver heals, bile production improves, and these digestive problems subside.
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3. Reduction in jaundice
Jaundice is a common symptom of liver damage, where the skin and eyes turn yellow due to the accumulation of bilirubin; a waste product that the liver removes from the body. When the liver is damaged, it cannot remove bilirubin effectively, leading to jaundice. As the liver heals, bilirubin levels decrease, and jaundice subsides.
4. Improved skin appearance
As mentioned above, the liver plays a major role in removing toxins from the body, and when it is damaged, toxins accumulate in the bloodstream, leading to various skin problems such as acne, rashes, and eczema. As the liver heals and removes toxins effectively, the skin's appearance improves.
5. Weight loss
Excessive weight gain and obesity can put a strain on the liver, causing liver damage. When the liver heals, it effectively regulates metabolism and promotes weight loss. Additionally, a healthy liver can break down fats efficiently, leading to a reduction in body fat.
6. Lowered risk of liver disease
Liver damage can lead to chronic liver disease such as cirrhosis and hepatitis. However, as the liver heals, the risk of developing these diseases decreases significantly.
How to promote liver health
To promote liver health and prevent liver damage, you should adopt healthy lifestyle habits such as:
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1. Maintaining a healthy diet
A balanced and nutritious diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help promote liver health. Additionally, limiting alcohol intake, saturated fats, and processed foods can reduce the strain on the liver.
2. Regular exercise
Regular exercise can help promote weight loss and improve liver function. Engaging in physical activity for at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week, can significantly improve liver health.
3. Avoiding harmful substances
Substances such as drugs, alcohol, and tobacco can put a strain on the liver and cause liver damage. Avoiding these substances can promote liver health.
4. Getting vaccinated
Viral infections such as hepatitis B can cause liver damage. Hence, getting three shots vaccination against it can reduce the risk of developing liver damage for lifetime. It can also help in warding off the risk of liver cancer, says Dr. Prakash.
Bottomline
The liver is a vital organ responsible for various essential functions in the body. Liver damage can lead to several health complications, but with early detection and appropriate treatment, the liver can heal. Signs of a healing liver include improved digestion, reduced fatigue, improved skin appearance, weight loss, and a reduced risk of liver disease, explains Dr. Prakash.
