Liver Health For Wellness And Longevity: Key Functions, Risks, And Early Diagnosis
Your liver is a powerhouse of activity, playing a crucial role in your overall health. From detoxifying your body to aiding in digestion and storing essential nutrients, the liver’s functions are vital for maintaining wellness and longevity. Understanding how your liver works and regularly assessing its health can significantly impact your well-being.
Function of the Liver:
The liver is your body’s largest internal organ, weighing around 3 to 3.5 pounds. It’s located in the upper right abdomen, beneath the rib cage, and is shaped like a football, with one flat side. Your liver is your body’s main detoxifier. Additionally, the liver stores vitamins, minerals, and glycogen, providing a quick energy source when needed.
Liver Disease in Adults:
Metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD): Previously referred to as Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), MASLD is increasingly prevalent due to rising obesity rates and affects approximately 30% of adults globally. It occurs when fat accumulates in the liver, leading to inflammation and, potentially, liver damage. MASLD exhibits a strong association with metabolic syndrome components, including obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and elevated lipids. However, it’s important to recognize that approximately 15% of MASLD cases occur in lean individuals with normal BMIs
Alcoholic liver disease (ALD): ALD is caused by heavy alcohol consumption, which can lead to inflammation, fibrosis (scarring), and cirrhosis (severe scarring).
Viral infections: Chronic viral infections, particularly hepatitis C, inflame the liver and can lead to permanent liver damage.
Hemochromatosis: Hemochromatosis is a common genetic disorder affecting approximately 1 in 300 individuals that causes the body to absorb too much iron from the diet, leading to iron overload and liver damage.
Liver Disease and Cancer Risk
Liver disease can increase the risk of developing primary liver cancer, such as hepatocellular carcinoma. Chronic liver diseases, including hepatitis infections, MASLD, and ALD, increases the risk of developing liver cancer through mechanisms of inflammation, oxidative stress, and genetic mutations. Liver disease, particularly cirrhosis, can lead to immune system dysfunction, impairing the body’s ability to detect and destroy cancerous cells. Additionally, the liver is a common site for secondary cancer metastasis. Taking preventative measures, such as maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, can reduce these risks.
How is Liver Disease Diagnosed?
The body is amazing at hiding disease, which is why Rejuve Health’s approach to proactive and preventative health care involves applying comprehensive and cutting edge diagnostics to detect disease early when it’s most treatable rather than wait for signs and symptoms to occur during late stage disease.
However, many liver diseases are silent in the early stages, making regular screenings that include blood testing and imaging studies crucial for optimizing wellness and longevity.
How to Optimize Your Liver Health
Beyond the regular screenings described above, optimizing your liver health involves adopting a range of healthy lifestyle habits and making informed choices. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins supports liver function, while limiting saturated fats, sugars, and processed foods helps prevent metabolic associated liver disease. Regular exercise, including both aerobic and strength training, enhances overall metabolic health and aids in maintaining a healthy weight. Avoiding excessive alcohol consumption and being cautious with medications and supplements protects the liver from potential damage. Staying hydrated and avoiding exposure to harmful chemicals further supports liver detoxification processes.