Liver health crucial for healthy life

A robust liver is the basis for a healthy life as it is a vital organ in the processes of detoxification, digestion, immunity, and metabolism, says Dr Chow Suet Yin, Family Medicine Specialist at IMU University, in conjunction with World Liver Day on 19 April.

A healthy liver
For detoxification, the liver creates enzymes that degrade and transform metabolic waste into forms that can be excreted in urine and faeces. “Without this function, waste substances like bilirubin would build up in the body, leading to problems like jaundice. Eventually, this build-up would affect even brain function and leads to a coma,” said Chow.

With regard to digestion, the liver secretes bile to break down fat for absorption, and acts as a reservoir for the essential fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K. These vitamins are crucial for vision, strong bones and muscle, and efficient blood clotting mechanism. The human body cannot assimilate these vitamins without bile, thus resulting in poor vision, fragile bones, infirm muscles, and increased risk of bleeding due to insufficient amounts of vitamins A, D, E and K, respectively. [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK218749/]

In terms of immunity, Kupffer cells in the liver have the important function of eliminating hazardous microorganisms like bacteria and viruses that invade the liver via the gut. The result is prohibition of infection and inflammation, which in turn safeguards the liver and enables it to carry out its numerous functions. [J Enzymol Metab 2015;1:101]

The liver plays a vital role in metabolism since it regulates blood glucose levels by accumulating glycogen and converting it into glucose when energy is required. The liver also generates proteins needed for the blood clotting process and albumin for sustaining blood volume. Lethargy, susceptibility to bruising, impaired blood glucose levels, and oedema in the legs are symptoms of a damaged liver, said Chow.

An ailing liver
Although the liver is said to be the only organ with the ability to self-regenerate, it has restricted capacity to manage unhealthy lifestyle practices such as high intakes of sugar, processed foods, saturated fat, and alcohol; physical inactivity; and side effects of some medications, supplements, traditional medicines and herbal remedies. “Unhealthy lifestyle habits are the leading cause of poor liver health and liver disease,” said Chow (Figure 1).

Figure 1: The various stages of liver disease.

Cherish the liver
Practicing healthy lifestyle habits is the means to ensure the liver is healthy and able to function well. These habits include balanced healthy nutrition, adequate physical activity, and enough sleep. Further, supplements and traditional remedies should be consumed with caution, as these may influence liver functions. Annual screening is useful in early detection and management of liver disease, said Chow.