Liver Speciality

Liver and Biliary Sciences

Liver and biliary science is a medical field that focuses on the study of the liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts, collectively known as the biliary system. The liver is one of the largest and most vital organs in the human body, performing numerous essential functions.

Common Liver and Biliary Disorders

1. Hepatitis: Inflammation of the liver caused by viral infections (hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E), alcohol consumption, autoimmune diseases, or other factors.

2. Cirrhosis: Scarring of the liver tissue due to long-term liver damage, often caused by chronic alcohol abuse, viral hepatitis, or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

3. Gallstones: Solid particles that form in the gallbladder and can block the bile ducts, leading to pain and potential complications.

4. Cholecystitis: Inflammation of the gallbladder, usually caused by gallstones obstructing the bile flow.

5. Biliary Obstruction: Blockage of the bile ducts, which can result from gallstones, tumors, or other conditions, leading to bile buildup in the liver.

6. Liver Cancer: Primary liver cancer, such as hepatocellular carcinoma, and metastatic liver cancer, which occurs when cancer from other organs spreads to the liver.

Functions of the Liver

  1. Metabolism: The liver plays a crucial role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It stores glucose in the form of glycogen and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
  2. Detoxification: The liver is responsible for detoxifying harmful substances, drugs, and toxins from the bloodstream, ensuring they are eliminated from the body.
  3. Bile Production: The liver produces bile, a greenish-yellow fluid that aids in the digestion of fats. Bile is stored in the gallbladder and released into the small intestine when needed.
  4. Protein Synthesis: The liver synthesizes various proteins essential for blood clotting, immune function, and maintaining fluid balance.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Liver and biliary disorders are diagnosed through medical history, physical examination, blood tests, imaging studies (ultrasound, CT scan, MRI), and liver biopsy. Treatment options depend on the specific condition but may include medications, lifestyle changes, surgical interventions, or liver transplantation in severe cases of liver failure.

Liver and biliary science is an essential field in medicine, as the liver’s health and proper functioning are critical for overall well-being. Regular medical check-ups, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and seeking medical attention for any liver-related symptoms are vital in ensuring liver health.

Liver healthy diet

Liver and digestive health

Many symptoms, such as poor digestion, loss of appetite, lethargy and poor health indicate a “lazy” liver. In fact, the liver is the cause in a very small percentage of these cases.

Hepatic disease and liver malfunction.

In particular, liver disease, which can manifest as cirrhosis or hepatitis, is the only condition in which a malfunction of the liver is a cause of the disease.

Food for liver health

Tips for good liver health:

1. Balanced diet: Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and animal proteins with a fat-to-carbohydrate-to-protein ratio of 30% to 50% to 20%.

2. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water and avoid excessive alcohol consumption.

3. Antioxidants: Consume foods rich in antioxidants to fight free radical damage, suppress cancer cells and support liver recovery. These antioxidants are abundant in fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains, and some types of meat, poultry, and fish.

Hepatic disease and liver malfunction.

In particular, liver disease, which can manifest as cirrhosis or hepatitis, is the only condition in which a malfunction of the liver is a cause of the disease.

Some antioxidants and their sources

Important antioxidants

 

Antioxidant supplements are available over the counter, but they are not necessary if adequate amounts of these foods are eaten.

Beta-carotene

It is found in orange-colored foods such as mangoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, etc., as well as in green leafy vegetables.

Lycopene

A powerful antioxidant found in tomatoes, melons, guavas, papayas, apricots, and oranges.

Selenium

a mineral that is part of antioxidant enzymes, obtained from plant foods such as rice and wheat.

Vitamin A

Rich sources include liver, sweet potatoes, carrots, milk, egg yolks, and mozzarella cheese.

Vitamin C

It is found in citrus fruits such as lemon and orange, grains, poultry and fish.

Vitamin E

Found in mangoes, nuts, broccoli, and oils such as flaxseed oil, corn oil, and soybean oil.

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