Understanding the liver’s role and the Indian health landscape
The liver is one of the body’s hardest-working organs, quietly performing vital tasks like detoxification, metabolism, and energy storage. Yet many people don’t notice warning signs until liver damage is advanced. In India, rising trends in liver diseases are linked to lifestyle and dietary habits. Dr Swapnil Sharma, a consultant in liver transplant and gastroenterology at Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai Central, emphasizes that most liver conditions are preventable with everyday choices and timely health checkups.
“The liver works quietly day in and day out,” he notes. “But over the past few years, India has seen a rise in liver diseases due to an unhealthy lifestyle and poor eating habits.” While the organ is resilient, sustained pressure from risk factors can lead to long-term harm if not addressed early.
Are liver diseases preventable?
Yes. A combination of lifestyle changes and preventive health checks can curb many liver ailments. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, paired with reduced fried foods and processed items, supports liver health. Regular physical activity—or even brisk daily walking—helps prevent obesity, a major risk factor for fatty liver disease. Hygiene and safe water practices lower infection risks from hepatitis A and E and vaccination against hepatitis B provides strong protection. For hepatitis B and C, avoiding unregulated injections and ensuring safe blood transfusions further reduce risk. Periodic liver tests and imaging can catch issues before symptoms emerge, improving outcomes through early intervention.
The four most common liver issues in India
Dr Sharma highlights four conditions frequently seen in Indian patients, along with their underlying causes:
1. Fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
Fatty liver disease involves excess fat accumulation in the liver. It is closely linked to obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and diets high in fried foods and sugary beverages. Importantly, fatty liver is not exclusive to heavy drinkers; non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is common among the young and can progress to cirrhosis or liver cancer if untreated. Adopting a healthy diet, increasing physical activity, and weight management are key preventive steps.
2. Viral hepatitis
Hepatitis A and E typically spread through contaminated food or water, while hepatitis B and C are associated with infected blood, unsafe medical procedures, or unprotected sexual contact. Many people with hepatitis do not have obvious symptoms until liver damage has occurred. Early detection, safe food and water practices, and vaccination for hepatitis B are effective measures to reduce risk and severity.
3. Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis often stems from long-term liver injury, with alcoholic liver disease being a common contributor. Prolonged heavy drinking causes scarring that can become irreversible. Even regular, moderate alcohol intake may contribute to liver damage over time, underscoring the importance of moderation and awareness of cumulative risk.
4. Liver cancer
In India, liver cancer frequently arises as a complication of chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis. Low awareness and late detection hamper treatment success, highlighting the need for regular screening in at-risk groups and prompt investigation of suspicious signs.
Practical prevention and early detection
Prevention hinges on sustainable lifestyle habits and proactive health monitoring. Key steps include:
– Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains; limit fried, sugary, and processed foods.
– Maintain a healthy weight through regular physical activity.
– Ensure safe drinking water and good hygiene to reduce hepatitis A and E risk.
– Get vaccinated against hepatitis B; avoid unregulated injections and ensure safe medical procedures.
– Schedule regular liver function tests and, if indicated, ultrasonography to detect early signs of fatty liver, hepatitis, or cirrhosis.
– Discuss personalized risk factors with a healthcare provider, especially if there is a family history of liver disease or a history of alcohol use or hepatitis exposure.
Conclusion
The rise of liver diseases in India is a call to action for prevention through simple lifestyle changes and vigilant health screening. By prioritizing a healthy diet, regular exercise, vaccination, and routine checkups, Indians can protect their liver health and reduce the risk of serious outcomes such as cirrhosis or liver cancer. If you notice persistent fatigue, abdominal discomfort, or changes in skin or urine color, seek medical advice promptly.
