Liver diseases

The liver is the body’s chemical factory, where most metabolic processes take place. It processes everything you eat and drink, converting them into energy and essential nutrients. Additionally, the liver filters harmful substances like alcohol from the blood and supports the immune system in fighting infections.

Key Functions of the Liver

Here are the major metabolisms that take place in the liver.

• Protein Metabolism: Proteins are broken down into amino acids, which are transported throughout the body to create over two million different proteins.
• Fat Metabolism: Fats are converted into fatty acids and combined with proteins to form triglycerides and cholesterol.
• Carbohydrate Metabolism: Starches are converted into glucose and glycogen, which are distributed via the bloodstream to different parts of the body, including the brain.
• Sugar Metabolism: Sugars are broken down into glucose and fructose. Glucose is transported through the blood, while fructose is metabolized into either glucose or triglycerides, depending on the body’s needs.
• Drug Metabolism: All medications are processed in the liver.
• Alcohol Metabolism: All alcohol consumed is processed by the liver and converted into sugar.

Liver Warning Signs

Early-stage liver damage is difficult to detect because symptoms often appear only when the condition has significantly progressed. Regular physical exams, including liver function tests, are essential, especially for individuals who consume alcohol and fatty foods. These screenings can detect liver damage before noticeable symptoms arise. Common signs and symptoms of liver disease include:

• Pain in the upper right abdomen
• Swelling on the right side under the lower ribs
• Swelling in the hands, feet, and ankles
• Loss of appetite and unintended weight loss
• Nausea, vomiting, or flu-like symptoms
• Confusion, memory loss, and cognitive difficulties
• Persistent fatigue or exhaustion
• Frequent bruising and bleeding
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
• Chronic itching due to bile buildup
• Dark urine
• Pale, white, or chalky stools

Types of Liver Diseases

Liver diseases fall into three main categories:

(1) Non Alcoholic Liver Diseases

Our primary focus in  this blog is Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), which occurs when excess calories are converted into fat and stored in the liver. While some fat is stored in fat cells under the skin, visceral fat accumulates around internal organs, impairing their function and causing health issues. Iin addition some fat also gets deposited in between muscle cells (Intramyocellular lipids) and blocks the insulin receptors in our muscle cells. This leads to insulin  resistance which is the main cause of type-2 diabetes.

Stages of NAFLD

1.1 Fatty Liver (Steatosis) – This early stage has no symptoms and is typically detected through blood tests.

1.2 Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) – The liver becomes inflamed, signaling damage. Symptoms may include pain in the upper right abdomen.

1.3 Fibrosis – Inflammation leads to the formation of fibrous s no car tissue, replacing some healthy liver tissue. However, the liver can still function at this stage.

1.4 Cirrhosis – Severe scarring causes the liver to shrink and become lumpy, significantly impairing its function. Cirrhosis typically develops over decades and is common in individuals over 50 or 60.

Risk Factors for NAFLD:

• Overweight or obesity
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Smoking and alcohol consumption

(2) Alcoholic Liver Diseases

Excessive alcohol consumption is a leading cause of liver disease. The three main types are:

2.1 Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease 

– Similar to NAFLD, caused by excess alcohol consumption.

2.2 Alcoholic Hepatitis 

Characterized by fat accumulation, inflammation, and scarring. One-third of heavy drinkers develop this condition.

2.3 Alcoholic Cirrhosis 

Similar to non-alcoholic cirrhosis but caused by long-term alcohol abuse.

(3) Acute Liver Diseases:

Acute liver diseases, also known as hepatic stigmata, are typically infectious or sudden-onset conditions. While there are many types, Hepatitis C is particularly dangerous because it can severely damage the liver and lead to death if untreated.

Reversing Liver Disease

Adopting a plant-based whole food diet and incorporating intermittent fasting can reverse early-stage NAFLD and significantly benefit advanced-stage patients. To support liver health and recovery, follow these guidelines:

Foods to Avoid:

• Alcohol
• Animal proteins and fats
• Refined grains (e.g., white flour, white rice)
• Refined sugars
• Processed oils

Best Foods for Liver Health:

Plant based whole food diet is the best for liver health but following need special attention.

• Whole Grains – Replacing refined flour with whole grains (e.g., steel-cut oats) improves liver function.
• Foods Rich in Anthocyanins – Red, purple, and blue fruits and vegetables (e.g., plums, purple grapes, cranberries, red cabbage, and purple sweet potatoes) support liver health
• Cruciferous Vegetables – Cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts contain choline, which benefits liver function.
• Leafy Greens – Spinach, mustard greens, and other greens help detoxify the liver
• Black Coffee – Studies suggest coffee can reduce liver inflammation and support liver health.
• Vitamin B-12 Supplements – Important for liver function, especially for those on plant-based diets.
• Intermittent and Prolonged Fasting – These strategies help the liver regenerate and eliminate excess fat.

Why Intermittent Fasting Heals Fatty Liver

The human liver can store approximately 500 calories worth of glucose in the form of glycogen. During intermittent fasting, this stored glucose is depleted in about 12 hours. Once the glucose is exhausted, the body shifts its metabolic pathway from burning sugar to burning fat. The fat used for energy comes from the excess fat stored in the liver. As a result, intermittent fasting helps reduce liver fat efficiently, making it an effective method for improving fatty liver conditions.

Timeframe for Recovery:

Stage 1 & 2 (Fatty Liver & NASH): Can be reversed within a year with proper diet and lifestyle changes.

Stage 3 & Early Stage 4 (Fibrosis & Cirrhosis): May take longer to heal but can still be managed and improved with a healthy lifestyle.

Final Thoughts

Liver disease is often silent in its early stages, making regular health screenings essential. While NAFLD and alcoholic liver disease can be severe, they are often reversible with lifestyle changes, particularly a plant-based diet, intermittent fasting, and eliminating alcohol and processed foods.