Healthcare experts from BGS Gleneagles and Apollo have highlighted the importance of the liver and the need to maintain its health. Ayurveda specialists too have brought to the fore foods to aid the smooth functioning of the liver.
 
The liver is one of the most vital organs in our body. It performs various functions including bile formation, digestion, detoxification, protein metabolism, synthesis and many more. On the occasion of the World Liver Day on April 19, the hepatology and liver transplantation experts are advising the patients and public to eat health and live healthy to avoid the deterioration of this organ.
 
According to Dr Vinit Shah, consultant hepatology and liver transplantation medicine, BGS Gleneagles Global Hospitals, liver is one of the  principal engines of human body. It is responsible for over 500 chemical reactions in the body. It detoxifies toxins and helps them excrete out of body through bile. Alcohol drinking/dietary pattern/complementary and alternative medication intake/lack of awareness about hepatitis B and C have brought about spurt in liver diseases.
 
Fatty liver disease due to sedentary lifestyle and poor dietary habits coupled with increased prevalence of diabetes is emerging as one of the most important factors for liver disease. Hence, it is crucial that detailed attention is given to liver health assessment. Any abnormalities in liver function tests/ultrasound should merit detailed assessment by hepatology specialist for early stage diagnosis, he added.
 
“Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) is the result of fat build up on the liver. It is the more serious of the fatty liver diseases, which is referred to as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This disease is not related to alcohol consumption, though it also causes the liver to swell which leads to scar tissue formation. People with NASH typically have other serious health issues such as diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, coronary artery disease, and poor eating habits.” said Dr Prasanna, medical gastroenterology, Apollo Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, Bengaluru
 
From an Ayush care perspective, Dr Partap Chauhan, director, Jiva Ayurveda stated that liver is a fiery organ. Therefore consumption of spicy and hot nature is not good. Alcohol, caffeine, tobacco, chemicals in pre-packaged foods, medicines and environmental pollutants should be avoided.
 
However, liver can heal itself. According to Ayurveda bitter tasting and cooling herbs and foods including Aloe Vera, Neem, Kutki, Karela, Amala, Turmeric, Bhumi-Amala and Punarnava are used to protect and boost liver health, he added.