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The Importance of Liver Health
A healthy liver plays a vital role in filtering toxins and waste from the blood, while also storing essential vitamins, minerals, and glycogen, which provides energy. It helps metabolise nutrients, ensuring a steady energy supply throughout the day.
The liver produces bile to aid in digestion and the absorption of fats. Regular, healthy stools indicate proper digestion and bile production, while a lack of indigestion, bloating, or intolerance to fatty foods suggests the liver is functioning well. In addition, the liver produces essential proteins like albumin and blood clotting factors. A well-functioning liver also helps regulate cholesterol and blood sugar levels, keeping them within optimal ranges.
Signs and Symptoms of an Unhealthy Liver
Many types of liver disease often progress silently and in the early stages. By the time symptoms manifest, significant liver damage may have occurred, and the liver may already be scarred or inflamed.
Signs and symptoms of an unhealthy liver may include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), fatigue, digestive issues (indigestion, bloating, nausea), abdominal discomfort, passing light-coloured stools or dark urine, persistent itching especially on the hands and feet due to bile buildup, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, swelling in the abdomen or legs due to fluid buildup (ascites), and easily bruised or bleeding.
Types of Liver Diseases
| Hepatitis |
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| Fatty liver disease |
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| Liver cirrhosis |
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| Liver failure |
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| Liver cancer |
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| Biliary tract disorders |
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| Haemangiomas and Liver Cysts |
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| Genetic liver diseases |
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Assessing Liver Health
Assessing liver health involves several diagnostic tests to evaluate its function and identify potential issues.
Liver function tests (LFTs) measure enzyme levels such as ALT and AST, as well as bilirubin and protein levels like ALP and albumin, to assess liver performance. Imaging tests, including ultrasounds, CT scans, and MRIs, can reveal abnormalities in the liver. In some cases, a liver biopsy may be required, where a tissue sample is taken to diagnose specific conditions.
Regular medical check-ups and discussing any symptoms with a doctor can help determine the most appropriate tests for evaluating liver health.
Improving Liver Function Naturally
- Stay active: Regular physical activity supports weight management by burning extra calories and reducing liver fat. Research shows that exercise improves blood flow and oxygen delivery to the liver, aiding in detoxification processes.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Excess fat can accumulate in the liver when you are overweight, leading to inflammation and liver damage. Losing weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise eases the strain on the liver, reduces the risk of metabolic fatty liver disease (MAFLD) progressing to severe conditions like cirrhosis, and helps the liver work more efficiently.
- Eat a balanced diet: Minimise processed foods, sugary snacks, beverages, and unhealthy fats. Focus on nutrient-dense options such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, which provide essential vitamins and antioxidants to support liver repair and overall function.
- Limit alcohol consumption: Drinking too much alcohol over time can cause liver inflammation, fatty liver, and eventually cirrhosis. Reducing alcohol intake allows the liver to regenerate healthy tissue, improving its ability to detoxify and metabolise substances effectively.
- Practise good hygiene and safe sex: Good hygiene and safe sex reduce the risk of contracting viral hepatitis, particularly hepatitis B and C, which can harm liver function.
- Avoid self-medication: Taking medications without consulting a healthcare provider can result in liver damage, drug-induced hepatitis, or toxic reactions. Healthcare professionals assess the risks and benefits of medications, ensuring they consider liver function and potential interactions.
Make an appointment at Gleneagles Hospitals
Gleneagles Hospitals provides an extensive selection of health screening programs tailored to the unique requirements of each individual, considering their health condition and preferences.
Our team of dedicated healthcare professionals is available to offer guidance and assist in recommending or customising a screening package that suits your age, gender, family background, and medical history.
For appointments, please contact the Health Screening Centre at your nearest Gleneagles Hospital.
