How obesity, herbs damage your liver

Most of us know that too much alcohol is bad for your liver, but few of us are aware that there are other things that can cause harm to this vital organ.

People who carry around excess weight on their bellies also have excess weight on their internal organs (this is the same for animals as well).

The liver, in particular, gets infiltrated by fat leading to a condition known as 'fatty liver'. If unchecked, fatty liver can set the pace for liver problems.

This is one of the leading causes of liver problems in people on long-term medical treatment.

Common culprits include anti-Tb drugs, ARVs (anti-retrovirals for HIV therapy), some anticonvulsants, cholesterol lowering pills, fungal medication, steroids, some antibiotics and certain diet pills.

Contraceptive pills have on rare occasion led to liver problems, but often this is reversible once you stop.

Over-the-counter painkillers

Painkillers can be toxic to the liver if taken in excess—especially paracetamol. Painkiller overdose has been known to lead to death. It is also particularly dangerous to swallow your pain pills with alcohol instead of water.

The most dangerous liver infections are Hepatitis B and C. Both of these are viruses that can be transmitted through body fluids such as blood and through intercourse.

The viruses often cause destruction of the liver cells and eventually lead to cancer.

Hepatitis A is an equally common virus which is transmitted by putting contaminated objects or dirty hands into ones mouth.

However, Hepatitis A is a much milder disease which normally clears on its own. Amoeba can also affect the liver leading to formation of pools of pus (abscesses).

Bacteria can affect the tubing (ducts) inside the liver also leading to abscesses. People who inject themselves with illegal substances (drug abusers) are at a particularly high risk for infections.

Worms tend to live in the digestive system and often enter the body through use of dirty hands. Some worms can find their way out of the intestines and into the liver where they can remain for many years. Dog tapeworms are very notorious for this and are very common in Kenya (they can be passed on to humans). If detected, these worms often need surgical removal.

Just below the liver, there is a small sac known as the gallbladder. Under normal circumstances, this sac stores liver juices (known as bile) and only releases them after a meal. Sometimes, this sac may become filled with stones. This is especially common in overweight people (more in women).

These stones can migrate out of the gallbladder and block the tubes connecting the liver to the gallbladder.

This can lead to painful inflammation of these tubes which rapidly spreads to the liver (a condition medically known as cholangitis). If untreated, this condition is life-threatening.

Most herbal drugs used in Kenya are not regulated by the Pharmacy and Poisons Board.

Their safe range of dosages are not well known and their side effects are not properly documented. There have been multiple cases where usage of herbal medication has led to both liver and kidney failure.

Excess use of vitamin supplements by children who drink several bottles at a go or chew on containers full of adult tablets (mistaking them for sweets/soft drinks), can lead to liver insult.

Chemicals such as some of those used as dry cleaning solvent, manufacture of plastics and certain herbicides have been linked to liver toxicity.

In some cases, the body's immune system can attack the liver (as it would an infection). This problem is complex and very difficult to deal with.

GeneticsSometimes, abnormalities inherited from your parents can cause substances to abnormally accumulate in the liver. For example, iron and copper (normal nutrients which the body requires) can accumulate to dangerous levels in some of these conditions and damage the liver.

What would I experience if I have liver problems?

Although most of us know that yellow eyes (jaundice) can indicate a problem with the liver, it is not the first sign of problems.

Most people complain of feeling unusually tired, nausea, pain in the belly (usually right side), weight changes, bruising or bleeding easily, itchy skin, very dark urine and pale (whitish) stool.

In later stages of liver diseases, men can get large breasts, the belly can become enlarged and full of fluid (ascites), there can be thinning away of muscles in the arms and legs, confusion and even coma.

How can I avoid getting liver problems?

Immunisation: Get the Hepatitis B vaccine to help prevent this viral infection.

Hygiene: Since germs are commonly spread by hands, wash your hands thoroughly after you use the bathroom and before you touch any food. Children, in particular, need to have this emphasised to them. Avoid sharing any personal toiletries, including toothbrushes and razors.

Alcohol: Drink alcohol in moderation.

Painkiller abuse: If you are addicted to painkillers due to constant pain, seek alternative pain management where possible. In addition, avoid alcohol when you are taking painkillers.

Healthy weight: Eat a balanced diet, exercise and try to maintain a healthy weight.

Safe sex: Be sure to use protection (condoms) when having sex.

Body art precautions: If you plan on getting a tattoo or a body piercing, make sure the conditions are sanitary and the equipment is sterile.

Hepatitis B and C can be spread if the equipment has been previously used on a person with the viral infection.

Source: How obesity, herbs damage your liver