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Showing posts with the label Liver Transplant physician in Ernakulam

Life After a Liver Transplant: Recovery and Lifestyle Tips

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  A liver transplant is often a life-saving procedure that brings new hope to people suffering from severe liver diseases such as cirrhosis, liver failure, or certain types of cancer. However, the journey doesn’t end after the surgery. Recovery and long-term care are just as important as the transplant itself. Understanding what to expect after a liver transplant, along with making the right lifestyle changes, can significantly improve recovery, extend life expectancy, and enhance quality of life. In this article, we will explore what life looks like after a liver transplant, including physical recovery, mental health considerations, diet and exercise routines, medication management, and essential lifestyle tips for a healthy future. 1. The Immediate Recovery Period The first few weeks after a liver transplant are critical. Patients typically spend about two to three weeks in the hospital for close monitoring. During this period: Intensive Care Monitoring: You will initial...

Understanding Liver Diseases: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

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 The liver is one of the most vital organs in the human body, responsible for detoxification, metabolism, and production of essential proteins and bile. However, liver diseases are becoming increasingly common, affecting millions worldwide. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options is crucial for maintaining liver health and preventing serious complications. What Are Liver Diseases? Liver diseases encompass a wide range of conditions that impair the liver’s ability to function properly. These can range from mild inflammation to severe conditions such as cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer. Some of the most common liver diseases include: Hepatitis (A, B, C, D, E) – Viral infections causing liver inflammation Fatty Liver Disease – Accumulation of fat in liver cells, common in obesity and diabetes Cirrhosis – Long-term liver damage leading to scarring and liver dysfunction Liver Cancer – Malignant growths originating in liver tissues Alcoholi...

Common Signs That Indicate the Need for a Liver Transplant

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The liver is one of the most vital organs in the human body, responsible for detoxification, digestion, metabolism, and storage of nutrients . When the liver is damaged beyond repair, its ability to function declines, leading to life-threatening complications . In such cases, doctors may recommend a liver transplant as a final treatment option. Understanding the warning signs of severe liver disease can help in getting timely medical attention and improving survival rates. What is a Liver Transplant? A liver transplant is a surgical procedure where a diseased or failing liver is replaced with a healthy liver from a donor. It is usually recommended when the liver stops functioning effectively due to chronic liver disease, acute liver failure, or certain genetic conditions . Early detection of liver disease symptoms plays a critical role in determining when a liver transplant might be needed. Common Signs That May Indicate the Need for a Liver Transplant 1. Persistent Jaundice...

How to Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle to Support Liver Health

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Your liver works hard every day — filtering toxins, processing nutrients, aiding digestion, and supporting overall wellness. Whether you’ve had a liver transplant, are recovering from liver disease, or simply want to protect your liver, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is one of the best ways to keep it functioning at its best. Here’s a practical, patient-friendly guide to supporting long-term liver health. 1. Eat a Balanced, Liver-Friendly Diet Your liver processes everything you eat, so give it the nutrients it needs while avoiding excess strain. Focus on: Fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats (like olive oil and nuts). Limit: Processed foods, added sugars, trans fats, and excessive salt. Tip: Incorporate foods like leafy greens, garlic, berries, and fatty fish — all known to support liver health. 2. Stay Hydrated Water helps your liver flush out toxins and maintain optimal function. Aim for 8–10 glasses daily, unless your doctor...

How Alcohol Affects Your Liver—and How to Reverse the Damage

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 The liver is a vital organ that plays a critical role in detoxifying harmful substances, producing essential proteins, aiding digestion, and storing nutrients. Unfortunately, one of the most damaging substances to the liver is alcohol . Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to serious liver diseases that may ultimately require the expertise of a liver transplant physician to manage or treat. In this blog, we explore how alcohol affects your liver, the signs of liver damage, and steps you can take to reverse or minimize the harm. The Liver's Role in Processing Alcohol When you consume alcohol, your liver is responsible for breaking it down. However, the liver can only process a limited amount of alcohol at a time. When intake exceeds its processing capacity, toxic byproducts begin to accumulate in your body. One such toxic byproduct is acetaldehyde , a compound that damages liver cells, promotes inflammation, and weakens your immune system. Over time, this can lead to chroni...