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Showing posts with the label best liver specialist hepatologist in Kochi

How Hepatitis Affects Your Liver and Overall Health

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 Hepatitis is a serious inflammatory condition of the liver that can significantly impact your overall health. While there are various types of hepatitis—A, B, C, D, and E—Hepatitis A is a highly contagious, short-term infection caused by the Hepatitis A virus (HAV) . It spreads primarily through contaminated food and water or close contact with an infected person. Though it doesn’t usually cause chronic liver disease, Hepatitis A can cause severe liver inflammation , affecting multiple systems in the body. In this blog, we will explore how Hepatitis A impacts your liver function, the symptoms you should be aware of , and how it affects your overall well-being . If you or a loved one experiences symptoms of liver dysfunction, it’s essential to consult a liver specialist or hepatologist to prevent complications. What is Hepatitis A? Hepatitis A is a viral liver infection that typically causes acute symptoms lasting a few weeks to a couple of months. Unlike Hepatitis B or C,...

The Role of the Liver in the Human Body: Functions and Importance

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The liver is one of the most important organs in the human body, playing a crucial role in maintaining overall health and wellbeing. Located in the upper right side of the abdomen, the liver is the largest internal organ and gland, performing multiple functions essential for life. Despite its importance, many people are unaware of how vital this organ is until it becomes damaged or diseased. Understanding the Structure of the Liver The liver is a reddish-brown, wedge-shaped organ weighing about 1.5 kilograms in adults. It is located just below the diaphragm and above the stomach, protected by the rib cage. The liver has two main lobes – the right lobe and the left lobe – which are further divided into smaller lobes. It receives blood from two sources: oxygen-rich blood from the hepatic artery and nutrient-rich blood from the portal vein coming from the digestive organs. Major Functions of the Liver The liver carries out more than 500 functions, making it one of the most hardworking or...

Exercise and Liver Health: What the Research Says

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The liver is one of the most vital organs in the human body, responsible for metabolism, detoxification, nutrient storage, and immune regulation. While diet and medication have long been the focus of liver care, recent research highlights another powerful and often underestimated tool: exercise . Physical activity has shown significant benefits in preventing, managing, and even reversing various liver conditions—particularly Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) . In this guide, we explore what science says about the link between exercise and liver health , including what types of workouts are effective, how they impact liver enzymes, and what current clinical guidelines recommend. The Liver’s Role in Metabolic Health Before diving into exercise research, it's important to understand the liver’s core functions: Glucose regulation : Stores and releases glucose for energy. Fat metabolism : Breaks down fats and regulates lipid levels. Detoxification : Filters harmful ...

What is Cirrhosis and How Does It Affect the Body?

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Cirrhosis is a serious and progressive condition where healthy liver tissue is replaced with scar tissue, leading to impaired liver function over time. If you suspect you have any liver-related issues, it is essential to consult a  liver specialist  to diagnose and manage the condition effectively. Let’s understand what cirrhosis is, its causes, symptoms, complications, and how it affects the body overall. Understanding Cirrhosis The liver is a vital organ responsible for multiple functions, including detoxifying blood, producing essential proteins, aiding digestion, and storing nutrients. When the liver suffers continuous damage from diseases or lifestyle factors, it attempts to repair itself, resulting in scar tissue formation. Over time, excessive scarring (fibrosis) leads to cirrhosis, making it difficult for the liver to function properly. Causes of Cirrhosis While several factors can cause cirrhosis, the most common causes include: Chronic Alcohol Abuse : Long-t...

How Liver Health Impacts Your Overall Well-Being

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When we think of staying healthy, we often focus on our heart, lungs, or even mental health. But there’s one organ that quietly plays a vital role in our body’s overall function—the liver. From digestion and detoxification to energy storage and immune support, your liver performs over 500 essential tasks every single day. Unfortunately, liver health is often neglected until symptoms become serious. That’s why taking preventive steps and consulting the Best liver specialist early on can make a huge difference in your long-term health and well-being. Why Liver Health Matters The liver is the body’s powerhouse for metabolism and detoxification. It breaks down nutrients from the food you eat, filters out toxins from the blood, produces bile for digestion, and helps regulate hormones. It even stores vitamins, minerals, and glycogen (a form of energy), ready to release them when the body needs fuel. If the liver isn’t functioning properly, the ripple effects can be seen in almost every body...

The Difference Between Acute and Chronic Liver Diseases

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The liver is one of the most vital organs in the human body, responsible for over 500 essential functions including detoxification, digestion, and metabolism. When the liver becomes damaged or diseased, it can affect the entire body. Understanding the distinction between acute and chronic liver diseases is essential for timely diagnosis and effective treatment. If you or a loved one is showing signs of liver dysfunction, consulting the Best liver specialist is crucial for accurate evaluation and management. What Are Acute Liver Diseases? Acute liver diseases are conditions that occur suddenly and often progress rapidly. These diseases can develop over a few days to weeks and may cause severe liver inflammation and damage. In some cases, acute liver failure can occur in individuals without any pre-existing liver condition. Common Causes of Acute Liver Disease Include: Viral hepatitis (especially hepatitis A or E) Drug-induced liver injury (such as an overdose of acetaminophen...

Understanding the Early Signs of Liver Disease

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The liver is one of the body’s most essential organs, responsible for detoxification, digestion, and hundreds of metabolic functions. Yet, liver diseases often go unnoticed until they progress to serious stages. Recognizing the early signs of liver disease can make all the difference in timely treatment and long-term health. If you notice persistent symptoms, consulting the Best liver specialist can be a critical first step toward diagnosis and recovery. Why Early Detection Matters Liver diseases can range from temporary conditions like hepatitis to chronic issues such as cirrhosis or fatty liver disease. The earlier these conditions are identified, the more effectively they can be managed or even reversed. Unfortunately, early-stage liver disease often presents with vague symptoms, which many people dismiss as fatigue or digestive discomfort. Common Early Signs to Watch For 1. Persistent Fatigue One of the earliest and most common symptoms of liver disease is chronic fatigue. When yo...

Fatty Liver Disease: Causes, Risks, and Prevention

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  Fatty Liver Disease is becoming one of the most common liver disorders worldwide—and it’s not just a concern for heavy drinkers. In fact, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) now affects millions of people globally, often without symptoms until serious damage is done. Understanding its causes, risks, and prevention is critical—not just for those already diagnosed, but for anyone interested in long-term liver health. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore what leads to fatty liver disease, who’s most at risk, how to prevent it, and when to consult a liver specialist . What Is Fatty Liver Disease? Fatty liver disease occurs when excess fat builds up in the liver cells. A healthy liver contains a small amount of fat, but when more than 5–10% of the liver’s weight is fat, it becomes a medical condition. There are two main types: NAFLD (Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease): Not linked to alcohol use AFLD (Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease): Caused by heavy alcohol in...

Fatty Liver and Obesity: What You Need to Know

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 Fatty liver disease is increasingly common in today’s world, largely due to the rising rates of obesity. Often called a “silent liver condition,” fatty liver disease can progress without symptoms, making early detection and management essential. If you’re struggling with obesity or are at risk of liver issues, understanding the link between fatty liver and obesity is critical. In this blog, we’ll explore the connection, symptoms, risks, treatment options, and when to consult a hepatologist or liver specialist . What Is Fatty Liver Disease? Fatty liver disease, medically referred to as hepatic steatosis , occurs when excess fat builds up in liver cells. There are two main types: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) – most common in people with obesity, diabetes, or high cholesterol. Alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD) – caused by excessive alcohol consumption. NAFLD, in particular, is now recognized as the most common form of chronic liver disease worldwide, a...