A gastroenterologist from Cleveland Clinic in the US, Dr Carlos Romero-Marrero, has advised people with liver failure to get adequate and proper treatment to avoid exposing themselves to more health risk like liver cancer.
Romero-Marrero warned that the liver does a lot to keep body healthy, especially acting as the body’s filter to clear out toxins and therefore, should not be subjected too much stress.
The gastroenterologist revealed that heavy drinking does a lot of damage to the liver.
He said: “But when you work it too hard — with heavy drinking, chronic viral infections or eating an unhealthy diet for too long — it can develop its own health problems.
“Few people know when their liver is failing and that can put you more at risk for serious illness.
“People with liver failure are more likely to develop liver cancer.
“But, most aren’t even aware of what causes liver failure, much less the symptoms.”
Romero-Marrero, however, listed fluid retention,jaundice, bleeding and confusion as four of the most common signs of liver failure while advising those experiencing such health issues to see their doctor.
He explained: “Fluid retention is the most common sign of liver disease, appearing in 50 percent of people who have cirrhosis , a condition in which scar tissue replaces healthy liver tissue.
“Accumulating fluid may cause distension in your abdomen or swelling in your legs. This happens when high blood pressure develops in your liver veins or when your liver is unable to make albumin, a protein that prevents leaks from your bloodstream into tissue.”
He added: “For jaundice, it is a severe sign of liver failure. This condition causes darker urine and a yellowish tint in skin or the white of your eyes. And for bleeding, you may vomit blood or notice blood in stool “
On treatment, the US physician also offered four tips for keeping the liver healthy with regular exercise toping the list.
” Exercise at least five times a week for at least 30 minutes each time. Eat a healthy diet that is low in refined sugars, processed foods, sweets, sodas, and refined carbohydrates.
“Choose fruits, vegetables and high-fiber foods instead.
“Drink moderately — no more than two daily drinks for men and one for women.
“Maintain a healthy weight. Ultimately, remember that alcohol abuse isn’t the only cause of liver failure. Take care of your body and control chronic conditions to keep your liver healthy”, he said.
