Liver Disease: A ‘Prevent Defense’ Is the Best Game Plan
Reviewed by: Dr. Steven Knauf, D.C.
By: Martha Michael
Ever given much thought to your liver? It’s like the unsung hero in the orchestra of your internal organs. While your heart and lungs take center stage, your liver is backstage, quietly working magic. It’s the body’s filtration system, diligently filtering out the toxins that could otherwise turn your health into a precarious balancing act.
But here’s a kicker: Nearly a third of Americans—yep, that’s about 100 million people—are unknowingly playing host to fatty liver disease. According to the American Liver Foundation, only around 4.5 million have been officially diagnosed. And it’s not just a whisper in the background; chronic liver disease was the 12th-leading cause of death in the U.S. in 2020.
Think of your liver as the football-sized guardian of your wellness. Neglect it; it can turn from a silent protector to a serious health hazard. But don’t worry; you have a playbook to keep it in shape. Making mindful lifestyle choices, including chiropractic care, can be a game-changer. So, let’s keep that liver of yours in prime condition and ready to tackle whatever life throws your way!
What is liver disease and what are the most common types?
Tucked just below your rib cage on the right side, your liver is a heavyweight champ, clocking in at up to 4 pounds, according to the Mayo Clinic. This hard-working organ filters out waste, helps you digest food, produces clotting agents for your blood, and keeps everything flowing smoothly.
But like any champ, the liver can take a hit. Plenty of threats are out there, ready to throw a wrench in its well-oiled operation.
Autoimmune Conditions
Health conditions affecting your immune system can threaten liver function.
- Autoimmune hepatitis — Due to environmental or genetic factors, the immune system attacks the liver, causing swelling and irritation.
- Primary biliary cholangitis — Bile ducts become inflamed, and liver tissue is scarred or destroyed.
- Primary sclerosing cholangitis — Often seen in patients with inflammatory bowel disease or ulcerative colitis, this condition causes bile ducts to become hard and narrow, leading to liver damage.
Infection
Contracting illnesses carried through viruses and parasites cause inflammation that can affect liver function. Infections that can cause liver damage include hepatitis A, B, and C. Viruses cause swelling and can spread through body fluids to infect other systems.
Genes
When genes from either parent change, substances accumulate in the liver. Their altered form can threaten the health of your organs. Genetic conditions associated with liver damage include:
- Wilson’s disease — A rare condition causing your copper level to rise and affect organs, including the liver.
- Hemochromatosis — Your body absorbs too much iron, causing damage to your liver.
- Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency — The liver does not release Large amounts of protein, leaving your lungs less protected from damage.
Medline Plus describes the impact of a breakdown in liver function. Many physical challenges can threaten liver health.
- Diseases resulting from drugs, alcohol, or poison
- Diseases caused by viruses, including hepatitis A, B, or C
- Inherited conditions such as hemochromatosis
- Cancer of the liver
What are the common symptoms of liver disease?
Sometimes, a decline in overall health is the biggest indicator that you’re suffering from liver damage. Still, according to Johns Hopkins, there are specific signs and symptoms that the organ is not functioning fully.
Cholestasis
Defined as bile flow blockage, cholestasis sets in when a condition has affected liver function, causing such symptoms as:
- Dark urine
- Pale stool
- Jaundice
- Bleeding easily
- Itching
- Chills
- Pain from the pancrease or biliary tract
Cholestasis may result from problems with alcohol or drugs or such physical challenges as hormonal changes or certain cancers.
Esophageal varices
When liver damage causes portal hypertension or high blood pressure in the portal vein, the blood vessels in the lower section of your esophagus become dilated. Referred to as esophageal varices, these blood vessels can rupture in the stomach or lower esophagus and lead to various symptoms, including:
- Decrease in urine
- Extreme thirst
- Vomiting of blood
- Dizziness
- Pale appearance
- Black or bloody stools
- Anemia
Excessive blood loss is one of the most dangerous outcomes of esophageal varices.
Liver encephalopathy
A damaged liver fails to rid your body of toxic substances and causes them to circulate in your bloodstream. When it reaches your brain, it affects function and may cause a wide range of symptoms, including:
- Mood changes
- Poor judgment
- Drowsiness
- Reduced consciousness
- Confusion
- Slow speech
- Coma
- Tremors
When battling symptoms of liver damage, your doctor can develop a diagnosis using methods such as ultrasound technology, computer tomography, liver biopsies, and MRI imaging.
What are the long-term health implications of untreated liver disease?
The process of liver decline occurs over time. Symptoms become more apparent and treatment becomes more aggressive with each stage of liver decline, says an article by Aurora Health Care.
Fatty liver - Reducing inflammation through lifestyle changes can slow liver enlargement and stop its decline.
Fiberosis - The accumulation of proteins in an inflamed liver causes scar tissue to develop.
Cirrhosis - Marked by severe scarring and permanent damage, symptoms become prominent as liver function fails.
End-stage liver disease - The most advanced stage is chronic liver disease, which is irreversible.
The result of untreated liver damage is acute liver failure. When a liver disorder affects most organs, the following symptoms signal severe loss of liver function.
- Impaired brain function
- Ascites (causing abdominal swelling)
- Jaundice
- Tendency to bruise
- Bleeding easily
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Weakness
- Overall failing health
Lifestyle factors affecting liver function
Some causes of liver disease have no connection to your personal choices, such as unknowingly coming into contact with viral hepatitis or inheriting a genetic predisposition. You can reduce your risk of liver damage by maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Healthy body weight
According to an article by Better Health, diet and exercise can keep your weight in check and lower the risk factors for fatty liver disease. When you consume too many calories and get too little exercise, you build up fat in your liver because it doesn’t break it down completely. Fatty liver comorbidities include diabetes, obesity, and elevated triglyceride levels.
Most people with the condition are overweight, but rapid weight loss and malnutrition can also cause fatty liver disease. A lifestyle that includes healthy food, resistance training, and aerobic exercise is a great way to lower your chance of liver damage.
Chiropractic care
Regular chiropractic care is an effective form of addressing health concerns and monitoring overall wellness. Chiropractic adjustments align your spine, joints, and bones to maximize the function of your organs and maintain the health of your biological systems. They may help reduce stress on the body, improve circulation to aid in detoxification, promote nervous system function to help manage disease or symptoms, and alleviate pain and discomfort.
Stress management
Everyone knows that stressful circumstances can significantly affect your well-being, from professional pressures to family drama. Stress has been linked to muscle tension, sleep issues, and many more physical and emotional conditions.
Your liver can become damaged if you’re exposed to a high level of stressful experiences, according to an article by the Center for Organ Transplant. The release of chemicals, such as the stress hormone cortisol, can cause inflammation and permanent liver damage, reducing your body’s ability to filter toxins.
Stress is linked to many long-term health risks, including liver disease, so it’s good to be aware of the signs that pressure is building. Mental and physical symptoms of stress include:
- Feeling out of control
- Agitated and easily frustrated
- Isolation
- Low energy
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Insomnia
- Clenched jaw
- Trembling
- Cold or sweaty hands
- Chest pain or fast heartbeat
Preparing for daily stressors can serve as a preventive measure against the development of liver damage. Practices such as meditation, yoga, and breathing exercises help you slow down and promote relaxation. Finding ways to reduce tension and activate your parasympathetic nervous system (your natural resting state) effectively increases the chance of a healthy outcome.
Treatment options for liver disease
The ideal situation is avoiding liver damage through healthy lifestyle choices, including limited alcohol consumption, a balanced diet, and exercise. If you develop liver disease, be sure you get proper medical treatment from experienced specialists.
In the early stages of liver decline, you can discuss strategies with your chiropractor to reduce contact with toxic chemicals and develop healthy practices. When you talk to your doctor about treatable symptoms, they can provide resources to help with smoking cessation, alcohol dependence, and a healthier meal plan.
There are no machines to replace the work of your liver. Treatment for acute liver damage may involve prescription medication; for liver failure, there may be no alternative besides a liver transplant.
When it comes to maintaining a healthy liver, you’re the one who “carries the ball,” and your strongest offense is a preventive defense. Though it may not be front of mind for most people, few health concerns are more severe than the condition of your organs. Clean living is never a guarantee of a long life. Still, reducing the toxins in your body reduces the chance of developing a condition damaging to your liver. The goal is to clear the way so your liver can reach the goal line.
The information, including but not limited to text, graphics, images, and other material contained on this page, is for informational purposes only. The purpose of this post is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics, including but not limited to the benefits of chiropractic care, exercise, and nutrition. It is not intended to provide or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your chiropractor, physician, or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this page.