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Liver ailments are becoming an increasing concern among Bengalureans. In the last five years, liver-related issues, especially fatty liver has increased by more than 15 per cent among youngsters, say doctors.
On the occasion of World Liver Day, Metrolife spoke to medical experts, and they say bad lifestyle choices and consumption of alcohol have led to a sharp increase in liver illnesses.
Alcohol consumption has contributed to health issues since years, says Dr M S Sandeep, senior consultant-gastroenterologist, Apollo Hospitals.
“The recent threats are dual – alcohol consumption with fatty liver. There are multiple reasons that lead to liver health complications nowadays. Diabetes, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, smoking and decrease in the consumption of green vegetables, that release antioxidant, are a few of them,” he says.
Regular consumption of alcohol, 80 gms over 10 years for men and 40 gms over 5 years for women, can trigger serious health issues.
“The type of alcohol doesn’t matter here; people often say that they only consume beer or wine, which is not considered alcohol. They do not realise that 100 ml of beer contains 6 to 8 gms of alcohol, while 100 ml of whiskey is equal to 46 gms of alcohol. Having large amount of beer or wine is not less risky; they often lead to liver cirrhosis etc,” he says.
Dr Sandeep notes that the consumption of alcohol by people between the age group of 20 and 30 is more in Bengaluru compared to other cities.
“Peer pressure adds to alcohol consumption,” he observes.
But abstinence from alcohol can reverse liver damage.
“Till 75 per cent of the liver is damaged, it is difficult to spot symptoms. Picking up symptoms earlier, through blood tests or ultrasound scanning, can lead to a full reversal of health. When we receive a patient in a serious stage, we ensure that they consult a psychiatrist to assure behavioural changes too; removing the root cause is important,” he says.
Liver ailments are a long-term problem and happen over the course of a decade or more. Dr Prasanna Bhat, consultant - hepatologist, Sakra World Hospital, agrees that it is hard to manifest symptoms towards liver diseases.
“Fatty liver is common especially among 25 to 35-year-olds. Around 30 per cent of them have fatty liver now (it was 10 per cent 5 to 10 years ago), which can also cause other diseases. There are many factors like obesity, alcohol, smoking, hypertension, leading to metabolic syndrome (a cluster of conditions), which in turn leads to other health problems like heart diseases, strokes and kidney problems,” says Dr Prasanna.
Cases of liver-related ailments (connected to alcohol) have risen, he observes.
“Almost 80 per cent of Bengalureans are weekend alcoholics. A person who consumes a moderated amount of alcohol every day might be able to tolerate it better when compared to those who binge. The liver is like a factory, it will not be able to handle overconsumption,” he says.
One in two urban dwellers have fatty liver now, informs Dr Sonal Asthana, senior consultant - HPB & Transplant Surgeon, Aster CMI Hospital.
“Increased intake of processed and fat-rich food has increased the chances of metabolic syndrome,” she adds.
Lifestyle changes or other health concerns might lead to a compromised liver and alcohol only creates a double impact.
“It is a combination of alcoholic and non-alcoholic liver damage,” she told Metrolife.
How can you detect liver problems and improve liver health?
- Do a Hepatitis B and C checkup. One can get vaccinated for Hepatitis B.
- Keep a tab on alcohol consumption.
- Food habits should be monitored. Avoid refined sugars and items made out of maida. Avoid aerated drinks too.
- Exercises regularly. A 30-minute brisk walking session or exercise for five days a week is a must.
Dr M S Sandeep, Senior consultant -gastroenterologist, Apollo Hospitals: "In the setting of liver disease, no amount of alcohol is okay. Recidivism (going back to alcohol) happens around 15 to 20 per cent of patients, in the first two years.”
'Bans do not help'
“A comparison to places where alcohol is not available is difficult to say. For example, Gujarat has 30 per cent of the diabetic cases, which can lead to liver issues too. Bans do not really help.”
- A senior consultant gastroenterologist