The liver is the largest internal organ, weighing approximately 1.5 kg. It performs over 500 functions including filtering blood, producing bile, metabolising nutrients and medications, storing vitamins and minerals, and supporting immune function. Despite its importance, liver disease often develops silently.
Common Liver Conditions
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
The most common liver condition worldwide, affecting an estimated 25% of the global population. In the Middle East, prevalence is even higher due to rates of obesity and diabetes.
- Fat accumulates in liver cells without significant alcohol consumption
- Most people have no symptoms
- Can progress to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer if untreated
Alcoholic Liver Disease
- Caused by excessive alcohol consumption
- Stages: fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, cirrhosis
- The liver can recover if alcohol is stopped early enough
Viral Hepatitis
- Hepatitis A: Spread through contaminated food and water. Usually self-limiting. Vaccine available
- Hepatitis B: Spread through blood and body fluids. Can become chronic. Vaccine available
- Hepatitis C: Spread primarily through blood. Can become chronic. Now curable with antiviral medication
Cirrhosis
- End-stage scarring of the liver from any chronic liver disease
- Irreversible but progression can be slowed or stopped
Risk Factors for Liver Disease
- Obesity and metabolic syndrome
- Type 2 diabetes
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Viral hepatitis (B or C)
- Certain medications (prolonged paracetamol overuse, some herbal supplements)
- Family history of liver disease
- Autoimmune conditions
Warning Signs
The liver can function with significant damage before symptoms appear. Seek medical attention if you notice:
- Persistent fatigue and weakness
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Dark urine (tea-coloured)
- Pale or clay-coloured stools
- Abdominal swelling (ascites)
- Swelling of the legs and ankles
- Itchy skin
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Nausea, loss of appetite, or unexplained weight loss
- Pain or discomfort in the upper right abdomen
Liver Function Tests
Liver function tests (LFTs) are blood tests that measure:
- ALT and AST: Enzymes released when liver cells are damaged
- ALP: Elevated in bile duct problems
- Bilirubin: Elevated when the liver cannot process it properly
- Albumin: Low in chronic liver disease
- GGT: Elevated in liver disease, particularly alcohol-related
Abnormal LFTs do not always mean serious disease but warrant further investigation with your doctor.
Protecting Your Liver
- Maintain a healthy weight: Even modest weight loss (5-10%) can significantly reduce liver fat
- Eat a balanced diet: Limit saturated fats, refined sugars, and processed foods
- Exercise regularly: At least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week
- Limit alcohol: Follow recommended guidelines (no more than 14 units per week, spread over the week)
- Avoid unnecessary medications: Only take paracetamol at recommended doses
- Be cautious with herbal supplements: Some can cause liver damage
- Get vaccinated: Hepatitis A and B vaccines are available
- Practice safe hygiene: Wash hands, practice safe food handling
- Manage diabetes and cholesterol
NICE and the British Liver Trust emphasise that NAFLD is largely preventable through lifestyle modification. Early detection through routine blood tests allows intervention before irreversible damage occurs.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor for personalised guidance.