On April 19th, like every year, World Liver Day is celebrated, an initiative of scientific societies around the world linked to the hepatological field aimed at raising awareness among the world population on the growth of liver diseases, often linked to the worsening of drinking styles. life: every year, thousands of people are affected by these diseases; 1.5 billion people live with chronic liver disease, while 2 million lives are lost to this cause every year. Every year, in Italy, at least 15 thousand patients die from cirrhosis and around 6 thousand from liver cancer. However, 90% of these cases would be preventable, with individual actions in favor of a correct lifestyle and with adequate health policies. Precisely in order to encourage these virtuous approaches, the Italian Association for the Study of the Liver has confirmed itself at the forefront in adhering to this Day.
Protagonist of over 500 functions but at risk of 100 diseases
The liver is an organ that is often underestimated, but it is essential for maintaining general health: it carries out over 500 vital functions in the body, but can be affected by over a hundred diseases, regardless of age, sex, ethnicity. The liver is the internal organ of the human body that weighs the heaviest, 1.5 kg, almost the size of an American football. The liver processes sugars, proteins and fats, which are then transformed into energy required by the rest of the body. It interacts with numerous other organs, contributes to metabolism and is one of the best protectors of the immune system. It purifies the blood, filtering drugs and other toxic substances, produces bile and synthesizes the factors essential for clotting. Liver diseases tend to remain latent, as this organ has no pain receptors: this often leads to late diagnoses, when the pathology is already in decompensated cirrhosis or close to hepatocellular carcinoma.
World Liver Day messages
World Liver Day is an initiative led by the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL), the Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver (APASL), the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases ( AASLD), the Asociacion Latinoamericano para el Estudio del Higado (ALEH) and the Society on Liver Disease in Africa (SOLDA), under the auspices of the Healthy Livers, Healthy Lives Coalition. This year’s campaign aims to raise awareness about the vital role of the liver and the importance of taking proactive measures to maintain a healthy liver. However, liver diseases are often not included in health policy priorities, when they should be a priority in primary health care plans.
“The Italian Association for the Study of the Liver, which has almost a thousand registered members, has been engaged in research, scientific dissemination and the training of young hepatologists for over 50 years – underlines Vincenza Calvaruso, AISF Secretary – Chronic liver disease develops silently, causing progressive scarring and cirrhosis, and ranks second after ischemic heart disease in terms of years of working life lost globally. Increasing health literacy and promoting behavioral changes would reduce the burden of liver disease and have a significant impact on its morbidity and mortality. In recent years, important results have been achieved, such as successes in the fight against viral hepatitis, but much remains to be done, especially in relation to pathologies linked to metabolic dysfunction caused by tendencies linked to incorrect lifestyles”.
The decalogue of prevention
To encourage virtuous behavior and encourage prevention, a decalogue aimed at safeguarding liver health begins on World Liver Day.
1) Avoid alcohol consumption, which causes seven different types of cancer and is one of the most frequent causes of liver disease.
2) Follow a healthy diet (made of fruit, vegetables, legumes, proteins), reducing complex sugars and foods high in saturated fats.
3) Get vaccinated against Hepatitis A and B, with the latter vaccination also protecting against Delta Hepatitis.
4) Have regular check-ups with your General Practitioner.
5) Maintain hand hygiene to prevent Hepatitis A and E infections.
6) Avoid sharing contaminated needles, not only associated with intravenous drug use, but also for tattoos and piercings.
7) Practice safe sex to avoid contagion from Hepatitis B and C.
8) Avoid environmental pollutants, which can damage liver cells.
9) Don’t smoke.
10) Exercise regularly to reduce fat accumulation in the liver, increase blood flow and enhance metabolic function.
Tags: World Liver Day chronic diseases billion people preventable Healthcare24
