Should You Get Your Liver Checked During Lent?

Who Should Get Liver Health Checkups?

• Individuals with chronic hepatitis, such as those with hepatitis B or C.
• Those diagnosed with fatty liver should get checked to assess the degree of fibrosis in the liver.
• People at risk of fatty liver without knowing it, such as diabetics, those who are overweight, or have abdominal obesity.
• Regular alcohol consumers.

Why is Liver Testing Important?

     Fatty liver that begins to develop fibrosis or even early cirrhosis may not present any symptoms in the initial stages. It can take 5 to 10 years for the disease to progress to symptomatic cirrhosis. If symptoms do appear, it indicates significant liver dysfunction.

Signs of Cirrhosis

• Abdominal swelling due to fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity.
• Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice).
• Vomiting blood or even developing liver cancer.

3 Months For Restore Liver Health

     If symptoms arise, the chance of death within the first 1-2 years is quite high. However, you can restore your liver health in just 3 months by abstaining from alcohol. Your liver, a vital organ responsible for filtering and eliminating toxins, will gradually recover and strengthen remarkably. Let’s track the liver's progress each month:

Recovery Stages Each Month

• Month 1 The liver rests from the damage caused by alcohol toxins and begins to eliminate damaged cells.
• Month 2 The liver starts to expel stored fat and begins to function more efficiently.
• Month 3 Liver cells strengthen, new cells develop, and the liver can operate at full capacity.

Summary

     Even after the end of a detox period, self-care remains important. Avoid alcohol or consume it in moderation, choose nutritious foods, and exercise regularly. A healthy liver positively impacts overall body function, reducing the risk of chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, liver failure, liver cancer, and improving the efficiency of various bodily systems.