Liver is a crucial organ in the human body and it is responsible for a lot of functions that help in supporting metabolism, immunity, digestion, detoxification, vitamin storage and a few more. It is the largest organ of our body which comprises around 2% weight of an adult human body. It is responsible for removing toxins from our body, maintaining blood sugar levels and performing various other important functions.
While liver problems are common in both men and women, health challenges are heightened when it comes to women. To dive deeper into women’s risk factors in liver health, OnlyMyHealth connected with Dr Mayank Nautiyal, Consultant & HOD - Liver Transplant and Biliary Sciences, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Dehradun.
Why Are Women More Prone To Liver Problems?
According to a study published by the National Institute of Health, Women more commonly present with acute liver failure, autoimmune hepatitis, benign liver lesions, primary biliary cirrhosis, and toxin-mediated hepatotoxicity. The study added, “Women are more susceptible than men to the toxic effects of alcohol on the liver for any given dose of alcohol, even though men abuse or depend on alcohol more than women, at a ratio of 2:1 in persons over the age of 26 years.”
Explaining how women are more prone than men, Dr Nautiyal said, “Liver health is more important in women as due to female hormones. Females are more prone to develop gallstones as oestrogen causes increased cholesterol secretion in the bile, leading to formation of stones. Also women are more prone to develop fatty liver disease.”
Also read: Liver Health: Apart From Alcohol These 10 Things Are Extremely Unhealthy For Your Liver
Adding further, Dr Nautiyal said, “The rising incidence of alcohol intake and obesity are also the reasons that make women more prone to have liver disease
Liver Diseases Common In Women
As per Dr Nautiyal, women are more prone to have gallbladder stones than men. “They are also more prone to have benign liver tumours such as adenomas, follicular nodular hyperplasia, biliary cystadenomas. Fatty liver is also commonly seen in women which is now becoming the leading cause of liver cirrhosis. Female hormone oestrogen plays an important role.”
Preventive Measures And Tips For Managing Liver Health
To understand the preventive measures and know the tips for managing liver health, OnlyMyHealth interacted with Dr Arnab Sarkar, Consultant, Gastroenterology, Fortis Hospital, Anandapur.
Talking about how to prevent liver diseases, Dr Sarkar said, “Just 30 minutes of brisk walking, five days a week, can significantly reduce the buildup of fat in the liver and protect your liver from diseases. It's like giving your liver a daily detox session.”
Emphasising on healthy lifestyle habits and physical activity in keeping livers healthy, Dr said, “Physical activity can slow down the progression of liver damage and prevent complications like sarcopenia.” Apart from physical exercises and workout, a healthy balanced diet is essential too. He advised on consuming antioxidant-rich foods for the betterment of your liver.
Adding to this, Dr Nautiyal said, “To keep liver problems at bay, avoid alcohol, control weight, exercise regularly, consume a low carbohydrate, low fat diet, high in fibre. For diabetic patients control of blood sugars and regular health check ups. For viral hepatitis- immunisation against hepatitis A and B, use of safe single use syringe, protected sexual contact, transfusion of safe tested blood.”