World Liver Day 2023

World Liver Day 2023 is being observed throughout the world on 19 April 2023, that is today.

Theme for World Liver Day 2023

The theme for this World Liver Day 2023 is “Be vigilant, do regular liver check-up, fatty liver can affect anyone.” This theme motivates us to keep our liver healthy, go for regular check-ups, even if there are no associated factors present such as, obesity, diabetes mellitus, hypertension or excessive consumption of alcohol. Even if we do not take too much oily, spicy food, still we should be vigilant because liver disorders can happen to anyone in this modern era of life.

Why World Liver Day is celebrated on 19 April?

World Liver Day was conceptualised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) since year 2012 to focus on the the need for awareness of various liver diseases and their prevention. Every year, numerous health organisations, hospitals, and liver disease treatment centres organise various programs, events and activities to commemorate World Liver Day and to emphasise the need for increasing the investment resources in the research of liver diseases.

It is believed that the date was chosen to commemorate the inception of the ‘European Association for the Study of the Liver’ (EASL) on 19 April, 1966. EASL was founded by the German physician Gustav-Adolf Martini, in Marburg, Germany, to promote research on liver pathologies and to improve treatments for liver disorders. EASL’s inception was inspired by the founding of ‘American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases’ (AASLD, started in November 1949) and the ‘International Association for the Study of the Liver’ (IASL, started in 1958).

Liver as an Organ

In terms of Modern Science

The liver is an organ and gland in the human body. It’s spongy, wedge-shaped, bilobar, reddish-brown in color and weighs around 1200 to 1500 gm in adult human. Liver is the largest gland and the largest internal organ in human body.

Some of the most important functions of liver are:

• Blood passes through the liver. The liver filters the blood, removing toxins and waste that are eventually expelled out through urine and feces.
• Makes bile, which helps body to digest (break down) food.
• Metabolizes proteins, carbohydrates and fats so that our body can use them easily.
• Produces important substances to help blood clot in case of cuts & wounds.
• Regulates the amount of blood in the body.
• Stores glycogen (source of energy) and crucial vitamins to be used by the body later.

In terms of Ayurveda

Liver ( called ‘Yakrut’) is the Seat of ‘pitta‘. The liver is the organ of the ‘raktavaha srotas‘ (or the vessels that carry the blood). In fact Mulasthana of ‘raktavaha srotas‘ are ‘yakrut’ (liver), ‘pleeha’ (spleen) and ‘raktvahinidhamniya’ (blood vessels). Blood (rakta) is the carrier of heat in the body. Thus, as excessive heat (pitta) builds up in the liver, it is transferred into the blood (rakta) and distributed throughout the body. Which results in excess temperature of body, or fever.

Almost every thing we eat is metabolised by Liver. Be it food, herbs, drugs or alcohol. Liver works overtime & overcapacity somtimes, when there is exccess of any food or drug, excess of alcohol or when there is entry of foriegn material which our body is not acquainted with
Such pressure on Liver is root cause and beginning step of all kind of liver disease & disorders.

Causes of liver diseases & disorders

There are several causes of liver diseases, including:

• Viral hepatitis: Hepatitis A, B, and C are viral infections that can cause inflammation of the liver.
• Alcohol abuse: Alcoholic Liver Disease (ALD): Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to liver damage and cirrhosis.
• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): A condition where fat accumulates in the liver, which can lead to inflammation and liver damage.
• Autoimmune diseases: Conditions such as autoimmune hepatitis and primary biliary cirrhosis can cause inflammation and damage to the liver.
• Medications and toxins: Certain medications and toxins, such as acetaminophen, can cause liver damage.
• Genetic conditions: Genetic conditions, such as hemochromatosis and Wilson’s disease, can cause liver damage and cirrhosis.

Ayurveda & Yoga to keep liver healthy

Ayurveda and Yoga can play an important role in keeping the liver healthy and preventing liver diseases.

Ayurveda

Ayurveda suggests a non-oily, non-spicy and easy to digest food for maintaining liver health. Use of fresh fruits, vegetables, healthy nuts and dry fruits rich in antioxidants is recommended. Use of bakery products and fermented food should also be reduced. Few Ayurveda Herbs for Liver Health:

1. Milk Thistle: It is a commonly used herb for liver health. The active ingredient in milk thistle is silymarin, which helps protect the liver from toxins.
2. Dandelion: The root of dandelion is a natural diuretic that helps in removing toxins from the body. It also helps in improving liver health.
3. Turmeric: The active compound in turmeric, curcumin, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that support liver health.
4. Licorice: It is a natural anti-inflammatory and has been used traditionally in Ayurveda for liver support.
5. Amla: Amla is a rich source of vitamin C and is known for its antioxidant properties. It helps in detoxifying the liver.
6. Baheda: Restores total protein levels, improves serum enzymes & glutathione ensuring liver protection.
7. Harad: Harad has anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic & anti-viral activity.

Yoga

Few Yoga Asanas for Liver Health:

1. Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend): This asana stimulates liver function and helps in detoxifying the liver.
2. Ardhmatsyendrasana (Half Lord of the Fishes Pose): This asana massages the liver and helps in improving digestion.
3. Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose): This asana strengthens the liver and helps in purifying the blood.
4. Ardha Chandrasana (Half Moon Pose): This asana helps in reducing liver fat and aids in digestion.
5. Halasana (Plow Pose): This asana improves liver function and helps in cleansing the liver.
6. Parivrtta Trikonasana (Revolved Triangle Pose): It helps increase blood flow to the liver and promote detoxification.
7. Breathing exercises, such as Kapalabhati (Skull Shining Breath) and Bhastrika (Bellows Breath), can help stimulate the liver and support its function.