The cases of fatty liver are increasing at a rapid pace. Let us tell you what those lifestyle habits of yours are that can lead to cancer, and what the prevention for it is.
Fatty liver has become a very common disease in today’s times. In this process, fat is deposited inside the liver. There are two main types of it: first, alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD), and second, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
NAFLD is especially seen more in those people who do not drink alcohol or drink very little. If not taken care of in time, it can gradually take the form of NASH (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis), cirrhosis, and ultimately liver cancer.
Key functions of the liver:
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Detoxification: It filters harmful substances, medications, and metabolic waste from your blood, preventing their build-up in the body.
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Digestion: The liver produces bile, a fluid necessary to break down fats, and stores glycogen, a form of glucose, to regulate energy levels.
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Blood Production & Clotting: The liver synthesizes essential proteins required for blood clotting and helps break down old red blood cells.
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Hormone Regulation: It converts thyroid hormones into their active form, regulating metabolism and contributing to hormone balance.
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Metabolism: It processes carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, converts amino acids, and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
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Nutrient Processing: The liver processes vitamins, converting them into usable forms and distributing them throughout the body.
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Waste Removal: It converts ammonia to urea, which is then eliminated from the body by the kidneys.
Five habits that can cause Liver cancer
To keep the liver healthy, we should pay attention to our daily habits. Let us know five such habits that can turn fatty liver into cancer, and what is the way to prevent them.
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Excessive consumption of sweet and packaged foods: If you regularly consume cold drinks, candy, biscuits, chips, packaged snacks, or fast food, it directly accumulates fat in the liver. Research says that people who consume more sugar drinks have a 40 percent higher risk of fatty liver. Doing this for a long time causes inflammation and increases the risk of cancer. To avoid this, start eating fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, dry fruits, and healthy proteins.
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Sitting for hours: Nowadays, people say “Sitting is the new smoking,” which means that sitting for long hours is equally harmful. Sitting for long hours slows down fat metabolism, allowing fat to accumulate in the liver. To avoid this, engage in activities such as walking, cycling, or swimming for at least 150 minutes per week. Walk or use stairs while talking on the phone.
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Alcohol and smoking: Both alcohol and cigarettes are no less than poison for the liver. Alcohol damages liver cells, and smoking introduces toxins into the body, which increase the risk of liver inflammation and cancer. Quit alcohol completely or reduce it to a minimum and stop smoking immediately. Water, black coffee, and herbal tea are better options.
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Obesity and belly fat: Being overweight is the biggest cause of fatty liver. Especially if the fat is deposited more on the stomach, then it has a direct effect on the liver. Obesity increases insulin resistance, and fat accumulates rapidly in the liver. By losing 5 to 10 percent of weight, the results of liver tests improve. For this, a balanced diet, eating small portions, drinking more water, and engaging in regular exercise are necessary.
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Fried foods and junk food: Fried foods, such as pizza and burgers, as well as packaged noodles, contain saturated and trans fats. These overload the liver and increase the risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer in the long run. To avoid this, incorporate olive oil, fish, seeds, and avocados into your diet. Eat less red meat and follow the Mediterranean diet.
Fatty liver disease can slowly develop into a serious condition, but by making some changes to your daily habits, it can be easily prevented. A healthy diet, regular exercise, abstinence from alcohol, and smoking are ways that can prevent you from going from fatty liver to cancer.
Disclaimer: This article is meant for informational purposes only and must not be considered a substitute for professional advice.
