Healthy diet and lifestyle changes key to preventing liver disease: experts

Bhubaneswar: With Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) emerging as a major concern in the country, health experts on Sunday stressed on the importance of early diagnosis and treatment to prevent cirrhosis of the liver.

Speaking at an event organised by Utkal Hospital to mark World Liver Day, Dr Sachidananda Mohanty, Director, Medical Education and Training, said deaths due to cirrhosis are almost entirely preventable with early diagnosis and lifestyle changes. “Liver disease is now a lifestyle disease and obesity is the main cause of liver damage, which often leads to fatty liver. Maintaining a healthy weight and an active lifestyle are crucial for liver health,” he advised.

DMET congratulated Utkal Hospital for performing its first cadaveric liver transplant. The 41-year-old recipient, who received a liver from a 50-year-old brain-dead woman, is currently recovering. Dr. Bibhuti Bhusan Nayak, Joint Director, National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (SOTTO), said unhealthy diet can contribute to fatty liver disease. People should focus on traditional foods with a combination of fruits, vegetables, proteins and whole grains. A healthy lifestyle is the key to curing liver disease, he said.

Resident Editor New Indian Express Shiva Mohanty said that by making healthier lifestyle choices and following a healthy diet, people can not only prevent liver disease but also improve their quality of life.

Dr Satyaprakash Ray Chowdhury, senior consultant, hepatobiliary and gastroenterological surgery, said fatty liver is one of the most common diseases, which develops due to the accumulation of excess fat in the liver. “We should be vigilant, get our liver checked regularly, eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly,” he advised.

Senior gastrointestinal surgeon Dr Salil Kumar Parida said Liver Day is a reminder for people to stop and think about their liver health. A walk and a run were organised on the occasion and the top three participants were felicitated. Managing Director Pragyan Ranjan Garai was also present.