The key aim of the month is to put a spotlight on liver disease risk factors and the steps we can take to keep our livers healthy.
The liver is a vital organ with an amazing ability to regenerate. Performing over 500 jobs, including producing energy and fighting infection, it works hard and can tolerate a lot of abuse. But like an elastic band – it can only stretch so far before it breaks. Taking steps to look after your liver will give it the chance to replace damaged tissue with new cells.
One in three of us is at risk of liver disease. While there are over 100 types of liver disease, with some conditions caused by genetic and autoimmune factors, a staggering 90% of cases are linked to alcohol consumption, excess body weight, diet and viral hepatitis.
Pamela Healy, Chief Executive at the British Liver Trust, said: “Liver disease has been a growing public health concern in the last twenty years during which time deaths have more than doubled with more than 10,000 people dying from the disease every year.
“Ninety per cent of liver disease is avoidable and sadly, the numbers of people being diagnosed have been increasing at an alarming rate.”
The British Liver Trust’s Love Your Liver campaign has three simple but effective steps to improve your liver health:
• Drink less than 14 units of alcohol and have three consecutive days off alcohol every week.
• Cut down on sugar, carbohydrates and fat, and take more exercise.
• Know the risk factors for viral hepatitis and get tested or vaccinated if at risk. There are now highly effective cures for hepatitis.
Deborah was diagnosed with non-alcohol related fatty liver disease at the age of 36. Thankfully, she was able to reverse her diagnosis after changing her lifestyle. She says: “I did as I was told and changed my eating plan and joined my husband’s running club.
At my six months check-up I was told my liver was back to its normal size, no cirrhosis and I didn’t need a liver transplant.
“All in all, the whole situation affected me mentally too and the running group my husband and I go to has brought us out of the darkness and brought our spirit back to life again. I’m more determined than ever.”
To make a pledge to improve your liver health visit www.britishlivertrust.org.uk/pledge and for more information about Love Your Liver Month, visit: https://britishlivertrust.org.uk/love-your-liver-month/
For a snapshot of your liver health, take the confidential Love Your Liver screener www.britishlivertrust.org.uk/screener