In Germany alone, there are officially five million people with liver disease – not to mention the people who don’t even know about it. According to the Global Liver Institute (GLI), around 115 million people worldwide are affected by fatty liver disease (SLD). The institute therefore describes this disease as a hidden global epidemic that could grow to 357 million sufferers by 2030.
Liver is the most important metabolic organ in the body
These are shocking figures, because the liver is the most important metabolic organ in the body. Its main tasks include
- Detoxification of the body by filtering out harmful substances from the blood
- Utilization and storage of nutrients such as vitamins, fats and sugar
- Production of coagulation factors for blood clotting
- Production of bile for fat digestion.
Liver damage often remains undetected for a long time
If the liver becomes unbalanced, this affects many processes in the body. However, those affected often do not even notice that something is wrong. This is because the liver has no nerve cells and therefore does not cause pain. It also often still performs its functions even though damage has already occurred. This is why liver damage or diseases usually go unnoticed for a long time.
Typical signs such as
- Feeling of pressure in the right upper abdomen
- Yellowing of skin and eyes
- dark brown urine
often only appear very late.
Those affected therefore often only find out during routine checkups that there is something wrong with their liver. For example, when liver values are elevated in the blood test. Although one of the most common causes of elevated values is high alcohol consumption, there are enough sufferers who do not drink alcohol at all.
After alcohol, the following diseases or factors are among the most common causes of elevated liver values:
1. Fatty liver – Steatotic liver disease (SLD)
If too much fat accumulates in the liver cells, this is known as fatty liver. This is a disease of civilization that is caused by an unhealthy diet and lack of exercise. Excessive alcohol consumption can also be the cause. If this is not the case, however, medicine speaks of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) – previously also known as non-alcoholic fatty liver.
According to the German Liver Foundation, around one in four Germans over 40 suffers from it. Common causes are obesity, high blood fat levels such as triglycerides and cholesterol, and insulin resistance, a precursor to type 2 diabetes. Hereditary metabolic disorders, toxins and certain medications such as cortisone and chemotherapy drugs can also lead to it. If left untreated, SLD can also lead to dangerous liver inflammation, which in the worst case can later lead to liver cirrhosis.
2. Hepatitis viruses
Infections with hepatitis viruses are among the most common serious infectious diseases worldwide and in Germany. Different hepatitis viruses such as A, B and C can lead to inflammation of the liver.
Hepatitis A, for example, is transmitted through contaminated drinking water and food – such as in travel destinations with poor hygienic conditions. The infection usually heals on its own. Infections with the hepatitis B and C viruses, on the other hand, can be chronic and, if left untreated, can lead to cirrhosis of the liver and liver cancer.
Hepatitis B and C are transmitted through blood (e.g. through contaminated syringes) and sexual contact. While there are vaccinations against hepatitis A and B, there is none against hepatitis C. However, hepatitis C can now be cured with antiviral medication.
3. Gallbladder diseases
Bile duct diseases and gallstones can lead to increased liver values and, in severe cases, liver damage. Gallstones, for example, form in the gallbladder and bile ducts when the composition of the bile changes. Obesity and lack of exercise promote their formation – genetic factors can also play a role.
Gallstones can also lead to inflammation of the gallbladder. This causes bile to build up in the gallbladder, allowing bacteria to multiply. This inflammation can be very painful and can lead to what is known as biliary colic. Doctors often recommend surgical removal of the inflamed gallbladder, as gallstones can form again and again and lead to inflammation.
4. Medication
Medications can also damage the liver. They are mostly metabolized and broken down in the liver. According to the German Liver Aid, toxic liver damage is rare if the dosage and duration of use are adhered to, but some people are susceptible to it even then. Those who take many different medications without medical supervision are also at risk. The medications that can lead to increased liver values or liver damage include paracetamol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and above all antibiotics.
Preventing liver disease – The best tips
Healthy people can do a lot to keep their liver healthy for as long as possible. German Liver Aid Association recommends
- Avoid alcohol or consume it only in moderation
- Avoid cigarettes, because smoking is also harmful to the liver
- Eat a balanced and fibre-rich diet
- Avoid junk food, soft drinks and sweets
- Avoid being overweight
- get vaccinated against hepatitis if necessary and
- Have your liver values checked regularly by your doctor.
