Is it possible to survive without a liver?
In the human body, the liver plays a crucial role in regulating waste products, eliminating toxins, storing excess energy, and producing bile. However, certain conditions can lead to liver damage, one of which is Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD).
NAFLD, a condition primarily driven by metabolic factors and lifestyle, is a growing health concern worldwide. While early-stage NAFLD may not significantly affect life expectancy, its progression can lead to severe liver damage.
Common causes of NAFLD include obesity, insulin resistance, high triglycerides, poor diet high in fructose and processed foods, sedentary lifestyle, sleep apnea, hypothyroidism, and polycystic ovary syndrome. High fructose consumption promotes fat accumulation in the liver [1][3][5].
If NAFLD progresses to Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) with inflammation and scarring, about 30% of patients are affected, and roughly 20% of those with NASH may develop advanced cirrhosis leading to liver failure or cancer. NAFLD can reduce life expectancy by about 4.2 years for women and 4.4 years for men [2].
Aging and the systemic inflammation it causes can worsen NAFLD progression by increasing liver inflammation and immune dysfunction, further impairing liver function [4].
Fortunately, chronic liver disease often responds well to treatment or lifestyle changes, especially in the early stages. In severe cases, a liver transplant can prolong life expectancy by about 10 years in individuals with acute and chronic end-stage liver disease [6].
During a liver transplant, a surgeon removes a person's diseased or failing liver and replaces it with either a whole liver from a deceased donor or a partial liver from a living donor. Remarkably, the liver is the only organ in the body that can regenerate itself, even when up to 90% of the liver is absent. Both the recipient's and the living donor's partial liver will regrow to become full livers [7].
It's essential to note that both types of liver disease can cause liver failure, a condition usually fatal without a transplant. Symptoms of liver disease include gastrointestinal issues, jaundice, low energy, dehydration, pain in the upper right abdomen, and more [8].
NAFLD is just one of the many liver-related health issues. Other conditions include acute fatty liver of pregnancy, biliary atresia, and liver failure due to poisoning with certain substances, such as an overdose of acetaminophen. Dialysis can support a failing liver by removing toxins from the blood, but it is not effective for all forms of liver failure [9].
In conclusion, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and regular check-ups are crucial in preventing and managing NAFLD. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve life expectancy and quality of life for those affected by this condition.
References: [1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6247992/ [2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7102854/ [3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6484033/ [4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7723618/ [5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6500834/ [6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5642916/ [7] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK224219/ [8] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532892/ [9] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532892/
- In the context of health-and-wellness, adhering to a diet low in processed foods and high in nutrient-rich options can help prevent or manage Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD).
- Fitness-and-exercise can help mitigate the risk factors contributing to the progression of NAFLD, such as obesity and insulin resistance.
- Paxlovid, a therapeutic medication, is not directly related to liver health; however, addressing underlying medical-conditions like NAFLD may require a concurrent evaluation of potential drug interactions.
- Skin-care products should be chosen carefully, as some chemicals can potentially damage the liver, especially in individuals with existing liver conditions like NAFLD.
- Retargeting marketing strategies can be employed to reach individuals who have shown interest in learning more about liver health, including NAFLD, offering them relevant information on health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, and therapies-and-treatments aimed at liver health improvement.
