It’s a known fact that our body’s largest internal organ is the liver. Taking good care of one’s liver can lead to its optimal health in the long run.

Liver cancer is the 3rd most and 5th most common cancers among men and women respectively in Singapore.*

*Health Promotion Board, Singapore Cancer Registry Annual Report 2021

Essentially, a healthy liver does the following:

• Produces cholesterol for the body
• Processes and stores basic nutrients that we take in
• Produces bile for digestion and breaks down fats into energy
• Cleans the body by filtering out wastes and toxins
• Manufactures substances that aid blood to clot
• Controls blood sugar levels

Conditions of liver abnormalities over time:

Fatty liver

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) occurs when excess fat accumulates in the liver of people who drink little or no alcohol, whereas alcohol-induced fatty liver disease (AFLD) is caused by excessive drinking.

Excess fat in the liver causes it to enlarge and malfunction. Obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension, and a sedentary lifestyle are all risk factors for NAFLD. If NAFLD patients’ liver conditions worsen, they may develop cirrhosis and liver failure.

Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis is a long-term chronic disease in which the liver scars and becomes unable to function properly. Cirrhosis can be caused by viral hepatitis or liver inflammation, NAFLD, or long-term alcohol use. Cirrhosis, if left untreated, can lead to complications such as liver cancer and liver failure.

Symptoms of this condition:

• Jaundice or the yellowing of skin and eyes
• Bleeding from the nose and gums
• Dark urine
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhoea or constipation
• Appetite and weight loss
• Fatigue and weakness
• Bruising and swelling
• Slurred speech

To properly care for your liver health and function, make an appointment to go for health screening available at our clinic at Whampoa West.