As an organ that regulates life functions and can renew itself, the liver synthesizes proteins in our body, stores carbohydrates and fats, produces urea, blood coagulants, enzymes and bile, and removes harmful substances, drugs and alcohol from the body.

That's why the liver is so important for us as a cleansing filter.

What are Liver Diseases?

Types of liver diseases are hepatitis, steatosis, cirrhosis and liver cancer. Hepatitis is one of the most common liver diseases and is inflammation of the liver. There are five types of hepatitis known as Hepatitis A, B, C, D and E. It can be spread through blood, sexual contact and contaminated water. Hepatitis A is the type known as jaundice and may sometimes show no symptoms. Hepatitis B may show symptoms such as fatigue, yellowing of the eyes, fever, diarrhea, vomiting, and changes in stool and urine. Hepatitis B and C can become chronic and lead to cancer and cirrhosis. Hepatitis D and Hepatitis E are rare diseases caused by bad drinking water. Fatty liver may be due to alcohol use. This disease, for which early intervention is important, is diagnosed by ultrasound examination by looking at AST and ALT values. Symptoms may appear as fatigue, loss of appetite, pain in the chest and abdomen, fatigue and nausea. Cirrhosis occurs as a result of hepatitis B, C, D and steatosis, which cause liver damage and the liver cannot perform its functions. It can also be called liver failure because it causes the liver to shrink. Itching, jaundice, edema, loss of appetite and nausea are among the symptoms of cancer. Liver cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. Hepatitis B, C, cirrhosis, alcohol consumption and fatty liver can trigger cancer. Yellowing of the skin and eyes, abdominal bloating, pain in the back and nausea are among the symptoms of cancer. What are the treatments for liver diseases? Diet and nutrition have an important place in all liver diseases, especially in diseases that can be regulated and treated with nutrition and that have not yet reached an advanced stage.

Reducing or cutting down alcohol and cigarette consumption is also included and is of great importance. Since some liver diseases can trigger cancer, prompt and correct treatment after diagnosis is very important. Hepatitis treatments vary depending on the type of hepatitis. Hepatitis A virus is a virus that has no cure but has a preventive vaccine. This vaccine is given during childhood and is not suitable for pregnant women. Hepatitis B is usually treated with medication, but if the disease progresses, it may also need to be treated with liver transplantation. Hepatitis C is a disease with a high chance of cure if diagnosed early. Interferon drugs are used for hepatitis C diagnosed in the acute stage. A correct diet can be applied for fatty liver; Mediterranean diet and exercise are the first treatment methods that are good for fatty liver. Care should be taken to gain weight and natural foods should be consumed.

In cirrhosis, alcohol consumption should be stopped and attention should be paid to nutrition. Advanced cirrhosis requires liver transplantation. In liver cancer, the cancerous part of the liver can be removed by surgery or a liver transplant can be performed. Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, ablation or nuclear medicine can be applied to patients who cannot undergo surgery. After the examination, our internal medicine specialist will determine the most appropriate treatment method and, in cases where diet is required, will contact our dietitian and help you by applying a diet and exercise program.