Liver disease is the third leading cause of premature death and more than one in five of us are at risk of developing the condition. Liver disease usually has no symptoms in the early stages and around three quarters of people are currently diagnosed with advanced liver disease, when it is too late for effective treatment or intervention. Liver disease death rates are four times higher now than they were in the 1970s. At the same time, deaths from most other major diseases have been falling. In 2021 around 11,400 people died from liver disease in the UK.
The liver carries out 500 different jobs including:
- Making proteins and blood-clotting factors
- Helping digest food and manage your body’s energy supplies
- Protecting you by breaking down toxins and other harmful things
Making small changes to love your liver can add up to a big difference and reduce your risk of liver disease. 90% of liver disease is preventable, and there are a number of things you can do to help.
HOW TO LOVE YOUR LIVER
- Know the risks for viral hepatitis.
- Get tested or vaccinated if you’re at risk.
- Look for ways to move more in your day-to-day life.
- Watch out for sugar, fat and salt.
- Check the traffic light label.
- Eat healthily, base meals on veg, fruit and wholegrains.
- Follow the alcohol advice; maximum of 14 units a week, with a two-to-three-day break.
The British Liver Trust is the UK’s leading liver health charity working to improve liver health for all and supporting those affected by liver disease or cancer. They provide up to date information and support and campaign for improved services and care. Their Love Your Liver campaign encourages the best possible liver health for all through encouraging prevention, raising awareness of the risk factors and promoting early detection. If you would like to check if you may be at risk of liver disease, you can use their tool here: https://britishlivertrust.org.uk/at-risk-screener/
If you would like to access support around any of the issues mentioned in this blog, or to share your own lived experience, give the Healthwatch Essex Information & Guidance Service a call on 0300 500 1895, email [email protected] or text/WhatsApp on 07712 395398.