It doesn cause acne, or pain and its also not linked to the consumption of fatty foods. We are talking about diseases of the liver, something we are sure you have heard many “myths” about in the past.

We discussed the myths surrounding liver disease with  Dr. Giovanni Covini, Director of the Check Up Center, and a specialist in diseases of the liver and metabolic system.

 

 

3 Myths surrounding liver disease

#1 Is acne related to a liver problem?

One of the myths is that liver diseases can cause a skin disease such as acne. Acne inflammation is exclusively due to hormonal and local issues. The liver has nothing to do with these diseases.

#2 Pain in the liver?

The liver has no nerve fibers and therefore can not trigger a sensation of  pain. The only part that has sensory fibers is the gallbladder, and only in the case of biliary colic may it be in pain.

#3 You shouldnt eat fatty foods when you have liver disease

A diseased or unhealthy liver can safely eat eggs, fats, and fried foods, but in appropriate quantities. If you are suffering of liver disease you must absolutely avoid alcohol, which actually causes hepatotoxicity.

 

Facts on how to prevent liver disease

  • Drink alcohol in moderation. For healthy adults, that means up to one drink a day for women of all ages and men older than age 65, and up to two drinks a day for men age 65 and younger. Heavy or high-risk drinking is defined as more than three drinks on any day or more than seven drinks a week for women and for men older than age 65, and more than four drinks on any day or more than 14 drinks a week for men age 65 and younger.
  • Avoid risky behavior. Get help if you use illicit intravenous drugs, and don’t share needles used to inject drugs. Use a condom during sex. If you choose to have tattoos or body piercings, be picky about cleanliness and safety when selecting a shop.
  • Get vaccinated. If you’re at an increased risk of contracting hepatitis or if you’ve already been infected with any form of the hepatitis virus, talk to your doctor about getting the hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccines.
  • Use medication wisely. Take prescription and nonprescription drugs only when needed and only in recommended doses. Don’t mix medications and alcohol. Talk to your doctor before mixing herbal supplements or prescription or nonprescription drugs.
  • Avoid contact with other people’s blood and body fluids. Hepatitis viruses can be spread by accidental needle sticks or improper cleanup of blood or body fluids.
  • Take care with aerosol sprays. Make sure the room is ventilated, and wear a mask when spraying insecticides, fungicides, paint and other toxic chemicals. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Protect your skin. When using insecticides and other toxic chemicals, wear gloves, long sleeves, a hat and a mask.
  • Maintain a healthy weight. Obesity can cause nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.