Impact of winter on Liver

by Dr. Naveen Ganjoo

Liver : The liver is a organ in the human body that is responsible for an array of functions that help support metabolism, immunity, digestion, detoxification, vitamin storage

Impacts Of winter on liver

Causes:

  • Lack of physical activity: With colder months comes an increase in liver problems, because of minimal or reduction in physical activity, physical activity is one of the main treatments for NAFLD( non alcoholic fatty liver disease) and can reduce the risk of developing NAFLD, including for people who already have a different type of liver disease.
  • Alcohol consumption: It is seen more during winter as there is a misconception that drinking alcohol gives you warmth. Feeling warm is false sense that one appreciate because of vasodilation from alcohol.Your liver filters alcohol everytime, some of the liver cells die. The liver can develop new cells, but prolonged alcohol misuse (drinking too much) over many years can reduce its ability to regenerate.
  • Dehydration: In Winter , the air tends to be drier, and ofter forget top drink enough water as we don’t feel as thirsty as we do in summer.Dehydration can make it harder for the liver to filter out toxins, which can lead to liver damage.
  • Poor diet: Winter is the season of comfort food , and ofter indulge in heavy,fatty meals tat put a stain on our liver.
  • Changes in temperature and humidity: It is known that changes in temperature and humidity can influence the rate of infection, It that certain pathogens were found in different temperatures, such as rotavirus and influenza being associated with cold temperatures increasing the risk for patient with severe infection more so in already having liver problems and fatty liver.
  • Intake of sugar: It is seen more during the winter season people tend to drink multiple times hot beverages(like tea,coffee) which contains sugar , leading to ,too much of sugar intake . Too much sugar can harm your liver . the organ uses one type of sugar,called fructose,to make it fat. Too much refined sugar and high fructose corn syrup causes a fatty build up that can lead to liver disease.
  • Vitamin D deficiency: In winter, humans spend less time outside. This leads to inadequate exposure to sunlight. This may contribute to inadequate levels of vitamin D ,which help manage liver disease. So we should meet doctor for appropriate supplements
  • Hypercholesterolemia: it is seen and reports that estimated prevalence of hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol) increasesby 22% durinh the winter months,largely as a result of a more sedentary lifestyle. Because dyslidemia and sedentary lifestyle are well reconizes rish factors for NAFLD, one might expect peak disease activity to occur during the winter season.

Tips for Managing Liver-Related Symptoms During Winter Weather

  • Stay hydrated.
  • Eat a healthy diet.
  • Get regular exercise.
  • Avoid alcohol and other liver-damaging substances.
  • Monitor your symptoms if any.
  • Stay away from myths that myths damage your liver.

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