Although he liver has a great regenerative capacitythis can be limited by different lifestyle habits, viral infections and metabolic diseases, among other factors.
In addition to issues such as advanced age, the presence of two or more diseases at the same time or autoimmune disordersthere are other important factors that can hinder liver regeneration.
He excessive consumption and prolonged alcohol consumption is one of the main factors affecting liver regeneration.
According to MedlinePlus, the US National Library of Medicine, the liver breaks down most of the alcohol to eliminate it from the body. However, this process can generate harmful substances. “These substances can damage liver cells, cause inflammation and weaken the body’s natural defenses,” he adds.
This inflammation mainly affects the liver tissue and damages cells called hepatocytes. Over time, this can lead to fibrosis and cirrhosis, which hinders the liver’s ability to regenerate.
The hepatitis B and C virusesthat is, chronic liver diseases of viral origin, also directly damage hepatocytes and cause continuous inflammation.
“If left untreated, it can last a lifetime and cause serious health problems, such as liver damage, cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) or liver cancer”explains the Library.
The accumulation of fat in the liver, also called fatty liver or hepatic steatosisis another of the causes that hinder its regeneration.
Mayo Clinic experts point out that it may be associated with factors such as overweight or obesityinsulin resistance, type 2 diabetes or a diet high in fat and sugar.
Liver damage caused by medications or toxins It can also hinder liver regeneration.
MedlinePlus explains that “when the amount of toxic degradation products increases, the likelihood of liver damageSome drugs are directly toxic to the liver, while others can trigger adverse reactions.
The Library details that, even when the decomposition system works normallysome medications can cause hepatitis at low doses. However, high doses can damage even a healthy liver.
