Noting that the liver is sensitive to diet and liver health deteriorates quickly with poor nutrition, Oncology Specialist Dr. Yildıray Tanriver emphasized that processed foods must be avoided in particular. Spec. Dr. Tanriver stated, "Consuming three cups of coffee daily can protect us from liver fat and cancer. For this reason, coffee consumption is one of the foods we recommend against liver fat."

Providing information about liver health, Infinity Regenerative Clinic Medical Director Spec. Dr. Yildıray Tanriver emphasized that alcohol must absolutely be avoided for liver health. Spec. Dr. Tanriver said: "Alcohol is one of the most important causes of liver fat and especially liver cancer. It is possible to protect our liver by organizing our diet, exercising and playing sports, resting well, and drinking plenty of water. In addition to this, we must pay attention to our microbiota. The bacteria in our intestines are very important to us. The intestine is the second brain, sometimes even the first brain. Many of the toxins we absorb from the intestine come back to the liver. These toxins must be metabolized in the liver. If these toxins are too much, they can cause liver damage," he said.

"WE SHOULD STAY AWAY FROM SUGAR AND EXCESS CARBOHYDRATES"

Referring to the importance of sardine consumption for liver health, Spec. Dr. Tanriver said: "Sardine is the fish with the lowest heavy metal ratio. It is also one of the richest fish in terms of Omega 3. Broccoli containing selenium, green vegetables, artichokes, red and purple fruits are also very important. Of course, we also need to stay away from sugar and excess carbohydrates," he said.

"UNNECESSARY ANTIBIOTIC USE AFFECTS LIVER HEALTH"

Noting that Turkey is one of the countries with excessive unnecessary antibiotic use, Dr. Tanriver said: "Antibiotics are metabolized in the liver and cause the liver to work harder. Unnecessary antibiotic use can lead to liver damage. The main signs of liver damage include yellowing of the skin, itching, and redness. The liver, which has hundreds of functions, can also cause bleeding disorders. If a person has a bleeding disorder, the skin tends to bruise," he said.

"LIVER FAT CAUSES FATIGUE, LOSS OF APPETITE, AND WEIGHT LOSS"

Noting that the liver is an organ weighing 1-1.5 kilograms, Dr. Tanriver said: "If more than approximately 5 percent of this organ is covered with fat, we say there is liver fat. If this fat exceeds 30 percent, symptoms begin to appear. Liver fat causes fatigue, loss of appetite, and weight loss. It can cause itching, redness, and peeling of the skin. It can cause pain in the upper right part of the abdomen and yellowing. Unfortunately, these are somewhat late symptoms. Therefore, we must be careful. It is also possible to detect these by performing certain tests," he said.

"LIVER FAT IS SEEN IN 25 PERCENT OF THE POPULATION"

Noting that the most common causes of chronic liver disease are viruses, nutritional disorders, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and alcohol, Spec. Dr. Tanriver said: "When we talk about liver fat, hypertension is very important. Hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol) and elevated lipids are also very important. Obesity is a major risk factor. Looking at people with liver fat, 40 percent are thin people. That is, liver fat can occur even in people of normal weight. While 25 percent of populations worldwide have liver fat, this rate is 30 percent in Turkey. This has become a serious health problem for Turkey. In this case, preventive medicine, that is, health management, should come into play," he said.

"LIVER FAT CAN BE TREATED"

Emphasizing that after detecting liver fat, it is necessary to check liver enzymes, Dr. Tanriver said: "AST, ALT, ALP, GGT ratios are very important to us. Now with very advanced methods, we can clearly detect liver fat with ultrasonography. By performing three-dimensional imaging, we can determine the degree of this fat and detect hardening with elastography. Liver fat can be treated. After detecting it, by looking at the underlying causes and using the right methods on the right person at the right time, we can reverse liver fat. By avoiding alcohol, eating well and regularly, staying away from sugar, and choosing appropriate treatments, we can stop liver fat. Thus, we can protect ourselves from possible cirrhosis and cancer disease," he said.

"LIVER DAMAGE CAN BE REPAIRED"

Reminding that liver fat is seen at a rate of 25 percent worldwide and 30 percent in Turkey, Spec. Dr. Tanriver said: "Unfortunately, we can say that alarm bells are ringing for Turkey. Sedentary lifestyle is an important factor in this regard. Not eating properly is one of these factors. For this reason, we first talk about preventive health and health management. Although treatment is possible after illness develops, we should work to prevent disease. Let's say the disease developed, first we establish a clear diagnosis. We look at the level of liver fat. Is it mild, moderate, or advanced? After evaluating all of the person's enzymes, the first thing we do is organize their nutrition. If necessary, we also try to reverse the liver fat with certain treatments that can be applied through the bloodstream," he said.

+ DHA