The liver is the largest organ in the body. Located in the upper right side of the
abdomen, it acts as a filter to remove
toxins (harmful substances) and waste products from the blood. A healthy liver filters blood at a rate of about 1.5 quarts per minute. That’s 540 gallons of blood a day!
The liver also stores nutrients, such as certain vitamins, minerals, and iron, and plays a role in making and controlling the amounts of certain chemicals and proteins in the body, such as cholesterol, hormones, and sugars. It helps the body digest food by producing a substance called bile, which is stored in the gallbladder.
The hepatitis C virus attacks liver cells and uses them as a host to reproduce itself. When the body attempts to fight the virus, it sends lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) to the liver, which results in inflammation (swelling). This inflammation is a normal response to infection, but over time this process, and certain chemicals released by the lymphocytes, can damage liver cells.
When the liver cells are damaged, they cannot function well and may die. Some of these cells may grow back, but severe injury may lead to fibrosis (a buildup of scar tissue on the liver). Fibrosis slows down the liver's ability to circulate blood and remove toxins.
Treatment may help prevent further damage or reduce progression of the condition. However, the longer treatment is delayed, the more likely significant and permanent liver damage will occur.
Over time, hardened scar tissue can replace large amounts of normal liver tissue. This condition, called cirrhosis, seriously impairs the liver's ability to function. As a result, blood that cannot pass freely through the liver may back up into the spleen, and this may lead to the destruction of healthy blood cells. In addition, the liver may not be able to produce enough bile to aid in the absorption and handling of nutrients such as vitamins A, D, E, and K, and most fats.
If your liver is damaged, there are some important steps you can take to keep the undamaged cells as healthy as possible. You should talk to your doctor or healthcare professional about your specific situation, but, in general, the following steps can help:
- Avoid alcohol. The liver treats alcohol as a toxic substance and works to filter it out. In a person with hepatitis C, alcohol significantly increases damage to the liver. It is especially important to avoid combining alcohol and acetaminophen (a nonprescription pain reliever) because if taken together, these substances can cause additional damage to your liver.
- Eat healthy foods. When the liver is damaged, your body may not get all the nutrients it needs, and you may feel weak or tired. You may also lose your appetite. It is important, therefore, to meet your daily nutritional needs so you can maintain your weight and energy levels.
- Drink plenty of water. Water is a vital substance for all of the body's functions. It helps to remove toxins and process important nutrients. Drinking extra fluids also may help reduce side effects while on therapy.
However, it may be necessary to reduce your fluids if cirrhosis has developed and your body is retaining too much fluid.
- Reduce salt in your diet. When liver disease is severe, signals are sent to the kidneys that cause them to retain both salt and water. The salt acts like a sponge, causing fluid to build up in the body. A low-salt diet can help reduce fluid buildup.
- Get vaccinations against hepatitis A and hepatitis B. In people with hepatitis C, infection with another strain of hepatitis can cause further damage to the liver. Though there is no vaccine for hepatitis C, a simple series of shots can protect most people from infection with the hepatitis A and hepatitis B viruses.
Although hepatitis C can lead to scarring and inflammation of the liver, your treatment may help by reducing inflammation.
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