The liver is the largest and hardest working glandular organ in your body. An average adult liver weighs about three pounds. It performs various critical functions in order to keep your body free of toxins and harmful substances. Along with more than 500 other critical functions, the liver metabolizes nutrients by making and storing the fuel your body needs, aids with blood clotting, destroys old red blood cells (RBC), stores vitamins, iron, and glucose; and produces a substance known as bile which is necessary for digestion.
At present, liver cancer is the sixth most frequently occurring cancer in the world. More than 700,000 new patients with liver cancer were diagnosed globally. It claims the lives of 600,000 people annually, thus making it the leading cause of cancer death. Compared to women, the chance of men in developing this type of cancer is more than twice.
Medical Causes of Liver Cancer
Chronic Viral Hepatitis
Long-term infection of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and the hepatitis C virus (HCV) is considered to be the greatest risk factor for liver cancer worldwide. These viruses are capable of damaging and attacking liver cells. Hepatitis B or C can cause changes in liver cells – promoting the production of liver tumors. Both viruses are passed through reused needles (from improper tattoo practices and drug use), from pregnant women to their unborn child and through bodily fluids (fecal matter, saliva, blood, sexual contact or urine). In some cases, there are no symptoms of hepatitis C.
Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis is the second most common cause of liver cancer. It forms a scar tissue in the liver leading to malignant tumors. An autoimmune disease or non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) that are left untreated are some of the factors that contribute to cirrhosis. Commonly, the cause of cirrhosis is excessive alcohol consumption as it converts into formaldehyde once it enters the liver. Risks from this damage can be reduced by a minimal or no intake of alcoholic beverages.
Aflatoxin Exposure
Aflatoxins are chemicals produced by the fungi Aspergillus Parasiticus and Aspergillus Flavius (fungi that contaminate food products, mainly peanuts, wheat, corn, rice, and soy). Aflatoxins produced by these fungi are poisonous to the liver as well as more fatal if absorbed in sufficient amounts. They are most common in places where storage facilities have trouble on moisture infiltration.
Lifestyle Causes for Liver Cancer
Type 2 Diabetes
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Anabolic steroids
- Alcohol
With proper lifestyle habits, many diseases – including cancer can be prevented. Experts estimate that more than half the diagnosed cases of cancer every year are preventable. However, genetic mutations and inherited factors cannot be avoided.
Some Natural Treatments
- Herbs (mistletoe, milk thistle)
- Acupuncture
- Essiac Tea
- Rife Generators
- Cellect-Budwig Protocol
The Mighty Liver
You must always remember that you cannot live without your liver. Do everything to guard yourself against all diseases of the liver, especially liver cancer. In that way, you can ensure that this hardworking organ will remain in its excellent condition.
