The Link Between Liver Health And Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune diseases affect millions worldwide. According to statistics by The National Stem Cell Foundation, nearly 4% of the world’s population has an autoimmune disease. While the exact cause of autoimmunity is still under study, there is sufficient evidence that liver health may play a key role in their development and progression.

Let's explore the link between liver health and autoimmune diseases, understand how a compromised liver can increase the risk of developing autoimmune diseases and discuss the importance of liver health in maintaining a robust immune system.

What are autoimmune diseases

Autoimmune diseases develop when the body's immune system attacks its own cells and tissues, causing inflammation and damage. Did you know there are over 80 autoimmune disease types, while the most common ones affect the skin, joints, muscles, and nerves?

Some common autoimmune diseases include:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Multiple sclerosis
• Lupus
• Asthma
• Psoriasis
• Type 1 diabetes
• Hashimoto's thyroiditis
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Celiac disease

Though the exact cause of autoimmune diseases is not entirely understood, they are said to develop due to genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors or a combination of them. Genetics may predispose individuals to autoimmune diseases, while environmental factors like microbial infections, environmental toxins, and chronic stress can trigger their onset.

Autoimmune diseases cause inflammation and damage in the affected tissues and cells, giving rise to symptoms like pain, swelling, and impaired function.

In a few cases, autoimmune diseases can be life-threatening. For example, lupus can damage the kidneys, heart, and lungs; while multiple sclerosis can lead to paralysis and cognitive impairment. Diagnosing and treating autoimmune diseases early is essential to prevent complications and manage symptoms.

What is the link between liver health and autoimmune diseases

The liver is responsible for producing immune cells and filtering out harmful toxins from the blood. When the liver is healthy, it is able to regulate the immune system more effectively and prevent it from attacking healthy cells and tissues.

At the same time, a malfunctioning liver can lead to an overactive immune system, increasing the individual's risk of developing autoimmune diseases.

Not many know, but the liver is a critical frontline immune tissue. It has been designed to detect, capture and kill microbes and neutralise toxins. The liver plays a significant role in the immune system as it produces immune cells and filters harmful toxins from the blood. It also forms an important barrier between the body and the outside world.

The liver is able to mount a rapid and robust immune response. In fact, a healthy liver is able to distinguish between harmful invaders and healthy cells and only attacks the former. However, when the liver is inflamed or damaged, it can become less effective at regulating the immune system. This can lead to the immune system mistakenly attacking healthy cells and tissues, resulting in autoimmune diseases.

Common autoimmune liver diseases

Some autoimmune diseases that are linked to liver health include:

• Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC): This type of liver disease causes inflammation and damage to the small bile ducts in the liver. It is an autoimmune disease which develops when the immune system mistakenly attacks the bile ducts. PBC is often associated with other autoimmune diseases, like Sjogren's syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC): This type of autoimmune liver disease causes inflammation and blockage to bile ducts inside and outside of liver leading to bile build-up. Often this condition is seen in association with ulcerative colitis.
• Autoimmune hepatitis develops when the immune system attacks the liver cells and causes inflammation and tissue damage. This condition may be associated with other autoimmune diseases like thyroiditis and celiac disease.
• Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a health condition characterised by fat accumulation in the liver, leading to inflammation and damage. Research states that individuals with NAFLD are at a greater risk of developing autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis.

Besides autoimmune liver diseases, some autoimmune rheumatic diseases can have hepatic manifestations. These include:

• Chronic active hepatitis
• Primary biliary cirrhosis
• Primary sclerosing cholangitis
• Nodular regenerative hyperplasia

How to improve liver health

Here are some effective tips for maintaining a healthy liver, regardless of autoimmunity:

1. Maintain a healthy weight and BMI: Higher than normal weight and obesity can increase your risk for fatty liver disease, leading to inflammation and liver damage. Maintaining a healthy weight and BMI through regular exercise and a balanced diet can improve liver health.
2. Limit alcohol intake: Excessive alcohol consumption is known to cause liver damage and inflammation, increasing the risk of developing liver disease. So, limiting or avoiding alcohol intake can safeguard your liver health.
3. Eat a nutritious diet: A healthy diet loaded with fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and good fats is helpful in improving liver health. Foods rich in antioxidants, such as blueberries, green tea, and dark chocolate, can help protect the liver from free radical damage. Foods rich in fibre, like legumes and whole grains, can also help improve liver health.
4. Stay hydrated: Drinking ample amounts of water can help eliminate toxins from the liver and boost liver function.
5. Exercise regularly: Regular exercise can help maintain a healthy weight and improve liver function. It can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which contribute to liver damage.
6. Avoid exposure to toxins: Limit exposure to environmental toxins such as pesticides, chemicals, and pollutants, which can damage the liver.
7. Consider supplements: Few supplements, like milk thistle, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), and turmeric, may help improve liver function and reduce inflammation.
8. Reduce sugar consumption: Consuming too much sugar can lead to fatty liver disease, which can damage the liver over time. Limiting sugar intake and avoiding sugary drinks can help improve liver health.

These lifestyle changes and eating liver-friendly foods can boost your liver health and reduce the risk of developing liver disease.

Conclusion

Maintaining liver health is crucial for overall health and wellness. A healthy liver can prevent the development of autoimmune diseases and other health conditions. Therefore, it is essential to improve liver health by making lifestyle modifications like exercising regularly, limiting alcohol intake, and consuming liver-friendly foods and supplements. Including these habits in your daily routine can help you improve your liver health and reduce the risk of developing liver disease. Take action now to ensure a healthy liver and a healthy life!