Dr. Vasil Koinarski has been part of the team of specialists at Vita Hospital and Vita Diagnostics Center since August 2022. He is a gastroenterologist with more than eight years of medical experience.
His professional interests focus on ultrasound diagnostics and ultrasound-guided procedures, as well as diagnostic and therapeutic upper and lower endoscopy.
Dr. Koinarski, what type of organ is the liver and how important is it for the overall condition of the human body?
The liver is the largest gland in the body and is often credited with more than 500 functions. It is a flat, asymmetrical organ located on the right side just below the diaphragm.
Its mass represents about 2.5% of total body weight. After the skin, it is the largest organ in the human body and one of the most complex.
It plays a key role in digestion, metabolism, thermoregulation, detoxification, and blood clotting.
The liver also has a remarkable ability to regenerate itself. Research shows that even if only a quarter of it remains healthy, it can often restore both its size and function.
Why have liver diseases become more common in recent years?
The lifestyle of recent years — the COVID-19 pandemic, spending more time indoors, increased stress, depressive states, and poor nutrition — has made liver diseases a natural consequence of modern living.
If we also consider how the pandemic affected regular medical check-ups, it is no surprise that there has been a noticeable rise in liver conditions.
Here are some of the most common harmful factors:
- Frequent viral and bacterial infections
- Increased consumption of alcoholic beverages and chronic alcoholism
- Unhealthy and harmful foods
- Overuse of medications
- Disturbed lipid profile
- High blood pressure
- Excess body weight
- Diabetes and other serious underlying diseases
If we observe one or more of these factors in ourselves or our loved ones, it’s advisable to consult a doctor, undergo the necessary tests, and, if needed, take timely measures to improve the liver’s condition.
What are the warning signs of liver problems?
Symptoms that may indicate a liver issue include heaviness and pain in the lower abdomen, slowed metabolism, unexplained weight gain, constant fatigue, lethargy, and unexplained irritability.
Are symptoms such as fatigue, anxiety, and melancholy related to liver health?
Yes — when the body is under significant stress and overloaded with toxins, the liver may struggle to process harmful substances effectively.
As a result, toxins can enter the bloodstream, where they may accumulate in fat cells and, at a later stage, affect the brain.
This can lead to headaches, nausea, difficulty concentrating, depression, and mood swings between anger and apathy.
Therefore, maintaining a healthy liver is vital — the healthier our liver, the better our mental and overall well-being.
What liver diseases are most common?
Liver conditions vary in severity and causes. The most common include:
- Infectious causes: viral hepatitis A, B, and C; Epstein–Barr virus infection; infectious mononucleosis; leptospirosis, and others.
- Liver cirrhosis: develops as a result of chronic damage in which large numbers of liver cells die and are replaced by connective tissue. The remaining viable liver cells multiply intensely, and together with the new connective tissue, deform and harden the liver, impairing its function. The main causes include alcoholism, hepatitis B and C, and medication-induced liver injury.
- Liver cancer: a severe disease with a poor prognosis and high mortality rate. Common causes include cirrhosis due to hepatitis B and C, chronic alcohol abuse, and exposure to carcinogenic or toxic substances.
- Hemangiomas: benign liver tumors originating from blood vessels. They usually have a good prognosis and do not require treatment, though periodic ultrasound monitoring is recommended.
- Parasitic cysts: caused by tapeworm parasites (echinococcosis). The parasite forms cysts most often in the liver, where it reproduces.
Fatty liver (hepatic steatosis): a common condition characterized by the accumulation of excess fat in the liver. It is often asymptomatic but, if left untreated, may lead to liver damage. Fortunately, it is preventable and treatable through lifestyle and dietary changes.
How can we restore good liver health?
The liver is a truly special organ because it can regenerate. This means that many liver issues can be reversed, provided we adopt a healthier lifestyle and take the right measures.
One of the first steps is regular physical activity — at least 20 minutes of daily exercise, or more if your condition allows.
It’s also essential to make dietary adjustments: limit fatty and heavy fried foods, salt, and products with a high glycemic index.
Include plenty of green vegetables, as they can help reduce fatty liver.
Your diet should also include coffee, Brazil nuts, garlic, and peanuts, as all of these contain beneficial vitamins and minerals for the liver, have powerful antioxidant properties, and support detoxification and fat metabolism.
Avoid or minimize alcohol consumption, and control the use of medications that may affect liver function.
Finally, regular check-ups and consultations with a specialist are essential. We, the gastroenterology specialists at Vita Hospital, are available for questions and consultations. You can book an appointment by phone or through superdoc.bg.
On this page, you can change your choices at any time after you have read and understood our