New Delhi, April 26: According to the WHO, liver disease is the 10th most common cause of deaths in India. Gone are the days when liver disease was only associated with the consumption of alcohol. With the increased prevalence of obesity and metabolic diseases such as diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver, which leads to hepatitis and eventually cirrhosis, is an emerging problem.

More than a million new patients are diagnosed with liver cirrhosis every year globally, and the major causes for it are non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and hepatitis B and C. Epidemiologic studies suggest the prevalence of NAFLD in nine per cent to 32 per cent of the general population in India. 

Dr Palaniyamma D., Medical Advisor, The Himalaya Drug Company, says people who are overweight or obese and lead a sedentary lifestyle are at risk of NAFLD. The prevalence is especially common in those who eat highly processed food. The five best foods to be included in the diet to regulate this condition are:

Greens:

 

Green vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, cabbage, and sprouts help in general weight loss by preventing fat build-up in the liver.

Oatmeal:

 

Oats are packed with dietary fibre and help a person feel full for a longer period, thus serving as a filling breakfast or snack and increasing the body's energy levels.

Sunflower Seeds:

These seeds are high in the antioxidant vitamin E, which helps protect the liver from further damage, and are a healthy snack for munching in between meals.

Garlic:

This popular flavour-enhancing ingredient helps burn extra fat, which in turn helps in reducing weight.

Fish:

Rich in omega-3 fatty acid, fish is an excellent food that improves liver function and reduces inflammation.

If NAFLD is detected and managed at an early stage, it is possible to reduce the amount of fat in the liver and prevent the condition from worsening.

Adopting a healthy lifestyle is the first step towards managing NAFLD. Reducing weight, eating healthy, exercising moderately, and avoiding alcohol can reduce the risk of NAFLD. Consuming alcohol does not cause NAFLD, but it can worsen the condition. 

Medicines can be useful in managing the symptoms associated with this condition. Using medications that have natural ingredients can restore the functional efficiency of the liver. Formulations containing natural ingredients such as The Caper Bush (Himsra) and Chicory (Kasani) improve the functional efficiency of the liver, protect the liver structure, boost liver health, and remove toxins from the body.

The liver carries out various functions that are critical for good health. It helps break down food, purify blood, build proteins, remove harmful substances, balance hormones, and store energy. Hence, it is advisable to consume a healthy diet and supplements containing herbal ingredients that help the liver metabolise foods, eliminate waste, and balance hormones.

 

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Chennai (PTI): C Joseph Vijay was sworn-in as the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister on Sunday in a colourful ceremony attended by top Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, ushering in the first non-DMK, non-AIADMK government in the southern state in 60 years.

His cabinet was a mix of young and experienced, with the TVK chief's core team finding place in the maiden ministry of the 51 year-old actor-turned-politician.

In his first address, Vijay said he was not from any royal lineage and that people welcomed and accepted him. He said he will not deceive people with false promises.

Vijay's parents-- S A Chandrasekhar and Shobha, top actor Trisha and a whole lot of invitees attended the ceremony at the sprawling Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium.

His first signatures on government files were to provide 200 units free electricity for domestic consumers, creating a special force for women's safety.

Governor RV Arlekar administered the oath of office and secrecy to Vijay and nine of his cabinet members, who included Dravidian veteran K A Sengottaiyan and young faces Dr TK Prabhu and S Keerthana.

Amid continuous "whistling" by TVK cadres, Vijay took oath as the chief minister in the name of God and the ministers too took the oath in the name of God unlike most in the outgoing DMK regime.

TVK leaders Aadhav Arjuna, N Anand, R Nirmal Kumar, KG Arunraj and Sengottaiyan-- all considered members of Vijay's inner team, took oath as ministers.

In a departure from his trademark white shirt and beige/khaki trousers, Vijay on Sunday was decked for the occasion. He was clad in a crisp white shirt, dark pants and topped them with a blazer. With most of his cabinet colleagues also wearing shirts and trousers, the dress code of the TVK cabinet also seemed to be a departure from the usual, as white dhoti and white shirt has been the norm largely for men in Tamil Nadu politics.

Vijay's parent were visibly overjoyed and emotional in witnessing their son scale a political peak in his maiden elections, which he won two years after floating the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam.

The Sunday swearing-in ushered in the first non-DMK, non-AIADMK government in Tamil Nadu, the Dravidian heartland in about 60 years, and came amidst a euphoric atmosphere with Viay fans and supporters relishing the occasion.

 

Vijay wrapped up the hour-long event by clicking a selfie with those on the stage, including Rahul Gandhi and his cabinet colleagues.

The Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium transformed into a sea of excitement as thousands gathered to witness the historic transofrmation of their 'Thalapathy' (Commander) into 'Muthalamaichar,' the CM.

The atmosphere across the city was one of hard-won victory and high expectations.

Inside the venue, the mood was electric. "We are very happy because of Thalapathy," a supporter said, echoing the sentiments of the crowds arriving since dawn.

Whistles, the TVK symbol, blared like microphones while supporters flashed the party coloured shawls with the dominant yellow to celebrate their leader's ascent to power.

Actress Sanam Shetty, speaking to reporters, described the moment as a breakthrough for Tamil Nadu politics.

"Even after winning the majority, even after creating a historic moment... the gruelling past week of political dynamic shifts hasn't allowed us to sleep peacefully. Today, we are going to sleep peacefully, dreaming of a better Tamil Nadu in the safe hands of our beloved Thalapathy Joseph Vijay sir," she said.

The emotional weight of the day was most visible at the residence of Vijay’s father, Chandrasekhar.

Vijay’s mother, Shoba Chandrasekhar, expressed immense confidence in her son's new role, stating, "Vijay will lead this well; I have full faith in him".

The cultural impact of the day was also evident as members of the film fraternity, including actor Trisha, were seen leaving their residences to attend the ceremony. The event falls on Mother's Day, a coincidence noted by several family members and supporters as a poetic start for the "true son of Tamil Nadu".