YOUR diet could be damaging THIS vital organ – but you can REVERSE it

Experts have revealed the liver of micron a low-protein diet decreased in size and volume by 65 per cent.

The researchers from the School of Vetinary Medicine at the Univeristy of Surrey also found a 46 per cent reduction in the volume of hepatocytes – liver cells –  and a 90 per cent increase in the the total number of liver cells with two nuclei – which caused a decrease in the functionality of the organ.

The research also discovered that a low protein diet led to a 20 per reduction in albumin, a protein produced by the liver which helps it function.

Protein is found in eggs, milk, yoghurt, fish and nuts.

Damage to the liver can impair its ability to function properly, which can lead to a detrimental effect on both the nervous and the musculoskeletal systems.

It can also negatively impact the body’s ability to metabolise medication.

The research also detected the proliferation of binucleate hepatocytes a sign that the liver is attempting to rectify damage caused by a low protein diet.

After five weeks a normal protein diet was reintroduced to the malnourished group, leading to an 85 per cent increase in the total number of uninucleate hepatocytes and a 1.5-fold increase in the volume of the liver.

These findings demonstrate the liver’s ability to regenerate itself and reverse the damage caused by a low protein diet.

Researchers indicate that given more time the liver could potentially recover even further.

Dr Augusto Coppi from the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Surrey and lead author of the paper said: “It is important not to underestimate the importance of protein in our diet.

“From building and repairing tissues, to making enzymes and hormones, protein is a vital component of our bodies’ functionality.

“Too little protein can have a damaging impact on our liver.

“Our research has shown a worrying atrophy of the liver and of its cells, which can affect the whole body metabolism.

“However, on the positive side, what we have also found is that this harm is not permanent, and the liver has an amazing capacity to regenerate itself and return to its normal functionality.

“This is an encouraging discovery for those having suffered long periods of malnutrition that no permanent damage has been caused.

“Our work is novel in using Stereology to monitor these 3D spatial changes in the structure of the liver after protein malnutrition followed by the reinstatement of a renutrition diet with adequate levels of protein.”

The study was published in the journal Nutrition.