7 Everyday Habits That Could Be Slowly Damaging Your Liver

Your liver plays a vital role in keeping you healthy by filtering toxins, digesting nutrients, and regulating metabolism. But despite its incredible resilience, certain daily behaviors can quietly wear it down over time—sometimes causing irreversible harm. The World Health Organization (WHO) highlights liver disease as a leading global health issue, with lifestyle habits contributing significantly.

Here are seven routine habits that could be silently affecting your liver’s health:

1. Regular Alcohol Consumption

Even if you drink moderately, doing so frequently can result in liver inflammation, fatty liver, or even cirrhosis over time.

“There is no safe level for drinking alcohol,” says WHO. “Each drink increases health risks.” (WHO, 2022)

Your liver works hard to break down alcohol, but too much can overload it, leading to scarring (fibrosis) and eventually liver failure.

2. Excessive Use of Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers

While medications like paracetamol (acetaminophen) are safe when used correctly, overuse or combining them with alcohol can seriously damage the liver.

Many people unknowingly take too much by using multiple medications containing the same active ingredients.

3. High Intake of Sugar and Processed Foods

Diets rich in processed snacks, sugary foods, and saturated fats can lead to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The World Gastroenterology Organisation notes that nearly 25% of adults are affected by it.

The American Liver Foundation explains: “Excess sugar is turned into fat by the liver, leading to buildup and inflammation.”

NAFLD often goes undetected until it worsens into cirrhosis or liver cancer.

4. Lack of Physical Activity

A sedentary lifestyle promotes obesity and insulin resistance—both of which are strongly linked to liver issues.

According to WHO, over 60% of people worldwide don’t meet recommended activity levels, contributing to chronic conditions like liver disease.

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Exercise helps reduce liver fat and improves how your body handles insulin.

5. Overlooking Hepatitis Risks

Hepatitis B and C cause long-lasting liver inflammation. You can contract them through risky behaviors like unprotected sex or sharing needles.

In 2019, WHO estimated 296 million people were living with hepatitis B and 58 million with hepatitis C. Early testing and treatment can stop these infections from turning into cirrhosis or cancer.

Vaccination (for hepatitis B), safe sex, and using sterile equipment can greatly lower your risk.

6. Misusing Herbal Supplements

“Natural” doesn’t always mean harmless. Some herbal remedies—like kava, green tea extract, or comfrey—have been linked to liver toxicity, especially in high doses or when mixed with other medicines.

Always consult a healthcare professional before using supplements regularly.

7. Poor Sleep Habits

Chronic sleep deprivation might seem unrelated to liver health, but it disrupts the body’s internal clock, which governs liver function and repair.

A 2020 study in the Journal of Hepatology showed that sleep issues significantly raise the risk of NAFLD and liver scarring.

The CDC recommends at least 7 hours of quality sleep nightly to maintain proper metabolic and liver function.

Final Thoughts

Your liver has a remarkable ability to heal, but only to a certain extent. Avoiding these harmful habits and adopting healthier choices can go a long way in keeping your liver functioning at its best.

If you notice symptoms such as chronic tiredness, yellowing skin or eyes (jaundice), belly swelling, or unexplained weight loss, don’t ignore them—seek medical attention right away.

Source
Vanguard