World Liver Day 2025: 5 Reasons Other Than Alcohol That Might Damage Your Liver

Last Updated:April 19, 2025, 15:29 IST

An improper diet can be harmful to liver health, potentially leading to illnesses such as fatty liver disease.

Every year, on April 19, World Liver Day is observed. It strives to increase global awareness of liver-related conditions and promote better health. Being the second largest organ inside the human body, the liver works as an unsung hero. It helps in metabolism, digestion, toxin removal, immune system regulation and nutrient storage. As per the World Health Organization (WHO), liver diseases rank among the top causes of death in India, mainly due to excessive alcohol consumption.

As the world marks this day today, let’s take a closer look at some of the reasons why our liver can be the reason for medical issues, apart from alcohol consumption.

Unhealthy Diet

One of the major reasons our liver might not function properly is an unhealthy diet and lifestyle choices. An improper diet can be harmful for liver health, potentially leading to illnesses. Excess sugar, processed carbs and saturated and trans fats can all cause liver disease. These dietary choices may cause fat accumulation in the liver, reduce function of the organ, and raise the risk of illnesses.

Obesity

Several studies have shown that obese people are at higher risk of developing liver-related health issues, particularly Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). Excessive fat can cause inflammation and damage to liver tissue, potentially leading to Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH), a more serious form of the disease, if not treated in time. It is recommended to maintain a healthy body weight to avoid any health complications.

High Cholesterol Levels

Those with high cholesterol, blood pressure levels and diabetes are at higher risk of developing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, cirrhosis and even liver cancer. Some lifestyle changes like a healthy diet, regular exercise, limiting alcohol and quitting smoking can lead to lower cholesterol levels and improve health.

Medicines

Exposure to certain medicines, whether prescribed or not, can cause liver damage and even lead to failure of the organ. According to health experts, common and popular pain medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen are also dangerous, especially when taken frequently.

Herbal Supplements

Sound shocking, right? But, indeed, several herbal supplements like ashwagandha, black cohosh, green tea extract, turmeric, red yeast rice and garcinia cambogia can lead to liver damage in the long run, a condition known as hepatotoxicity. It can vary from mild elevations in liver enzyme levels to severe liver failure, which might require a transplant or turn fatal.

Some of the early symptoms of a bad liver include jaundice, abdominal pain and swelling, fluid retention, changes in urine and stool colour, itchy skin, loss of appetite and feeling fatigued. Beware of these issues and contact a health expert immediately.

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Delhi, India, India