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Gulf Today
a day ago
- Health
- Gulf Today
The five everyday habits that might be quietly harming your liver
The liver is one of the hardest-working organs in the human body. It detoxifies harmful substances, helps with digestion, stores nutrients, and regulates metabolism. Despite its remarkable resilience - and even its ability to regenerate - the liver is not indestructible. In fact, many everyday habits, often overlooked, can slowly cause damage that may eventually lead to serious conditions such as cirrhosis (permanent scarring of the liver) or liver failure. One of the challenges with liver disease is that it can be a silent threat. In its early stages, it may cause only vague symptoms like constant fatigue or nausea. As damage progresses, more obvious signs may emerge. One of the most recognisable is jaundice, where the skin and the whites of the eyes turn yellow. While most people associate liver disease with heavy drinking, alcohol isn't the only culprit. Here are five common habits that could be quietly harming your liver. 1. Drinking too much alcohol Alcohol is perhaps the most well-known cause of liver damage. When you drink, your liver works to break down the alcohol and clear it from your system. But too much alcohol overwhelms this process, causing toxic byproducts to build up and damage liver cells. Alcohol-related liver disease progresses in stages. At first, fat begins to accumulate in the liver (fatty liver), often without any noticeable symptoms and is reversible if drinking stops. Continued drinking can lead to alcoholic hepatitis, where inflammation and scar tissue begin to form as the liver attempts to heal itself. Lack of exercise is another major risk factor for liver disease. AP Over time, this scarring can develop into cirrhosis, where extensive hardening of the liver seriously affects its ability to function. While cirrhosis is difficult to reverse, stopping drinking can help prevent further damage. Even moderate drinking, if sustained over many years, can take its toll, particularly when combined with other risk factors like obesity or medication use. Experts recommend sticking to no more than 14 units of alcohol per week, and including alcohol-free days to give your liver time to recover. 2. Poor diet and unhealthy eating habits You don't need to drink alcohol to develop liver problems. Fat can build up in the liver due to an unhealthy diet, leading to a condition now called metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Excess fat in the liver can impair its function and, over time, cause inflammation, scarring, and eventually cirrhosis. People who are overweight - particularly those who carry excess weight around their abdomen - are more likely to develop MASLD. Other risk factors include high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol. Diet plays a huge role. Foods high in saturated fat, such as red meat, fried foods and processed snacks, can raise cholesterol levels and contribute to liver fat accumulation. Sugary foods and drinks are also a major risk factor. In 2018, a review found that people who consumed more sugar-sweetened drinks had a 40 per cent higher risk of developing fatty liver disease. Ultra-processed foods such as fast food, ready meals and snacks packed with added sugar and unhealthy fats also contribute to liver strain. A large study found that people who ate more processed foods were significantly more likely to develop liver problems. On the flip side, eating a balanced, wholefood diet can help prevent - and even reverse - fatty liver disease. Research suggests that diets rich in vegetables, fruit, whole grains, legumes, and fish may reduce liver fat and improve related risk factors such as high blood sugar and cholesterol. Staying hydrated is also important. Aim for around eight glasses of water a day to support your liver's natural detoxification processes. 3. Overusing painkillers Many people turn to over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol for headaches, muscle pain, or fever. While generally safe when used as directed, taking too much - even slightly exceeding the recommended dose - can be extremely dangerous for your liver. The liver breaks down paracetamol, but in the process, produces a toxic by-product called NAPQI. Normally, the body neutralises NAPQI using a protective substance called glutathione. However, in an overdose, glutathione stores become depleted, allowing NAPQI to accumulate and attack liver cells. This can result in acute liver failure, which can be fatal. Even small overdoses, or combining paracetamol with alcohol, can increase the risk of serious harm. Always stick to the recommended dose and speak to a doctor if you find yourself needing pain relief regularly. 4. Lack of exercise A sedentary lifestyle is another major risk factor for liver disease. Physical inactivity contributes to weight gain, insulin resistance, and metabolic dysfunction - all of which can promote fat accumulation in the liver. The good news is that exercise can benefit your liver even if you don't lose much weight. One study found that just eight weeks of resistance training reduced liver fat by 13 per cent and improved blood sugar control. Aerobic exercise is also highly effective: regular brisk walking for 30 minutes, five times a week, has been shown to reduce liver fat and improve insulin sensitivity. 5. Smoking Most people associate smoking with lung cancer or heart disease, but many don't realise the serious damage it can do to the liver. Cigarette smoke contains thousands of toxic chemicals that increase the liver's workload as it tries to filter and break them down. Over time, this can lead to oxidative stress, where unstable molecules (free radicals) damage liver cells, restrict blood flow, and contribute to scarring (cirrhosis). Smoking also significantly raises the risk of liver cancer. Harmful chemicals in tobacco smoke, including nitrosamines, vinyl chloride, tar, and 4-aminobiphenyl, are all known carcinogens. According to Cancer Research UK, smoking accounts for around 20 per cent of liver cancer cases in the UK. Love your liver, the liver is a remarkably robust organ - but it isn't invincible. You can protect it by drinking alcohol in moderation, quitting smoking, taking medications responsibly, eating a balanced diet, staying active and keeping hydrated. If you notice any symptoms that may suggest liver trouble, such as ongoing fatigue, nausea, or jaundice, don't delay speaking to your doctor. The earlier liver problems are detected, the better the chance of successful treatment. The Independent
Medscape
2 days ago
- Health
- Medscape
MASLD Patients Have More Comorbidities, Higher Death Risk
A higher burden of multimorbidity was seen in patients with metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) than in individuals without MASLD, with a higher risk for all-cause mortality observed in those with MASLD and multimorbidity. METHODOLOGY: In this large UK-based study, researchers determined the prevalence of multimorbidity in individuals with MASLD and assessed how MASLD, alongside the extent of multimorbidity, affects all-cause mortality. The analysis included data of 438,840 participants (mean age, 56.5 years; 42.2% men) from the UK Biobank who were recruited between 2006 and 2010. The diagnosis of MASLD was confirmed if patients had liver steatosis (fatty liver index ≥ 60%), at least one cardiometabolic risk factor, and low alcohol consumption. Overall, 47 long-term conditions were considered, including extrahepatic cancers; cardiovascular, metabolic, and endocrine disorders; and respiratory, digestive, renal, mental health, and congenital conditions. Multimorbidity was defined as having more than two of these long-term conditions. The outcome was all-cause mortality, assessed over a median follow-up duration of 13 years. TAKEAWAY: At baseline, 29.9% of participants had MASLD, with a higher prevalence of multimorbidity than that in those without MASLD (21.3% vs 14.4%). MASLD was associated with an increased risk for all-cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.16; 95% CI, 1.13-1.19), with stronger effects seen in women (aHR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.20-1.29) than in men (aHR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.07-1.13). Patients with MASLD were more likely to have 32 out of the 47 long-term conditions. Each additional long-term condition increased the risk for mortality by 30% in patients with MASLD (aHR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.29-1.31) and by 38% in individuals without MASLD (aHR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.37-1.40). The most prevalent cardiometabolic risk factor in patients with MASLD was obesity (98.9%), and among all long-term conditions, Parkinson's disease showed the highest risk for mortality in those with MASLD (aHR, 6.09; 95% CI, 4.47-8.29). IN PRACTICE: "Addressing multimorbidity in MASLD patients through multidisciplinary and proactive management of multimorbidity is crucial to improving patient outcomes and reducing the overall public health impact of MASLD," the authors of the study wrote. SOURCE: This study was led by Qi Feng, The George Institute for Global Health (UK), School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, England. It was published online on June 10, 2025, in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism . LIMITATIONS: The predominantly White, more affluent UK Biobank cohort may not have reflected the wider UK population, further limiting the generalisability of the findings to other populations. Reliance on self-reported lifestyle data covering physical activity, smoking, and alcohol consumption may have led to information bias, potentially resulting in the misclassification of MASLD vs alcohol-related liver disease. DISCLOSURES: This study was supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre. The authors reported having no conflicts of interest.
India Today
4 days ago
- Health
- India Today
India is facing an epidemic of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
India is facing an epidemic of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease Credit: Getty Images India is facing a silent epidemic of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, especially affecting young people. According to government data, around 1 to 3 individuals out of 10 are suffering from it and affecting 25 to 30% of the world's population. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), medically called Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), happens when there's fat builds up around the liver with the use of alcohol. What is non-alcoholic fatty liver disease? After some time, it causes inflammation, known as hepatitis. It is one of the most common liver diseases in the world. It may not show clear symptoms at first but diabetes and obesity increase the risk of it. Physical activity helps slowly reverse the damage caused by the disease. No visible symptoms Dr Vijay Kumar HJ, Gastroenterologist, Apollo Clinic, Bengaluru, told that the primary causes of NAFLD are obesity, type II diabetes, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance. But while fatty liver rate are increasing, the disease is reversable with lifestyle modifications by changing one's diet and including exercise. Dietary measures include avoiding sugars or refined carbs. "When the liver functions are deranged, patients are managed with drugs like vitamin E, saroglitazar, semaglutide, obeticolic acid etc. Fibroscan is a non-invasive method to estimate liver damage," said Dr. Kumar. A diet rich in processed foods, and high in sugars, and saturated fats should be restricted. These foods lead to the accumulation of fat in the liver. What foods to avoid? Prioritise a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins to reduce the risk of NAFLD. Incorporate at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise most days to stay physically active and support liver function. Exercise Schedule regular medical check-ups for early detection and management of any underlying health issues associated with NAFLD.
Medscape
13-06-2025
- Health
- Medscape
BMI & Nutrition Support Predict Weight Loss in Liver Disease
In patients with metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), higher BMI, nutritionist support, and liver stiffness measurement ≥ 10 kPa were significant predictors of at least 7% weight reduction. METHODOLOGY: Researchers conducted a retrospective study to identify clinical factors that predict successful and sustained weight loss in 897 patients with MASLD (mean age, 61.6 years; 57.1% men; mean BMI, 30.3). They were referred between January 2019 and December 2021, with follow-up occurring between 18 and 24 months at four Italian tertiary centres. The diagnosis of MASLD was confirmed if patients had hepatic steatosis on ultrasound and at least one cardiometabolic risk factor, such as a BMI ≥ 25 or high waist circumference, fasting glucose levels ≥ 100 mg/dL or type 2 diabetes, blood pressure ≥ 130/85 mm Hg, triglyceride levels ≥ 150 mg/dL, or low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Baseline and follow‐up data, including demographic, anthropometric, clinical, and biochemical parameters, as well as liver stiffness measurements, were collected from medical records. Details on lifestyle interventions such as Mediterranean diet recommendations, physical activity, and support from a nutritionist were also noted. TAKEAWAY: Over a median duration of 21 months, 18.3% of patients achieved at least 7% weight loss, with 8.5% losing 7%-10% and 9.8% losing more than 10% of their baseline weight. Higher baseline BMI was associated with increased odds of weight loss, with BMI 30-34.9 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.95; 95% CI, 1.30-2.95) and BMI ≥ 35 (aOR, 2.08; 95% CI, 1.21-3.57) associated with at least 7% weight loss. Nutritionist support (aOR, 2.04; 95% CI, 1.12-3.71), liver stiffness measurement ≥ 10 kPa (aOR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.07-2.70), and bilirubin levels ≥ 1.2 mg/dL (aOR, 2.12; 95% CI, 1.29-3.51) were independent predictors of achieving at least 7% weight loss. The use of GLP-1 agonists was significantly associated with an increased likelihood of losing at least 7% weight (aOR, 1.85; 95% CI, 1.19-3.80). IN PRACTICE: "Our findings underscore the importance of a comprehensive approach to MASLD management, encompassing medical, nutritional and lifestyle interventions," the authors of the study wrote. "Lifestyle intervention remains crucial for all patients, but for those without predictive factors, close follow-up and early consideration of additional treatments are warranted to maximize therapeutic benefit," they added. SOURCE: This study was led by Nicola Pugliese, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy. It was published online on June 04, 2025, in United European Gastroenterology Journal . LIMITATIONS: This study was retrospective in nature with varying observation periods among the patients. A standardised intervention protocol was lacking across centres, potentially leading to varying management. The absence of systematic data collection from intermediate visits and self-reported data also presented a limitation. DISCLOSURES: This study was supported by funding from the Italian Ministry for Education, University and Research and other projects to an author. The authors reported having no conflicts of interest.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Global Fatty Liver Day 2025: Elevating Liver Health in the Metabolic Health Conversation
Global Liver Institute Calls for Urgent Action as Fatty Liver Disease Prevalence Surges Worldwide Today is Global Fatty Liver Day Washington, D.C., June 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On the second Thursday in June, Global Fatty Liver Day (formerly International NASH Day) spotlights one of the most widespread yet under-addressed health threats of our time: fatty liver disease, increasingly referred to as steatotic liver disease (SLD) in clinical settings. Hosted annually by Global Liver Institute (GLI), this public awareness campaign raises awareness of this silent epidemic and its deep roots in global metabolic health liver disease, including metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and metabolic dysfunction-associated alcohol-related liver disease (MetALD), impacts millions globally—yet most remain undiagnosed and untreated. Once considered rare, fatty liver disease has surged in parallel with rising rates of obesity, diabetes, and other metabolic estimated 30.2% of the global population now lives with MASLD, with rates soaring to 57.5% among adults with obesity. In the United States alone, more than 122 million adults are projected to be affected by R. Holden, President and CEO of Global Liver Institute, states, 'The liver is no longer the silent organ. Fatty liver disease is now one of the clearest and most urgent signs of global metabolic dysfunction. On Global Fatty Liver Day, we call on healthcare leaders, policymakers, and the public to recognize the liver's central role in preventing not just liver disease—but cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Liver health must rise to the top of public health agendas globally.'Fatty liver disease develops when excess fat accumulates in the liver, often without symptoms in its early stages. Left unaddressed, it can progress to inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis, liver cancer, and even death. In fact, MASH is now one of the leading causes of liver transplantation in the fatty liver disease doesn't occur in isolation: Up to 75% of people with type 2 diabetes also have MASLD Over 70% of people with MASLD also live with obesity Between 20% and 80% of individuals with high cholesterol or triglycerides are also affected by fatty liver disease 'Fatty liver disease is not just about the liver—it's about the entire metabolic ecosystem,' said Sharon Jaycox, PhD, Fatty Liver Disease Program Director at GLI. 'If we fail to address it, we miss a major opportunity to detect and treat metabolic dysfunction early. We must educate patients and providers alike, embed liver screening in diabetes and obesity care, and drive equitable access to diagnostics and care.' GLI urges coordinated action across health systems, communities, and governments to: Incorporate liver screening into routine care for those with obesity, diabetes, and other metabolic risks Educate the public and clinicians about MASLD, MASH, and MetALD as part of integrated metabolic care Expand access to affordable, noninvasive diagnostic tools Support policies and funding that reflect the scale and urgency of the fatty liver disease crisis As GLI continues to lead this global awareness effort, we invite stakeholders to join us in bringing liver health into every metabolic health to learn more, access resources, and take action on Global Fatty Liver Day. Attachment Today is Global Fatty Liver Day CONTACT: Christine Maalouf Global Liver Institute cmaalouf@ in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
