Dr. Lam Nguyen Thuy An, Specialist Doctor Level II at University Medical Center HCMC – Facility 3, says the liver performs hundreds of essential functions, from metabolizing nutrients and storing energy to producing bile, processing medications and removing toxins.
Long-term liver damage can lead to fatty liver disease, chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer. Yet many people continue their usual lifestyles even after developing elevated liver enzymes or chronic viral hepatitis.
From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, the liver is believed to regulate the flow of qi, store blood and influence emotions. Protecting the organ therefore depends largely on maintaining healthy daily habits rather than waiting for symptoms to appear.
Eating too many calories
The liver plays a central role in processing carbohydrates and fats. Regularly consuming more calories than the body needs can cause fat to accumulate in liver cells, increasing the risk of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease.
Over time, the condition can progress to inflammation and cirrhosis.
Doctors recommend a diet rich in vegetables, moderate amounts of fruit, whole grains and lean protein sources such as fish, lean meat, eggs and legumes.
Sugary drinks, sweets, fried foods, fast food and late-night snacks should be limited.
People with diabetes, chronic kidney disease, gout or existing liver disease should seek medical advice before following restrictive or extreme diets promoted online.
Drinking alcohol
When alcohol is broken down in the liver, it produces acetaldehyde, a toxic substance that can directly injure liver cells.
Heavy or prolonged drinking raises the risk of alcohol-related fatty liver disease, hepatitis, cirrhosis and liver cancer, particularly among people with hepatitis B or C.
Those with elevated liver enzymes or diagnosed liver disease should avoid alcohol altogether, An says.
Products marketed as “liver support” or hangover remedies cannot prevent alcohol-related liver damage, she adds.
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Glasses of beer. Photo by Huynh Anh |
Misusing medications and overdosing on paracetamol
Taking medication without medical advice, reusing old prescriptions or combining several products containing the same active ingredient can place unnecessary strain on the liver.
Paracetamol is a common example because it is found in many painkillers, fever reducers and cold medicines.
Taking too much or unknowingly combining several paracetamol-containing products can cause severe liver injury, including acute liver failure.
Patients should follow recommended doses and treatment durations and tell doctors about all prescription drugs, supplements and herbal products they are using.
Ignoring viral hepatitis
Hepatitis B and C are major causes of cirrhosis and liver cancer and can remain symptom-free for years.
Vaccination can prevent hepatitis B, so people without immunity should consider getting vaccinated.
There is no vaccine for hepatitis C, but modern treatment can cure the infection in most cases when it is detected and treated appropriately.
People should also avoid sharing needles, razors and toothbrushes, practice safer sex and ensure medical, beauty and tattoo procedures are carried out with properly sterilized equipment.
Eating moldy food
Peanuts, corn, rice and nuts stored in warm, humid conditions can become contaminated with aflatoxin, a toxin produced by certain molds and strongly linked to liver cancer.
The risk is particularly concerning among people who also have chronic hepatitis B. Food that appears moldy, discolored or smells unusual should be discarded.
Good food hygiene, including thoroughly cooking food and consuming safe drinking water, can also reduce the risk of hepatitis A and E infections.
Relying on unproven ‘liver detox’ remedies
Symptoms such as acne, itching and fatigue are sometimes blamed on a “hot liver,” even though they can result from many unrelated conditions.
There is no strong scientific evidence that unregulated herbal teas or so-called detox drinks cleanse the liver.
In fact, herbal remedies and dietary supplements of unclear origin have been linked to cases of acute liver injury.
Traditional medicine should only be used after proper assessment and under the guidance of a qualified practitioner.
Being inactive and regularly staying up late
At least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week, such as brisk walking, swimming or cycling, can improve insulin sensitivity, support fat metabolism and help control body weight, lowering the risk of fatty liver disease.
People who are overweight should avoid rapid weight-loss products that may contain substances harmful to the liver.
Sleep itself does not “detox” the liver, but chronically staying up late can encourage late-night eating, increase stress and disrupt metabolism.
Getting sufficient, regular sleep supports overall metabolic health and recovery.
Because the liver has a strong ability to regenerate, symptoms may not appear until damage is already advanced.
Warning signs can include jaundice, dark urine, pain or discomfort in the upper right abdomen, swelling of the abdomen or legs, persistent fatigue and unexplained weight loss.
Doctors recommend regular health checks for people who are overweight, have diabetes, drink heavily or have a family history of liver disease.
Those with hepatitis B, hepatitis C or cirrhosis should attend regular follow-up appointments, undergo recommended ultrasounds and liver cancer screening, and should not stop medication simply because they feel well.