General Articles

Apart from haemochromatosis and primary biliary cirrhosis, the two forms of liver disease that are caused by gene and immune-related conditions, all other liver damage can be caused by the food and drink we consume. 

That’s why making healthy lifestyle decisions can not only prevent liver disease but reverse it too. Although you cannot turn back the clock on a damaged liver completely, it is the only organ that can regenerate. 

Having said that, there is only so much fixing you can do. Lots of people do not realise that they have a poorly liver because of the lack of symptoms that come with the disease. This means that the condition is diagnosed too late and there isn’t enough time for treatment.

We recommend touching base with your diet and lifestyle regularly to make sure that you stop liver disease in its tracks. Follow these three simple steps to make your life liver-friendly:

Cut down on alcohol 

Alcohol-related liver disease accounts for around 60% of all cases of liver conditions in the UK. When the liver has to filter out any alcohol some of its cells die. Although these can regenerate, if you drink alcohol over a prolonged period, there is no going back. The best way to prevent ARLD from happening is to, of course, cut down on the amount of alcohol you are drinking. It’s best to stick to NHS guidance and stick to drinking no more than 14 units a week. Or, if you feel like you haven’t been kind to your liver, stop drinking altogether - the early stages of ARLD can be reversed in two weeks! 

Try to exercise for 150 minutes per week 

Obesity is one of the leading causes of liver disease which is why exercising can reduce your risk of cirrhosis-related death by 73%. When you are overweight, fat molecules can accumulate in liver cells and cause inflammation which damages surrounding tissues. Known as non-alcoholic liver disease, this group of conditions can also increase your risk of heart problems. Making sure to jog, cycle or swim for at least an hour and a half a week will lower your risk of getting NARLD, even if you aren’t losing weight. 

Take precautions against viral hepatitis  

All forms of hepatitis (A, B, C, D and E) cause liver disease. Particularly type B and C which, as the WHO predicts, has led to hundreds of millions of people getting liver disease. The virus can be transmitted via sex, blood and other bodily fluids. That’s why it’s important to make sure that you cover any wounds, never share razors, make sure you are going to safe tattoo and piercing parlours and practising protected sex. By sticking to these simple rules, you’re less likely to become infected with hepatitis.

If you need any support for your liver health, the British Liver Trust has loads of great resources.