We often hear about heart health, gut health, or even mental health, but when was the last time you thought about your liver? This World Liver Day (April 19), it’s time to shine the spotlight on this underrated hero of the human body. Your liver might not get as much attention, but it’s doing some heavy lifting behind the scenes every single day.
According to Dr Chow Suet Yin, a Family Medicine Specialists from IMU University, the liver is the true MVP of the body. From detoxifying your system to helping with digestion, immunity, and even metabolism, it’s working harder than you think. But are we doing enough to take care of it?
Why the Liver Deserves Your Love
Think your detox tea is doing the job? Think again. Your liver is your body’s built-in detox system, and it doesn’t need help from any fads.
Dr Chow explains that the liver naturally produces enzymes to break down toxins and waste in your body, converting them into substances like bilirubin build up and can even affect brain function, leading to jaundice or, in serious case, coma.
It doesn’t stop there. The liver also produces bile, a fluid for breaking down fat and absorbing key vitamins like A, D, E, and K. Without bile, you’d struggle to absorb nutrients, leading to vision issues, weak bones, muscle fatigue, or even blood clotting problems.
Your Immune & Metabolism Sidekick
Your liver is also a silent warrior for your immune system. It produces special cells called Kupffer cells that filter out harmful bacteria and viruses before they wreak havoc on your body.
On top of that, it regulates blood sugar and energy levels by storing glucose in the form of glycogen and produces protein like albumin to maintain blood volume and clotting. Poor liver health could leave you feeling drained, bruising easily, or swelling in the legs and abdomen.
Yes, It Regenerates, But Not Forever
You may have heard the liver can regenerate, and that’s true but it’s not invincible. Dr Chow warns that unhealthy habits like binge drinking, high-sugar diets, sedentary lifestyles, and even excessive use of certain supplements or herbal remedies can wear it down over time.
The early stages of liver disease, like fatty liver, may show no symptoms at all. As it worsens, signs like fatigue, abdominal pain, jaundice, or even vomiting blood can appear. If untreated, it can progress to cirrhosis, liver cancer, or complete liver failure.
Easy Ways to Care for Your Liver
Want to keep your liver healthy and happy? Dr Chow recommends three key habits:
- Eat wisely: Focus on healthy fats from sources like avocado, olive oil, nuts, and fatty fish. Cut down on salt, sugar, alcohol, and processed foods.
- Move your body: Stay active and aim for a healthy weight. Losing just 5-10% of body weight can reverse early fatty liver.
- Prioritise rest: Your liver does most of its work while you sleep, so make sure you’re getting enough.
Also, be cautious with supplements and traditional medicines, as they can stress your liver. Annual screenings are a smart move for catching any early signs of trouble.
Make This World Liver Day Count
Dr Chow Suet Yin, a Family Medicine Specialists from IMU University
World Liver Day on April 19 isn’t just another health awareness event, it’s a reminder that good health starts with a healthy liver. By making small, consistent changes to your lifestyle, you’re not just protecting this one organ but you’re protecting your whole body.
This April, take a moment to appreciate your liver. It’s been saving your life every day. Maybe it’s time to return the favour.
