- By Bornika Das
- Sat, 19 Apr 2025 10:37 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
World Liver Day 2025: World Liver Day is observed annually on April 19 to raise awareness about liver health and promote the prevention of liver diseases. The day is a global initiative aimed at educating the public on the importance of a healthy liver and various factors that contribute to liver diseases. World Liver Day 2025 theme is ‘Food is Medicine.’ Liver damage is one of the most serious ailments that can be life-threatening if not noticed or acted upon at the right time. Mostly, the liver gets destroyed silently and the symptoms leading to it are unnoticeable, making it a silent killer. There are several factors that contribute to liver damage beyond alcohol abuse.
Although alcohol is known to be a liver toxin, other factors like poor diet, viral infections and others can also contribute to liver damage. These hidden factors can lead to conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), hepatitis, fibrosis, or even cirrhosis. While the liver plays a major role in detoxification, metabolism and nutrient storage, the ongoing exposure to harmful substances or habits can impair its function and cause chronic liver disease. To observe World Liver Day 2025, take note of the hidden factors beyond alcohol that lead to liver damage.
Non-Alcoholic Causes Of Liver Damage
High Sugar Intake
Consumption of excessive sugar, especially fructose found in sweetened beverages and processed foods, can lead to fat accumulation in the liver. This may cause non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which inflames and damages liver cells over time, showing the effects of alcohol-induced liver disease.
Obesity And Sedentary Lifestyle
Excessive weight, especially around the abdomen, contributes to insulin resistance and fat buildup in the liver. Obesity is a major risk factor for NAFLD. Besides, a sedentary lifestyle and no physical activity make the liver struggle to break down fats, leading to inflammation and scarring.
Viral Infections
Repeated viral infections can cause liver damage, particularly viral hepatitis, which is caused by viruses like hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. These infections cause inflammation, cell death and in severe cases cirrhosis or liver cancer. Additionally, other viruses such as cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr virus can also affect the liver. Chronic infections may not show symptoms for years but can silently damage the liver if not treated in time.
Smoking Can Cause Liver Damage (Image Credits: Canva)
Overuse Of medications
Many over-the-counter and prescription medications, such as acetaminophen (paracetamol), statins, and some antibiotics, can be toxic to the liver when used in high doses or over a long period of time. The liver helps to metabolise most drugs. Thus, misuse or overuse of drugs can strain and damage its tissues.
Smoking
Cigarette smoke contains toxic compounds that can cause harm, not only to the lungs, but also to the liver, by reaching it through the bloodstream. Smoking increases oxidative stress and inflammation in the liver, worsening existing liver conditions and making detoxification harder.
Sleep Deprivation
Lack of sleep disturbs the circadian rhythm, which plays a major role in liver metabolism and detoxification. Chronic sleep deprivation or sleep loss increases fat accumulation in the liver and disrupts glucose processing, raising the risk of fatty liver disease.