Tucked quietly beneath your ribcage, the liver is like the body’s backstage crew—working around the clock, processing everything from your last meal to that extra glass of wine. It never asks for credit, but without it, the show wouldn’t go on. While most people think of diet or detox teas when it comes to liver health, few realise that exercise might just be the liver’s best-kept secret weapon.
Beyond burning calories or building muscle, movement triggers a cascade of benefits that empower your liver to thrive. Many individuals are unaware of how exercise can enhance liver function and guard against damage. So, we turned to an expert to see how breaking a sweat helps this underrated organ shine.
How Does Exercise Help the Liver?
One of the most prevalent liver conditions today is fatty liver disease, particularly non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. According to Dr Pawan Rawal, Artemis Hospitals, this occurs when fat accumulates in the liver and impairs its function. “Exercise, such as walking, jogging, swimming, or cycling, regularly burns fat. As a result, it decreases the fat deposited in the liver and even reverses fatty liver if exercised regularly,” he says.
- Enhances Insulin Function
The liver regulates blood sugar levels. When the body becomes resistant to insulin, a hormone that allows cells to take in sugar, Dr Rawal says, it raises the risk of diabetes and liver disease. “Exercise makes your body more sensitive to insulin, so your body uses insulin better. This keeps blood sugar under control and reduces the load on the liver,” he adds.
- Supports Weight Management
Being obese or overweight is one of the most significant risk factors for liver disease. “Exercise burns calories and leads to a healthy weight, which contributes to liver health. Dropping only 5–10 per cent of body weight can significantly improve liver function,” Dr Rawal says.
Chronic inflammation in the liver may lead to severe conditions such as cirrhosis, which is permanent scarring of the liver. Exercise on a regular basis, he explains, reduces inflammation in the body, decreasing the risk of liver damage and maintaining long-term liver health.
- Boosts Overall Circulation and Detoxification
Exercise enhances blood circulation, allowing the liver to function better in removing toxins. “With improved blood flow, the liver can eliminate toxic substances from the body at a faster rate, which contributes to overall health and prevents liver problems,” Dr Rawal says. Being active makes your liver healthy and efficient.
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