Liver damage happens silently, often without noticeable symptoms, making it a 'silent killer
Liver damage is among the most serious ailments, which can also be life-threatening if not noticed and acted upon well in time. Also, according to experts, it happens silently - often without noticeable symptoms, making it a "silent killer." While several factors contribute to this - including alcohol abuse—there are many other lesser-known reasons as well.
Doctors say highlighting these silent causes helps emphasize the importance of recognising and addressing issues related to your liver and preventing serious complications.
Eating a lot of sugar
Those with a sweet tooth need not just fear obesity but are also at high risk of damage to their liver, potentially leading to conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or NAFLD and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis or NASH.
Doctors say it happens because the liver—which is the main organ that processes fructose, a type of sugar found in many foods and drinks. However, when it is consumed in excess, your liver may struggle to keep up, leading to the buildup of fat and inflammation.
High cholesterol
High cholesterol levels, along with diabetes and high blood pressure, lead to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. According to doctors, you can cut simple carbohydrates like bread and sugar from your diet and engage in eating more fruits, vegetables, and protein.
Medication
Many over-the-counter medications - especially those with acetaminophen—lead to liver damage, significantly when taken in excessive amounts or combined with alcohol. According to experts, common and popular pain relievers like aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen also pose a risk, especially when used frequently.
Autoimmune disease
If you have certain autoimmune diseases, it can lead to liver damage, particularly autoimmune hepatitis. Doctors say in these conditions, your body's immune system mistakenly attacks the liver cells, causing inflammation and damage.
If left untreated, this damage can progress to cirrhosis and liver failure.
Herbal supplements
According to experts, many herbal supplements—taken in excess due to the belief that they are good for your health—can lead to liver damage in the long run. Studies say six herbal supplements considered from past research to be potentially hepatotoxic are:
- Ashwagandha
- Black cohosh
- Garcinia cambogia
- Green tea extract
- Red yeast rice
- Turmeric
Viral infections
Repeated viral infections can cause liver damage—specifically, viral hepatitis, which is caused by viruses like hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E, a primary cause of liver inflammation and damage. Additionally, other viruses like cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr virus can also affect your liver.
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