World Liver Day: Busting the biggest myths about liver health

When we think of vital organs, our brain and heart usually grab the spotlight. But your liver — that unsung, hardworking hero — quietly handles over 500 functions in your body, including detoxification, protein synthesis, and metabolism. Yet, it’s often misunderstood. On World Liver Day 2025, it’s time to bust some widespread myths and replace them with facts that could potentially save your liver — and your life.

Let’s decode the most common myths with insights from top hepatologists, Dr. Ankur Jain (Max Super Speciality Hospital, Dwarka) and Dr. Vishal Khurana (Metro Hospital, Faridabad).

1. Myth: The liver can’t regenerate
Fact: The liver is the only internal organ in your body with the ability to regenerate itself.
Even if 70% of it is damaged or surgically removed, it can grow back to its original size — as long as the damage isn’t continuous or chronic (like long-term alcohol abuse or unmanaged hepatitis). But don't take this as a free pass to mistreat it. Its regenerative capacity doesn’t mean it’s invincible.

2. Myth: You need detox teas or cleanses to ‘clean’ your liver
Fact: Your liver is your natural detoxifier.
It processes and eliminates toxins on its own. You don’t need fancy detox teas, juices, or ‘cleanse’ kits to support your liver. In fact, many of these products are not backed by scientific evidence and could even cause more harm than good — especially those loaded with unregulated herbs or chemicals.

3. Myth: Only alcohol harms your liver
Fact: Alcohol is just one culprit.
Today, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the fastest-growing liver conditions in India and globally. It’s mainly linked to poor diets, sedentary lifestyles, obesity, insulin resistance, and high cholesterol. So even if you’re teetotal, you’re not necessarily in the clear.

4. Myth: Liver disease always comes with clear symptoms
Fact: Liver damage is often silent.
Symptoms such as fatigue, yellowing of the eyes (jaundice), abdominal swelling or pain usually appear in the later stages. Many people live with liver disease for years without knowing it. That’s why periodic checkups and liver function tests are crucial — especially if you have diabetes, obesity, or a family history of liver disorders.

5. Myth: If you’re thin, you can’t get liver disease
Fact: Fatty liver is not exclusive to the overweight.
Dr. Jain warns that lean individuals with unhealthy diets, insulin resistance, or high cholesterol can still develop NAFLD. This phenomenon, sometimes called “TOFI” (Thin Outside, Fat Inside), highlights how metabolic health isn’t just about your waistline.

6. Myth: All supplements are safe for the liver
Fact: Many over-the-counter supplements can be toxic.
High doses of vitamin A, green tea extract, kava, and some bodybuilding supplements have been linked to liver injury. The misconception that “natural equals safe” is dangerous. Always talk to a doctor before starting supplements, even herbal ones.

7. Myth: Liver damage is always irreversible
Fact: Early liver damage can be reversed.
With timely lifestyle modifications — such as cutting down on alcohol, eating a liver-friendly diet, increasing physical activity, and managing underlying conditions — the liver has the capacity to heal and regenerate in many cases.

8. Myth: Liver disease is only for heavy drinkers
Fact: Viral infections, medications, obesity, and even genetics can play a role.
Dr. Vishal Khurana notes that liver diseases like hepatitis B and C, drug-induced hepatitis, and inherited conditions such as Wilson’s disease are non-alcoholic in origin. While alcohol is a significant risk factor, it’s just one part of the bigger picture.

9. Myth: Liver disease cannot be prevented
Fact: Most liver conditions are preventable with the right lifestyle.
Maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, avoiding excess alcohol, staying vaccinated (for hepatitis), and limiting exposure to environmental toxins can drastically lower your risk.

10. Myth: Liver disease affects only older people
Fact: It can affect anyone — including children.
Children with obesity are now showing early signs of fatty liver. Also, hepatitis infections and genetic disorders can lead to liver problems in young people. Liver health isn’t just a senior citizen concern anymore.



11. Myth: Drinking in moderation can’t harm the liver
Fact: Even moderate alcohol consumption can damage a vulnerable liver.
There’s no universally "safe" level of alcohol, especially if your liver is already inflamed or fatty. Cutting back (or abstaining entirely) is one of the best gifts you can give your liver.

12. Myth: If you’re diagnosed with cirrhosis, you’ll definitely need a liver transplant
Fact: Many patients with cirrhosis manage well without transplantation.
With medications, lifestyle changes, and close monitoring, many people with early-stage cirrhosis can stabilize or even improve. A transplant is only required in advanced, unresponsive cases.

13. Myth: Fatty liver disease only affects overweight people
Fact: Genetics, cholesterol, and sugar metabolism matter too.
A surprising number of people with normal body weight still develop fatty liver. So don’t let your BMI be your only health metric. Get screened if you have other risk factors.

14. Myth: Cirrhosis always leads to liver cancer
Fact: While cirrhosis raises the risk of liver cancer, not everyone with cirrhosis will get it.
Regular monitoring and timely imaging (like ultrasounds and MRIs) can help detect early signs of liver cancer — when it's most treatable.

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On this World Liver Day, let’s drop the myths and tune into science. The liver is a powerful, resilient organ — but it has its limits. You don’t need drastic cleanses, extreme diets, or expensive pills. What your liver really wants is simple: less alcohol, more fibre, fewer processed foods, regular exercise, and annual checkups.

You don’t have to wait for a diagnosis to start treating your liver better. Prevention, after all, is easier than cure — especially when the organ in question rarely rings the alarm until it’s already in distress.