Liver diseases are becoming very common, especially fatty liver disease, which now affects 1 in 3 adults globally, including many who don’t drink alcohol. Experts are seeing a sharp rise in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), linked to poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, and rising obesity. What makes it more dangerous is that early symptoms are often silent, and many people don’t realise they have liver issues until the damage is severe.
Dr. Saurabh Sethi, a liver specialist trained at AIIMS, Harvard, and Stanford, took to Instagram on July 9 to share 9 crucial facts about the liver that everyone should know. “I’m a liver specialist. Here are 9 things I refuse to gatekeep,” he wrote in his post.
Here are 9 key takeaways from Dr. Sethi’s post:
1. Your liver can regenerate, but not always
Your liver is the only organ in the body that can regrow damaged cells. However, chronic damage leads to scarring or cirrhosis, which is irreversible. So while it’s resilient, it’s not indestructible.
2. Coffee is good for your liver
Surprisingly, drinking 3 or more cups of coffee a day may lower the risk of liver cancer and cirrhosis by up to 40 per cent. Dr. Sethi suggests skipping sugar and cream, and warns that caffeine sensitivity varies between individuals.
3. Fatty liver affects 1 in 3 adults—even non-drinkers
You don’t need to be a drinker to have liver problems. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is on the rise and often shows no symptoms until major damage has occurred.
4. Your liver filters everything you swallow—including medicines
Dr. Sethi warns against excessive use of over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen (paracetamol), which can cause severe liver damage if taken in high doses. Always check dosages with your doctor.
5. Good sleep helps your liver heal
Getting 7–9 hours of quality sleep allows the liver to repair itself and clear toxins more effectively. Poor sleep disrupts these vital functions.
6. Eating late at night harms your liver
Your liver follows a circadian rhythm, much like your sleep cycle. Eating late at night disrupts this natural detox process and may lead to fat build-up in the liver.
7. Toxins in everyday products can hurt your liver
Many household cleaners, pesticides, and cosmetics contain harmful chemicals that the liver has to filter. Dr. Sethi recommends choosing natural or non-toxic alternatives.
8. Not all supplements are safe
Herbal remedies and high-dose vitamins may seem harmless, but some can cause liver inflammation or damage. Always consult your doctor before starting supplements.
9. Water helps the liver detox naturally
Staying hydrated supports liver function. Dr. Sethi advises drinking 2 to 3 litres of water daily to help the liver flush out toxins efficiently.
With liver conditions on the rise, especially among young adults and non-drinkers, these simple lifestyle changes can make a big difference.
