Your liver does over 500 essential jobs — from filtering toxins to metabolising fats. But unlike your skin or stomach, it doesn’t complain loudly. Damage happens slowly. Quietly. Until it’s serious.

Here are 5 lifestyle habits that could be quietly harming your liver — and what you can do instead:

1. You're Eating Too Much Junk and Sugar

From greasy fries to that “harmless” can of cola — your liver takes the hit. High-sugar, high-fat processed foods overload the liver with fats, leading to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Symptoms: Fatigue, bloating, mild pain in the upper right abdomen.

2. You Drink Frequently — Even If It's “Socially”

You don’t have to be an alcoholic for alcohol to damage your liver. Regular drinking, even in small quantities, forces your liver to work overtime. Over time, this leads to inflammation, scarring, and cirrhosis.

Symptoms: Easy bruising, nausea, poor appetite, and yellowing of the eyes.

3. You’re Popping Too Many Pills

Painkillers, antacids, supplements — many of us take them without a second thought. But some, especially paracetamol (acetaminophen) and certain antibiotics, can be hepatotoxic if overused.

Symptoms: Persistent tiredness, stomach upset, itching, or dark urine.

4. You’re Sedentary Most of the Day

Sitting for long hours not only harms your back and heart — it also increases the risk of fat buildup in the liver. Lack of movement slows metabolism, leading to insulin resistance and fat accumulation.

Symptoms: Unexplained weight gain, sluggishness, and bloating.

5. You’re Not Drinking Enough Water

Dehydration reduces blood flow to the liver and slows its ability to filter toxins. Over time, this can affect how well your liver functions.

Symptoms: Dry skin, frequent headaches, dark urine, and fatigue.

The liver is a silent worker. Most early damage shows no clear symptoms. Blood tests like LFT (Liver Function Test) can catch issues early. Prevention > Cure, always.