Know the risks
There are many causes of liver disease but there are three main threats to your liver's health which you can protect yourself from.
- Alcohol
I f you regularly drink more than a pint or two of beer, or a couple of glasses of wine each day, you’re putting the liver under incredible strain. Learn more...
- Fatty liver disease
Fatty deposits can build up in your liver and cause inflammation and liver damage. This is more likely if you are overweight and don’t exercise. Learn more...
- Viral hepatitis (A, B & C)
Viruses can invade the liver and cause damage. People may not know they have them so they’re easy to pass on. Learn more...
Get protected
- Stick to the recommended drinking guidelines and give your liver at least 2 days a week free from alcohol
- Watch your diet and take regular exercise
- Use a condom when you have sex
- Get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B
- Don't share equipment which could have been contaminated with blood or body fluids
Get tested
- Liver disease can be a silent killer and symptoms can take years to develop, even decades
- If you think your liver may have been exposed to damage - get tested
- There are blood tests for viral hepatitis and liver function
- Visit your GP or GUM clinic
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GUM clinics offer confidential testing for hepatitis B and C
Get treated
- Liver disease can impact every part of your life
- It can be serious, even fatal
- There are treatments for viral hepatitis
- For alcohol and fatty liver disease, treatment will involve lifestyle changes to diet and exercise and careful monitoring
- The sooner you get treatment the better
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