Alcohol
A quarter of us drink at levels that could put our health at risk.
Many of us drink a bit more than we should. Regularly drinking more than the recommended amount of alcohol can damage your liver. This can lead to alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD) and liver cancer.
What you can do to reduce liver damage from alcohol
- Men and women should drink no more than 14 units per week.
- Give your liver a regular break and have 2 to 3 alcohol free days each week – try to have them all in a row.
For help with understanding units, and with taking the first steps to cut down on alcohol, download our cutting down on alcohol factsheet.
Diet and exercise
Many of us are overweight and don’t do enough exercise
It is estimated that up to 1 in 5 people in the UK could now be affected by non-alcohol related fatty liver disease or NAFLD.
NAFLD happens when fat builds up in the liver and stops it working properly. People who are overweight, obese, have type 2 diabetes, or low levels of activity are most at risk.
Keeping to a healthy weight is a good way to reduce your risk of developing liver disease. For most people, losing weight slowly is the best approach. Making your diet healthier and more balanced and being more physically active can help you to lose weight and keep it off.
Find out more about how to reduce your risk by keeping to a healthy weight and eating a healthy, balanced diet.
Our Eating Well for a healthy liver factsheet provides practical tips for everyday life.
There are several viruses that cause hepatitis. The most common ones are hepatitis A, B and C. Most people recover from hepatitis A with no lasting liver damage, but hepatitis B and C can cause long term liver disease and even liver cancer if they aren’t treated.
Protect yourself
- Never share razors, nail scissors or toothbrushes
- Cover wounds, especially when you play sport
- Only use licensed tattoo and piercing studios and make sure all equipment used has been sterilised
- Use a condom during sex
- Never share drug equipment, and don’t use rolled-up bank notes
- If you need medical treatment abroad make sure only sterile equipment is used
- If you think you have been exposed to viral hepatitis ask your GP or sexual health clinic for a simple blood test
Learn more about Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C
Love Your Liver
Love Your Liver is our national campaign devoted to liver health awareness and giving people the tools they need to keep their liver healthy.
We offer information and support, a free online screener, a national roadshow and opportunities to join with us, raise awareness, and help more people to love their liver.
Find out more about the campaign