The Problem
In recent years, the human liver has been under assault from the environment, lifestyle choices, drugs and other substances. Thus, we risk a new health crisis. that we have the chance to avert, especially since some of these behaviors start at an early age. Early awareness can make a difference.
Why act now? Here are a few reasons, strong enough for us. Hopefully, they are strong enough for you to pay attention as well.
First, we want to be ahead of some emerging risks and dramatic trends in liver health
Increased use of supplements, a potentially risky form of self-medication. Even the “natural” supplements have side effects. Taking anything as a concentrate, as opposed to getting it from food or as a tea - means one is more likely to overdose.
With more and better medical treatments patients get drugs they didn’t have access to before. The flip side is that some are hepatotoxic. Examples include: specific cancer and tuberculosis treatments but also drugs targeting relatively minor health issues.
The obesity epidemic relates to and impacts the liver, since fat around the waist correlates with both cardiovascular risks and fatty liver. That fat is metabolically active, not a cosmetic issue.
Alcohol use and its associated risks increased during the COVID pandemic.
On the other hand, increased awareness of what harms or helps the liver has side benefits. It encourages on a proactive, educated, approach to health.
So ... why not?