It filters toxins, stores nutrients, and helps regulate metabolism. But because it’s so good at working in the background, we often forget just how vital it is – until something goes wrong.
“Many people think the liver is only an issue if they drink too much alcohol,” said traditional Chinese medicine practitioner Chin Vee Koeng.
“But more than 50% of liver disease is caused by non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). It can be caused by obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, or lack of exercise.”
Chin, 41, explained that NAFLD can also develop from diets high in sugar and calories. Excess energy from food is converted into triglycerides, which accumulate in the liver. Over time, this buildup can trigger inflammation, scarring, and eventually serious disease.
The problem is, you won’t feel it happening. Unlike other organs, the liver has a unique nerve system that doesn’t send early pain signals.
“That’s why we call it the silent organ – you cannot feel early symptoms,” Chin noted. “But when it is damaged – with cirrhosis, for example – you will see it collapse and deteriorate in a very quick way.”
And the consequences aren’t limited to the liver itself: Chin points to the liver-gut axis – a two-way relationship between the two organs.
“When you have liver damage, it can cause a leaky gut. Bacteria enters the bloodstream, which flows back into the liver and causes inflammation.
“Chronic inflammation can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer. And liver cancer cells can also link to the gut, which may develop into colon cancer.”
Poor liver health can further impact hormones and the heart. And when detoxification falters, toxins can reach the brain, leading to forgetfulness, confusion, and mood changes.
Historically, severe liver disease was more common among men over 50. But Chin warns that the threshold is dropping.
“Now, it’s from age 45 onwards,” he stressed. “Women naturally detox during menstruation, but men often have bad habits like drinking alcohol and smoking, which add to the risk.”
Plus, liver problems are no longer confined to older adults. “Due to our daily lifestyle – processed food, staying up late, spending hours on social media – it will definitely affect younger ones.”
Sleep deprivation, in particular, robs the liver of the time it needs for natural detoxification, Chin highlighted.
While the early signs of liver disease rarely announce themselves, some symptoms do appear as it worsens: persistent tiredness, unexplained weight changes, yellowing of the skin or eyes, and discomfort in the upper abdomen.
Less obvious signs include dark urine, haemorrhoids, and bad breath.
Since the symptoms are unreliable, prevention is key. Chin advises reducing oil, sugar and salt, eating more plant-based meals, and cooking at home as much as possible.
Supplements like Livrin, a tonic that contains milk thistle, may help protect and repair liver cells, but they work best alongside regular exercise and adequate sleep.
He also advises a liver check-up every two years for healthy adults, and annually for those at higher risk. Blood tests and ultrasounds can detect fatty liver and other issues before symptoms arise.
As Chin cautions, “Just because you don’t feel anything, it doesn’t mean nothing is happening inside.”
So, protecting your liver comes down to simple, consistent actions: eat cleaner, move more, sleep well, consider supplements, and get checked regularly.
The payoff is not just a healthier liver, but better overall well-being: because when your liver thrives, the rest of your body can, too.