How Your Liver Supports Your Well-Being

The liver is one of the body's most vital and sizable organs. But do you know what role it plays or where exactly it’s found? There's one clear fact: life isn’t possible without it. The liver is busy performing hundreds of essential tasks every single day.

Shaped like a wedge and colored reddish-brown, the liver is around the size of a football. It rests beneath your rib cage on the right side of your abdomen. Typically, a healthy liver weighs about 3 pounds, though size may vary depending on an individual’s body.

“The liver plays a central role in overall well-being because it processes nutrients from everything we eat. It’s responsible for producing many of the proteins the body needs to remain healthy,” explains Dr. Marc Ghany, a liver expert and researcher at the National Institutes of Health. “It also removes toxins, breaks down harmful substances, and stores key vitamins and minerals our bodies rely on.”

Destroying aging red blood cells and producing clotting factors needed to stop bleeding are also among the liver's key responsibilities.

The liver is incredibly resilient. Unlike most organs, it can heal and regenerate after being injured. Even when under strain, it continues to function. However, long-term damage can accumulate and lead to more serious issues.

The encouraging news is that liver health can often be maintained or improved. And thanks to advances in science, some liver diseases can now be successfully treated or even cured.

Identifying Liver Conditions

There are numerous liver-related diseases and medical conditions. Unfortunately, many develop quietly and show few or no symptoms in their early stages. Around 4.5 million U.S. adults are diagnosed with liver disease, and many others may have it without knowing.

Viral infections, drug and alcohol misuse, inherited disorders, and fat accumulation in the liver are all common causes of liver disease. Chronic liver damage can lead to cirrhosis — extensive scarring of liver tissue — which can increase the risk of cancer.

Potential signs of liver disease include a swollen abdomen or legs, unusual coloring of urine or stool, frequent bruising, and yellowing of the skin or eyes, a condition known as jaundice.

“Sadly, many people may not realize they have liver problems until extensive damage has occurred. At that stage, treatment is more challenging,” says Dr. Arun Sanyal, a liver specialist at Virginia Commonwealth University. “That’s why it’s important to speak with your doctor—regardless of symptoms—and ask about your liver health.”

When liver issues are discovered early, there are often actions you can take to protect and preserve your liver’s function.

Fatty Liver Disease

One increasingly common form of liver illness occurs when excess fat collects inside the liver. Previously known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, it was renamed in 2023 to “metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease.” The updated term points to links between fat buildup and conditions like obesity and diabetes. “Steatotic” is a medical term meaning the liver contains too much fat.

“Roughly one-third of adults—and a significant number of teens—have steatotic liver disease in the U.S.,” says Dr. Norah Terrault, a liver researcher at the University of Southern California. “It can sometimes result in liver scarring and, in severe cases, cirrhosis or even liver cancer.”

People with type 2 diabetes or obesity are more likely to develop this condition. Alcohol misuse may also result in liver fat buildup, leading to what’s known as alcohol-related liver disease.

Until recently, no approved medication was available to treat the metabolic form of steatotic liver disease. However, in the past year, a drug called resmetirom (brand name Rezdiffra) became available for more severe cases. New treatment approaches are also in development.

Understanding Hepatitis

Hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver, a symptom shared by many types of liver disease. One major cause of hepatitis is viral infection.

“There are several viruses known to affect the liver. The ones most often involved in long-term infections are hepatitis B, C, and D,” explains Ghany. These viruses typically spread through blood or other bodily fluid contact with an infected person.

Another type, known as hepatitis A, usually causes a mild and short-lived illness and often spreads through contaminated food or drink. Fortunately, treatment and preventative options exist for each type.

“We now have medications that can completely cure hepatitis C in more than 95% of cases,” Ghany adds. “It’s an oral therapy that’s very effective.”

Liver inflammation isn’t only caused by viruses. It can also result from toxin exposure, alcohol overuse, or reactions to certain drugs. One well-known example is acetaminophen, a common pain reliever. If taken incorrectly, it can harm the liver and even lead to liver failure in extreme cases.

“Acetaminophen is safe when used properly,” Ghany remarks. “But some people unintentionally overdose by not reading labels closely.”

Mixing alcohol with acetaminophen poses an even bigger threat to liver health.

How to Maintain Liver Health

Because liver disease can go unnoticed for years, it’s crucial to get regular liver checks during annual health exams. Simple blood tests can often reveal potential problems. “Don’t be shy—tell your doctor directly that you’d like your liver examined,” advises Sanyal. “It’s your health, and you have a right to bring up any concerns.”

“If a liver-related issue is discovered, we now have effective treatments for most conditions,” adds Terrault. “With proper care, it’s often possible to stop or even reverse damage—preventing life-threatening complications like cirrhosis or liver cancer.”