Your liver is the largest internal organ in your body and plays a vital role in maintaining your overall health. It’s responsible for filtering blood, processing nutrients, storing energy, and supporting digestion and immunity.
Because it’s involved in many bodily functions, the liver is susceptible to damage from various sources. When damage occurs, it can lead to scarring—known as cirrhosis—which may progress to liver failure or cancer if left untreated.
While alcohol misuse is a well-known cause of liver damage, there are many other contributors, including medical conditions, certain medications, and lifestyle habits. Below, we explore the common causes of liver damage and how to protect this important organ.
What Happens When the Liver Is Damaged
Liver damage can result from multiple medical issues such as hepatitis, liver cancer, or genetic disorders like Wilson’s disease. Symptoms vary widely, from abdominal pain and swelling to jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), and can often be detected through abnormal liver function tests.
One of the most severe consequences of liver damage is cirrhosis—the scarring of liver tissue that progressively impairs function. Cirrhosis is often the final stage of chronic liver disease.
Health Conditions That Cause Liver Damage
Several diseases can increase your risk of liver damage or directly harm the liver. These include obesity, viral hepatitis, genetic conditions, and autoimmune disorders.
Obesity
Obesity is a key contributor to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a condition in which excess fat builds up in liver cells. NAFLD is one of the most common liver disorders and is closely tied to metabolic syndrome, high blood pressure, high triglycerides, and obesity.
In advanced stages, NAFLD can lead to cirrhosis and liver failure. Though more common in middle-aged adults, it can also affect adolescents with obesity.
Hepatitis
Chronic hepatitis B and C are major causes of liver damage and liver cancer. Hepatitis C is more prevalent in the U.S. and spreads through contact with infected blood—often via shared needles, unprotected sex, or contaminated equipment.
Early detection is critical, as hepatitis C often causes no symptoms until significant damage has occurred. Though treatable, untreated hepatitis C can result in cirrhosis, liver cancer, or liver failure.
Hepatitis B is less common in U.S. adults due to the availability of a vaccine but remains a risk for those not vaccinated.
Genetic Diseases
Inherited conditions can also impact liver health. Hemochromatosis, for example, causes the body to absorb too much iron, which can accumulate in the liver and lead to cirrhosis. Another condition, Wilson’s disease, causes copper buildup that can damage the liver and brain.
Both conditions are treatable: hemochromatosis is managed by reducing iron levels, and Wilson’s disease is treated with medications that help remove excess copper. These disorders can be identified through routine blood tests.
Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune hepatitis occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the liver. It is more common in people assigned female at birth and those with other autoimmune disorders. Without treatment, it can progress to cirrhosis or liver failure.
Another autoimmune liver disease is primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), which also primarily affects women and leads to progressive liver damage. While there’s no cure for autoimmune hepatitis or PBC, medications can manage the disease effectively.
Medications That Affect Liver Health
Certain medications are known to impact liver function, especially when taken in high doses or over long periods.
Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen (often sold as Tylenol) is safe in recommended doses but can cause liver failure if taken excessively. It’s also found in many combination medications, including cold and flu remedies, which makes accidental overdose possible.
To protect your liver, always follow dosing instructions and check product labels to avoid taking multiple medications that contain acetaminophen.
Other Drugs
In addition to acetaminophen, some prescription and recreational drugs can harm the liver. Long-term use of anabolic steroids has been linked to a higher risk of liver tumors. Illegal substances like heroin, cocaine, and hallucinogens can also lead to liver damage.
If you experience signs of liver trouble such as jaundice, abdominal pain, or dark urine, consult a healthcare provider and discuss any medications or substances you’ve used.
Lifestyle Factors That Can Damage Your Liver
Even when medical conditions or medication use are outside your control, many lifestyle choices can be adjusted to help safeguard your liver.
Smoking
Smoking contributes to liver inflammation and increases the risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer—even among those who don’t consume alcohol. It promotes harmful chemical activity in the body and worsens outcomes in people with hepatitis B or C.
Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol remains a leading cause of liver damage. Regular heavy drinking can lead to fatty liver, cirrhosis, and liver failure. Even after liver damage has occurred, avoiding alcohol can prevent further decline. Health guidelines recommend that women have no more than one alcoholic drink per day and men no more than two.
Sugary Drinks
Regular consumption of sugary beverages like soda is linked to fatty liver disease. Research shows that people who drink one or more sugary drinks per day have higher levels of liver fat. Reducing or eliminating these drinks can support liver and overall metabolic health.
A Quick Review
Liver damage can result from a range of health conditions, medications, and lifestyle habits. It may start subtly but can progress to cirrhosis, liver failure, or cancer if not addressed.
You can protect your liver by managing underlying conditions, using medications responsibly, avoiding harmful substances, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. If you experience symptoms of liver damage or have risk factors, talk to a healthcare provider for evaluation and personalized care.
