Food is Medicine – Healthy Eating Habits Can Heal and Protect the Liver
CARE Hospitals Experts Share Liver Health Insights on World Liver Day 2025
The liver, the second largest organ in the human body after the skin, is essential for maintaining overall health. In recognition of its importance, April 19 is observed every year as World Liver Day. The theme for this year, “Food is Medicine”, highlights the powerful role that diet plays in supporting and healing the liver.
In recent years, India has seen a significant rise in liver-related diseases, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), alcohol-induced liver cirrhosis, and viral hepatitis. Experts point to sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy diets, rising alcohol use, and unmonitored medication consumption as leading causes. What’s more concerning is that liver damage often goes unnoticed until it becomes severe.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Mohammed Nayeem, Clinical Director & HOD, Care Institute of Digestive Diseases & Liver Transplant, Hyderabad, said, “The liver carries out over 500 vital functions in the body. From metabolizing nutrients to detoxifying harmful substances, it is deeply impacted by what we eat and how we live. We are increasingly seeing liver issues even among young adults due to poor lifestyle choices. Treating food as medicine is one of the most effective preventive approaches.”
The liver is a very special organ because it can heal and repair itself. In ancient Chinese medicine, the liver was called the “General of the Body” because of how it protects us. It removes harmful substances from our system and keeps us healthy. The good news is that the liver gives us a chance to fix the damage if we change our habits. But if we ignore it, it can become dangerous.
To maintain a healthy liver, experts recommend avoiding processed and packaged foods that are high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats. Instead, include fiber-rich foods, leafy greens, antioxidant-loaded fruits, nuts, and items rich in vitamins E, C, and B-complex, which help protect liver cells. Staying well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water also supports the liver’s natural detox functions.
Alongside dietary choices, adopting the right lifestyle habits is essential—this includes completely avoiding alcohol and smoking, engaging in at least 30 minutes of physical activity five times a week, and getting vaccinated against Hepatitis A and B. Doctors recommend not relying on home remedies or self-medicating with supplements if symptoms like jaundice or liver issues appear, it's important to consult a doctor immediately. Annual liver health check-ups are strongly recommended to enable early diagnosis and prevention of liver-related diseases.
“Food can become our strongest armor against disease when chosen wisely. Right diet, right habits, and the right approach, these are the fundamental principles of liver health. By following them, one can live a life of complete wellness,”Dr Nayeemadded.
