How do I love my liver?

Protect your liver against three main threats.

Alcohol

  • Give your liver at least two alcohol-free days a week.
  • Drink no more than 2 standard drinks on any day.
  • If you have cirrhosis, avoid alcohol altogether.

Fatty liver

Many of us are overweight and don�t do enough exercise. A build-up of fatty deposits in your liver can cause inflammation and scarring.

  • Exercise at least half an hour a day regularly to keep a healthy weight.
  • Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. 5 serves of vegetables and 2 serves of fruits.
  • Drink lots of water.
  • Avoid crash diets. If you need to lose weight, speak to your GP.

Viral hepatitis

  • Get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B.
  • Don�t share injecting equipment (including for steroids).
  • Avoid tattooing, piercing and body art with unsterile equipment.
  • Practise safe sex. Hepatitis C is not a sexually transmitted disease but it can be spread during sexual activity if blood is present together with lesions or cuts.
  • Avoid medical or cosmetic procedures where equipment may not be fully sterilised.
  • Speak to your doctor about testing for hepatitis B or C if you think you might have been at risk.

Not sure if you've been at risk?

Call 1800 437 222 for free and confidential advice.

What if my liver is sick?

Although your liver can repair itself, there is a limit to the abuse it can absorb.

What makes my liver sick?

There are hundreds of liver disorders and some are quite rare.

More information!