Are All Liver Problems Caused by Alcohol?

By: Ph Saw - Health Lane Family Pharmacy, Kota Kemuning

Many people think that liver problems only happen to those who drink too much alcohol. While alcohol can harm the liver, it's not the only cause. In fact, even people who don’t drink at all can have liver issues — often due to an unhealthy lifestyle.

How Alcohol Affects the Liver

Your liver works hard to break down alcohol. If you drink too much, especially over a long time, it can cause damage such as:

Fatty liver

when fat builds up in the liver.

Alcoholic hepatitis

swelling and inflammation in the liver.

Cirrhosis

serious, permanent damage where healthy liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue.

These conditions usually develop slowly and can become life-threatening if not treated.

Liver Damage Without Alcohol

Even if you never touch alcohol, you can still develop liver problems. A poor diet, lack of exercise, being overweight, or having conditions like diabetes can lead to Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD).

This happens when too much fat builds up in the liver, similar to what happens with heavy drinking. In some people, it can lead to inflammation and serious damage, just like alcohol-related liver disease.

Not all liver problems are caused by alcohol. A lot of the time, it’s due to unhealthy habits — eating too much junk food, not being active, or gaining too much weight.

How to Keep Your Liver Healthy

Limit or avoid alcohol.

Eat a balanced diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Exercise regularly.

Maintain a healthy weight.

Get regular health check-ups.

Taking care of your liver isn’t just about cutting back on alcohol — it’s about making healthy lifestyle choices every day. If you're concerned about your liver health, talk to your pharmacist or consult a doctor. Early detection and lifestyle changes can make a big difference.