Liver Can Function at 25% Capacity, But Experts Warn of Escalating Risks from Lifestyle Factors
New Delhi, September 18, 2025 - The liver, a critical organ responsible for detoxification, protein production, digestion, and energy storage, can continue to sustain essential bodily functions even when operating at just 25% capacity. However, experts are issuing a stark warning: chronic liver diseases, compounded by lifestyle factors like obesity, stress, and alcohol consumption, can rapidly accelerate damage and ultimately necessitate a liver transplant.
Chronic conditions such as hepatitis and cirrhosis – severe scarring of the liver – can silently diminish liver function over time. While the liver possesses a remarkable ability to regenerate, this capacity is severely limited in advanced chronic disease, making complete recovery rare once meaningful damage has occurred.
“The liver dose have a natural ability to regenerate. But in advanced chronic diseases,this ability is severely reduced. Complete recovery is rarely possible once significant damage has occurred,” explains Dr.Piyush Ranjan, Senior Consultant and Co-Chairperson, Department of Gastroenterology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, new Delhi.
Dr. Ranjan emphasizes the life-threatening potential of severely compromised liver function due to cirrhosis or progressing hepatitis.He also highlights the increased risk posed by other health issues, including tuberculosis and diabetes.
A key component of managing declining liver health is strict abstinence from alcohol. “Even a small amount can trigger severe hepatitis or worsen cirrhosis. Lifelong abstinence, or ‘zero alcohol,’ is absolutely mandatory,” Dr. Ranjan warns.
Beyond alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight is paramount. ”Obesity puts extra stress on the liver and must be carefully managed,” Dr. Ranjan stated. He also cautioned against self-treatment, advising, “Only take medications prescribed by your doctor and avoid unverified alternative remedies, including Ayurvedic or Homeopathic treatments, which can be toxic.”
for individuals who diligently manage their lifestyle – through careful monitoring, obesity control, and stress management – a longer and healthier life is possible. However, if liver function continues to deteriorate despite these efforts, a liver transplant may become the only viable option.
This report underscores the critical importance of proactive liver health management and the potentially devastating consequences of neglecting this vital organ.
Published By: Chaitanya Dhawan
Published On: Sep 18, 2025