World Liver Day is celebrated on April 19 every year. Know your liver When considering health and vital organs, heart, lungs, and brain likely come to mind first. The liver is often overlooked, even though it is the body’s second-largest organ and is responsible for over 500 essential functions. The liver acts as the filter for the whole body. It detoxifies harmful substances and breaks down the nutrients of the foods we eat. Without a healthy liver, toxins accumulate, nutrient absorption falters, and metabolism weakens, impacting overall health. A liver that is stressed or unwell benefits from reducing its workload as much as possible. There are several different things that can cause liver disease, including infection, genetics, and lifestyle choices. You can develop a liver problem at any age. Theme for 2026 The theme for World Liver Day 2026 is Solid Habits, Strong Liver. Your liver is a powerhouse: it filters blood, breaks down food, stores energy, and keeps your body in balance. But today, 1/3 of the global adult population is living with a condition called metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Often linked with weight, diet, and lifestyle, MASLD can stay silent for years, but over time it may lead to scarring (fibrosis), cirrhosis (advanced fibrosis and loss of some of the liver function), or even liver cancer. The good news? Small, steady lifestyle changes can make a big difference. Our 2026 campaign, Solid Habits, Strong Liver, highlights four solid habits that keep your liver strong: eating a balanced diet, staying active, reducing alcohol intake, and getting regular liver checks. By making these habits part of your daily life, you can take control of your liver health and prevent serious complications. Four solid habits for a strong liver Balanced diet - Your liver thrives on good nutrition. Choose a plant-based diet with 2-3 fruit per day and plenty of vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats to give your liver the fuel it needs. Cut back on ultra-processed food, added sugar, and unhealthy saturated fats to avoid harmful food ingredients. Physical activity - Regular physical activity helps your body use energy more efficiently and prevents fat build-up in the liver. Regular exercise can also help to reduce the amount of fat in in your liver, even if you don’t lose any weight. Whether it’s walking, cycling, swimming, dancing, or lifting weights, every bit of activity supports a stronger, healthier liver. Reducing Alcohol - Alcohol can cause serious and lasting damage to your liver. Reducing or avoiding alcohol allows your liver to perform its vital work. Cutting back on alcohol is one of the most effective ways to prevent liver disease. Regular check-ups - Checks can detect early signs of liver damage before symptoms appear. Ask your doctor about routine checks, especially if you have risk factors such as diabetes, obesity, or a family history of liver disease. Source : World Liver Day website