Liver diseases, such as those covered in this review, are difficult and scary diagnoses for patients and families alike. It requires us to come together as a community to educate, research and support one another to limit the incidence and damage of these pathologies. Making a difference is a personal journey that varies from person to person. From contributing to charity, joining an organization, or making lifestyle changes, every acknowledgement made towards liver disease is a critical step forward.

• Maintaining a healthy weight

  • Excess body fat ultimately deposits itself on the liver, thus causing NAFLD

• Regular physical activity

  • Exercise can decrease fatty acid synthesis, increase fatty acid oxidations and prevent hepatocellular damage 

• Eating a healthy, balanced diet

  • Do not overindulge in fatty food and aim for a nutritious diet, while maintaining a healthy relationship with food

• Avoiding alcohol

  • Persistent overconsumption of alcohol causes serious hepatic damage

•   No unnecessary medications, and carefully following dosing recommendations

  • The liver is responsible for filtering and metabolizing certain medications, thus unnecessary or inaccurate doses can cause excess strain

In 2022, 580 liver transplants (whole/partial) were performed. That same year, 499 patients remained on the waitlist. A total of 247 Canadians were removed from the liver transplant waitlist; of those, 42% died while waiting.