Liver health: Why it matters and how to support it

New Year is the perfect time to pause and reflect on your health. After the festive season, where overindulgence is commonplace, many of us think about making positive changes—whether that’s eating better, moving more, or simply understanding what’s happening inside our bodies. One common New Year health goal following the festive season is taking part in Dry January.

Your liver plays a vital role in processing toxins, supporting digestion, and keeping your body chemistry in balance – Dry January is the perfect opportunity to check in on its wellbeing and help you start the year feeling empowered and taking a positive step toward healthier living. One of the most effective ways to understand how alcohol could be affecting your body is through a Liver Function test, a simple yet powerful test that is included in all of our packages.

Why your liver health matters

Your liver plays a crucial role in keeping your body balanced and healthy. It processes alcohol, filters toxins from your blood, stores essential nutrients and helps regulate your metabolism by storing and releasing sugars.

However, excessive or long-term alcohol consumption can lead to serious liver conditions, including fatty liver disease, hepatitis and cirrhosis. According to this report from The Health Foundation, in 2023/24, there were 340,000 hospital admissions for alcohol-specific conditions. Alcohol misuse is estimated to cost £4.9 billion per year to the NHS and healthcare services; a stark reminder of the toll alcohol can take on liver health.

Understanding the signs of liver strain

One of the challenges with liver health is that damage can develop silently over time, without noticeable symptoms. Some early signs may include:

• Persistent fatigue

• Unexplained weight loss

• Abdominal discomfort or bloating

• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, or even if you’re just curious about your liver health, a Liver Function test can provide valuable insight.

What is a Liver Function test?

A Liver Function test (LFT) is a blood test that measures specific enzymes, proteins and substances produced by the liver. These markers help identify inflammation, damage, or impaired liver function.

A Bluecrest Liver Function test includes:

• Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) – Elevated levels may suggest liver cell damage

• Gamma GT (Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase) - Elevated GGT levels can suggest liver damage or disease

• Bilirubin – High levels can cause jaundice and signal liver dysfunction

• Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) - Abnormal levels can suggest issues in the liver or gallbladder

Why now is the perfect time to book a liver test

Dry January is more than just a campaign; it’s a chance to pause and reflect on your lifestyle. Whether you drink regularly, socially or occasionally, a Liver Function test offers peace of mind and a clearer picture of your health.

Taking this step now means you can:

• Detect early signs of liver stress or damage

• Make informed choices about your alcohol intake

• Monitor improvements if you’ve reduced or stopped drinking

• Receive guidance on next steps if issues are identified

Bluecrest health assessments include liver testing alongside other checks like cholesterol, blood sugar and kidney function, giving you a comprehensive view of your wellbeing.

How to keep your liver healthy

To improve liver function, it's essential to adopt healthy lifestyle habits.

Limiting alcohol is crucial, as excessive drinking is a leading cause of liver disease in the UK. Stick to under 14 units per week, avoid binge drinking and take at least two alcohol-free days weekly.

A balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits and fibre supports liver health, while certain foods like artichokes, turmeric, garlic and oily fish offer additional benefits. Supplements like milk thistle and drinking green tea may also help.

Maintaining a healthy weight is vital, as obesity can lead to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which may progress to cirrhosis. Regular physical activity, even light forms like walking or gardening, helps burn fat and prevent liver damage. If you already have liver disease, a specialist diet and small, frequent meals can ease symptoms and support recovery.

For more information, read our article, ‘How to keep your liver healthy’.

A healthier future starts today

Dry January reminds us that small changes can make a big difference. By checking in with and monitoring your liver health, you’re taking an empowering step toward a healthier, more balanced future.

If you’re ready to unlock your full potential, now is the time to prioritise your health; starting with your liver.

Want to find out insights about your health? Book your health assessment today!

To book your health assessment, click here

For Vitality customers, book here.

For Benenden customers, book here.

Need help? You can reach out to our corporate team on 0808 168 9219