The liver performs hundreds of functions involving metabolism, digestion, detoxification and blood proteins. Liver disease has many causes and can progress without obvious symptoms.
Common causes
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is linked with metabolic risk factors. Viral hepatitis, harmful alcohol use, certain medicines, autoimmune conditions and inherited disorders can also damage the liver.
Possible warning signs
Symptoms can include fatigue, abdominal discomfort, nausea, itching, swelling or jaundice, although early disease may cause no symptoms. Dark urine, pale stools or unexplained jaundice require medical assessment.
Testing
Assessment may involve blood tests, imaging and sometimes specialist investigations. Abnormal liver blood tests do not by themselves reveal the cause.
Protecting liver health
Avoid harmful alcohol intake, discuss medicines and supplements with healthcare professionals, address metabolic risk factors and follow vaccination or hepatitis-testing advice relevant to your circumstances.
Be cautious with supplements
Products marketed as natural or as a liver detox are not automatically safe. Some supplements and herbal products can themselves cause liver injury.
This is general information and does not replace individual medical assessment.
Understanding the newer terminology
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the newer name used for much of what was previously called non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. “Steatotic” means fat accumulation. The amount of scarring, called fibrosis, is important to prognosis, so a scan showing fat does not answer every question.
Make a follow-up plan
Ask which cause is suspected and whether fibrosis assessment or specialist advice is needed. Weight management may help selected people with metabolic liver disease, but it should be adapted to health and nutrition needs. Severe restriction is not a universal treatment for hepatitis, cirrhosis or other liver conditions. Vomiting blood, black stools with illness, confusion or severe deterioration needs emergency care.
Practical checklist
- Bring previous liver results and dates.
- List alcohol intake, medicines, herbal products and supplements honestly.
- Ask whether hepatitis testing or vaccination is appropriate.
- Clarify whether scarring needs assessment.
- Set a review date and specific goals with the clinician.
Common question
Will a liver detox supplement help?
A detox label is not evidence of benefit. Some products can injure the liver or interact with medicines; discuss them before use.
Sources and further reading
Related support
Use our appointment preparation guide, resources and community support to plan your next step.
Sources checked 22 September 2026. General education, not individual medical advice. International service arrangements may differ from South Africa. Featured artwork is illustrative, not a patient testimonial.









