Liver Health Test: 6 Questions to Check Your Wellbeing

Answer 6 questions

The publication published a test that allows you to determine the approximate age of your liver – a maximum of 7 years. Why so little? It turns out that a team of scientists from Germany and Sweden recently found out that The average age of a healthy adult liver remains just under 3 years, and it doesn’t matter how old you really are now. The results of their 2022 study showed that liver cells (hepatocytes) live on average for about a year, and the vast majority of them never lived longer than three years – once they reached this age, they created new copies of themselves before dying off.

To determine the approximate age of the liver, you are asked to answer six questions. They reflect the main risk factors that, according to doctors, can seriously affect the health of this organ.

So, We take as a basis the average age of a healthy liver – 3 years. And then add or subtract years if you answer “yes” to the following questions.

1. You drink alcohol regularly—more than 15 drinks per week for men and more than 8 drinks per week for women for 20 years? One standard serving of alcohol contains approximately 10-12 g of pure ethanol – this is, for example, about 330 ml of 5% beer or 150 ml of wine. (+1 year)

2. Are you overweight or obese? We are talking about a waist circumference of more than 35.4 inches (about 90 cm) for men and 31.4 inches (79.7 cm) for women. (+1 year)

3. Have you been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes? (+1 year)

4. Have you had type 2 diabetes for 10 years or more? (+1 year)

5. Are you eating right and exercising? (-0.5 years)

6. Should you drink two cups of black coffee a day? Some studies suggest that drinking two cups a day may slow down the aging of the liver. (-0.5 years)

If your age is more than three years, this may indicate serious stress on the liver and risks of complications. If you have concerns, it is better to consult a doctor, check the condition of your liver and, if necessary, take measures in advance.

You can guess about measures to prevent liver disease from the test questions: bring your weight back to normal, engage in physical activity, at least walk more, watch your diet, completely stop or limit alcohol consumption, control your blood sugar levels. As Dr. Wills adds, Lifestyle changes are still the best way to take care of your liver.