The liver performs many vital functions, including removing toxins, storing nutrients, metabolizing fats and sugars, and breaking down alcohol and medications. Liver damage often progresses slowly and silently.

In the morning, the liver plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels, preparing the body for the day's activities. It's also ready to process ingested food and continue filtering toxins. However, some common morning habits can put undue stress on this vital organ.

Skipping breakfast

Some believe that skipping breakfast helps with weight loss, but it can have several negative impacts on the body. This habit can lead to reduced energy levels, difficulty concentrating, and increased cravings for unhealthy foods later in the day. The liver also needs fuel to function, especially after a long night without food. Prolonged fasting can increase stress hormones like cortisol, indirectly burdening the liver.

Additionally, the liver plays a role in regulating blood sugar. When you skip your first meal, your liver has to work harder to maintain stable glucose levels by converting stored glycogen into energy.

If you don't feel hungry in the morning, try some liver-friendly snacks like a boiled egg, a handful of almonds, or warm lemon water with a spoonful of soaked chia seeds. These light starters help your liver function better to begin the day.

Eating a sugary breakfast

Sugary cereals, jam-laden toast, and pastries like croissants may not be beneficial for your liver. Excess sugar, especially fructose, is metabolized in the liver. Too much sugar can lead to fat accumulation over time, increasing the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Prioritize low-sugar, high-fiber breakfast options like oatmeal, eggs with greens, or low-sugar yogurt with chia seeds. These are healthy choices that help your liver stabilize blood sugar without overloading it.

Taking supplements or medication on an empty stomach

The habit of taking medication or supplements immediately upon waking on an empty stomach is not beneficial for your health. Over time, taking medication or supplements at the wrong time can overload the liver's detoxification pathways, especially with fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) or unregulated herbal supplements. Follow prescribed dosages, consult your doctor, read labels carefully, and take them after or with food.

Taking medication or supplements on an empty stomach immediately upon waking can overload the liver. Photo: AI

Lack of exercise

Waking up and staying in bed scrolling through your phone for an extended period is not good for your liver or blood circulation. A sedentary lifestyle, especially right after waking up, can slow down your metabolism and weaken digestion. Light morning exercise like stretching, walking, or yoga can increase blood flow and support liver detoxification.

Poor sleep also stresses the liver due to high cortisol levels and blood sugar. Try to go to bed before 10 PM and avoid late-night snacking or screen time. The deeper and more sufficient your sleep, the better your liver can perform its functions overnight.

Bao Bao (According to Times of India)