MIND YOUR LIVER. IT NEEDS YOU. ™
Some liver risks start before you’re even born. Let’s talk about what runs in the family.
Do you know if liver disease runs in your family?
We’re making space for what’s been hard to say.
About our health, our habits, and the weight we carry.
No one’s lifestyle should be shamed. We’re here to learn, heal, and move forward.
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Some liver conditions are directly inherited. Others show up more often in families—because of shared genes, shared habits, or both.
A parent or sibling with cirrhosis, fatty liver, or autoimmune liver disease
A family history of high cholesterol, diabetes, or obesity (linked to MASLD)
Rare genetic conditions like Wilson’s disease or hemochromatosis
Nature, Nurture, or Both?
Your genes might set the stage, but environment, lifestyle, and early screening all shape the story. Knowing your family history helps you act early.
This page is educational. It’s not a substitute for medical care. If you’re worried about your liver or have symptoms, talk to your provider. You deserve real answers and support.
Causes your body to absorb too much iron. Excess iron can damage your liver over time. Often underdiagnosed.
A rare disorder where copper builds up in the liver and other organs. Can be fatal without treatment but manageable with meds.
A genetic condition that can lead to lung and liver damage. Some people don’t find out until liver disease is advanced
Even conditions like MASLD and ALD can show family pattern that are linked to genetics and shared behaviours.
Ask your parents, grandparents, or siblings:
Has anyone had liver disease, cirrhosis, or “liver trouble”?
Any family history of hemochromatosis, Wilson’s, or autoimmune conditions?
Look out for relatives who:
Died young from “organ failure”
Had unexplained fatigue, jaundice, or liver transplants
Struggled with alcohol or metabolic issues
Basic blood panels or genetic testing (if recommended by your doctor) can help catch risks early—especially for inherited conditions.
Early screening, healthy habits, and treatment can reduce or delay damage, even with a genetic condition.
If you have a genetic risk, avoiding alcohol, reducing sugar, managing weight, and preventing other liver stress becomes even more important.
Some inherited diseases can be managed with medication or monitored closely. For example, Wilson’s disease often responds well to chelation therapy.
Many people live long, healthy lives with genetic liver conditions when they’re caught early.
Regular liver function tests
Avoid alcohol
Stay up to date on vaccines (hepatitis A/B, flu)
Follow a liver-safe diet
It depends on the condition. Some are autosomal recessive (need both parents to carry it), others are more complex. A genetic counselor can help.
If there’s family history or symptoms, yes. Many inherited liver conditions are silent for years before symptoms appear.
Start with a primary care provider. For genetic conditions, a hepatologist or genetic counselor may be needed.
Some forms (like hemochromatosis) are more common than people think, especially in certain populations.
References
Adams, P. C., & Barton, J. C. (2007).
Hemochromatosis. The Lancet, 370(9602), 1855–1860.
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(07)61793-5
Ferenci, P. (2006).
Diagnosis and current therapy of Wilson’s disease. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 23(6), 717–732.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2036.2006.02820.x
Stoller, J. K., & Aboussouan, L. S. (2005).
Alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency. The Lancet, 365(9478), 2225–2236.
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(05)66781-5
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MIND YOUR LIVER. IT NEEDS YOU. ™
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