The Silent Struggles of Liver Health in Japan
On July 28, designated as Hepatitis Day by Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, awareness of liver health takes center stage for a whole week known as Hepatitis Week. The liver, often referred to as the "silent organ," can deteriorate without noticeable symptoms, raising the risk of conditions like viral hepatitis and fatty liver that should not be ignored.
To shed light on this issue, haju Corporation, based in Fukuoka and known for its liver health supplement "Kankatsu Ganman," recently conducted an online survey involving 500 adults across Japan. The findings highlight a concerning disconnect between awareness and action.
Survey Summary
- - A significant 76% of respondents feel "very anxious" or "a little anxious" about elevated liver enzyme levels (ALT, AST).
- - 24% reported having been told by a healthcare professional in the past year that they had higher than normal levels.
- - However, only 12% of participants are actively taking measures to improve their liver health.
Reasons for Inaction
Among those not taking action, many cited several reasons:
-
52% believe that they’re "not too worried yet."
-
43% don’t know which effective measures exist.
- Other reasons included costs (23%), perceived difficulty (17%), and lack of time (11%).
Despite these concerns,
48% of participants primarily turn to the internet and social media for health information, suggesting a trend in how awareness is spread. Alarmingly,
20% of respondents admitted they do not actively seek any health information.
Insights from the Data
Feelings toward elevated liver enzyme levels:
- - "Very anxious": 15.4%
- - "A little anxious": 60.4%
This indicates that three out of four individuals harbor concerns regarding their liver health.
Experiencing abnormal liver enzyme levels in the past year:
- - "Yes": 24.2%
- - "No": 67.6%
- - "Don’t remember": 8.2%
Taking measures to improve liver health:
- - "Taking action": 12.0%
- - "Want to but haven’t yet": 31.2%
- - "Not doing anything": 56.8%
Self-check and Self-care
To promote better liver health, individuals are encouraged to take the following steps:
- - Regular Health Check-ups: Keep track of ALT, AST, and γ-GTP levels annually.
- - Designate Regular Alcohol-Free Days: Aim for at least one day a week without alcohol.
- - Balanced Diet: Focus on high-protein, low-fat meals rich in vitamins and minerals.
- - Exercise: Aim for moderate physical activity like walking for at least 30 minutes, three times a week.
- - Consider Supplements: Explore functional supplements like those containing Garcinia cambogia.
About haju Corporation
haju Corporation operates with the motto, "A little lighter every day," offering supplements and healthcare products that cater to both the body and mind. The brand aims to support individuals of all ages and genders in enjoying health authentically through carefully crafted products tailored for customer experiences.
For those looking to invest in their liver health, special pricing is available at:
Purchase here.
Follow-Up Statements
The survey results remind us that on July 28, 2025, during Hepatitis Day, we can take our first steps toward addressing our liver health more proactively. By initiating conversations and seeking the necessary knowledge, everyone can begin to care for this vital yet often neglected organ.