That’s a wrap on Liver Health Month 2023!

To all those who submitted a question during the month of March – thank you! You’ve helped us to inform and educate thousands of Canadians on the importance of liver health. 

Please note that this year’s question submission form is now closed. If you have a question about liver disease from diagnosis to treatment, or have a general liver health inquiry, you can connect with our education team all year long. 

National Help Line: 1-800-563-5483
Email: clf@liver.ca

You’ve come to the right place if you’re navigating life with liver disease or wish to learn more about liver health. Due to volume, we won’t be able to share the answer to every submission on our social platforms, but rest assured that a member of our education team will respond to your question via email.

After you’ve submitted your question (using the form above), take a moment to peruse the posts below! You’ll find a wide variety of frequently asked questions with insightful and informative answers from our trusted community of experts.

Do you need an immediate response or don’t see your question below? Call our National Help Line or email us directly any time.

National Help Line: 1-800-563-5483
Available Monday to Friday from 9-5 EST

Email: clf@liver.ca
Email us anytime

Here are the answers to your questions

Thank you for submitting your question!

When you donate a portion of your liver does your liver grow back?

Julia is a 24-year-old nurse from Vancouver, British Columbia. She’s one of the 10 Canadians who can proudly take on the title of a two-time living organ donor.  Julia’s devotion to impacting other’s lives through organ donation is an inspiration to many.

Is liver cancer curable if caught in the early stages?

Dr. Mayur Brahmania is currently a Clinical Associate Professor for the University of Calgary’s Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology. Dr. Brahmania is a clinical investigator who is working on defining benchmark quality indicators for liver disease across Canada, enabling the standardizing of care that patients receive.

If I have liver disease, am I at a greater risk of mental illness?

Dr. Noha Abdel Gawad is a consultation/liaison psychiatrist at the University Health Network’s Centre for Mental Health and an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto. She works closely with adult patients affected by liver disease and liver transplantation and mental illness.

What kinds of free resources are available to learn more about my liver health?

Nem Maksimovic is the Canadian Liver Foundation’s (CLF)Director of Health Promotion and Education. He manages the CLF’s National Help Line, answering emails and phone calls and supporting the liver community across the country.

If someone out there is thinking about becoming a living liver donor, what would you say to them?

Julia is a 24-year-old nurse from Vancouver, British Columbia. She’s one of the 10 Canadians who can proudly take on the title of a two-time living organ donor.  Julia’s devotion to impacting other’s lives through organ donation is an inspiration to many.

What are the early signs and symptoms of liver cancer?

Dr. Mayur Brahmania is currently a Clinical Associate Professor for the University of Calgary’s Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology. Dr. Brahmania is a clinical investigator who is working on defining benchmark quality indicators for liver disease across Canada, enabling the standardizing of care that patients receive.

Are there common risk factors to liver disease and psychiatric conditions?

Dr. Noha Abdel Gawad is a consultation/liaison psychiatrist at the University Health Network’s Centre for Mental Health and an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto. She works closely with adult patients affected by liver disease and liver transplantation and mental illness.

What are the best foods to add to my kitchen for optimal liver health?

Dr. Katherine J. P. Schwenger, PhD, RD is a Scientific Associate at the Toronto General Hospital. She completed her dietetic training at the University of Guelph before completing her PhD at the Institute of Medical Science at the University of Toronto. Dr. Schwenger’s research focus is in nutrition and gastrointestinal disorders.

Who is most at risk for developing cirrhosis?

Dr. Flemming is an Associate Professor of Medicine and Public Health Sciences at Queen’s University with clinical training in gastroenterology, hepatology, and liver transplantation. She is a clinician scientist who leads a research program that evaluate the epidemiology and outcomes of patients with cirrhosis.

How can I keep my liver healthy?

Elizabeth Lee is a nurse practitioner at the Toronto Centre for Liver Disease (located at the Toronto General Hospital). She has worked for over 14 years in various clinical settings in the community and within the University Health Network, spanning the continuum of chronic liver disease from diagnosis to transplantation. Her main clinical focus is on the management of patients with cirrhosis and alcohol-associated liver disease. She works on developing quality improvement initiatives and research projects aimed at optimizing clinical management in these patient populations.

I've recently been diagnosed with liver disease and am afraid of judgement when telling my friends and family. Do you have any advice?

Melanie Braga is a successful Canadian blogger* and an avid supporter of the CLF. She hopes to inspire and help others by documenting her journey in life and parenthood.
*Please note that mommabraga.com is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Canadian Liver Foundation.

What would you suggest for one easy weeknight dinner for someone trying to incorporate more liver-friendly foods into their diet?

Kathy Smart is a best-selling author, chef, nutritionist, and fitness trainer, and has been named North America’s Gluten-Free Expert. Kathy has engaged and inspired audiences for over 20 years, some past audiences include: Dr. Oz, The Social, TSN, and the Canadian Health Food Association.

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Sign up for our newsletter and stay up to date on the latest news, updates and resources for liver disease.