After the whirlwind of winter holidays, many people find themselves worrying about mysterious aches and pains, especially when it comes to the right side of the abdomen. It’s a familiar scene: the table groans under rich, fatty, and spicy foods, glasses are raised a few too many times, and soon after, discomfort sets in. Instinctively, people point the finger at their liver. But according to a recent detailed explanation published on January 14, 2026, by leading physician and TV host Alexander Myasnikov, these concerns are often misplaced.
"The liver is one of the most resilient organs in the human body," Myasnikov explained, as reported by 24smi. It’s a powerhouse, handling both metabolism and detoxification after meals. Yet, despite its reputation for toughness, even the liver gets put to the test during the festive season. Still, Myasnikov reassures: "Short-term excesses, even over a couple of weeks, are unlikely to cause irreversible damage to the organ, unless accompanied by exposure to strong toxins." In other words, your liver is probably not the culprit behind that nagging pain after the holidays.
So what’s really going on? The article emphasizes that, more often than not, pain or discomfort after eating—especially after indulgent meals—is due to dysfunction or disease in other organs. The gallbladder, stomach, intestines, or pancreas are frequently the real sources of trouble. For example, inflammation of the bile ducts or pancreas can mimic what people think of as "liver pain." And it’s not just what you eat, but how much and how often: fatty, spicy, or fried foods are common triggers for these symptoms.
It turns out, as 24smi points out, that the liver itself doesn’t actually hurt. Instead, symptoms attributed to it are often confused with those arising from other digestive system diseases. Myasnikov likens the situation to having underinflated tires: "They need some air, not to be replaced or repaired." The discomfort is usually a sign that the digestive system is temporarily out of balance, not that the liver is in crisis.
Despite this, many people rush to folk remedies when they feel these symptoms. Some swear by fasting and drinking only water for a day, others reach for a hot water bottle, or even take castor oil. The perceived benefit, Myasnikov says, comes from giving the digestive system a break, not from "cleansing" the liver. "You can’t clean the liver like a container," he insists. True liver health, he argues, depends on long-term habits—not quick fixes.
The real enemies of the liver are well-known: overeating, excessive alcohol, and too much salt. The best way to recover after the holidays? Myasnikov recommends moderation, a balanced diet, and a healthy lifestyle. These, he says, are the only "treatments" that truly support liver health. "Recovery after the holidays isn’t about taking medicines," the article notes, "but rather about rebooting the body through sensible living." In other words, there’s no magic bullet—just the tried-and-true basics.
Yet, while many people fret over their livers, some face far more serious and complex health challenges. In another striking story published on January 14, 2026, a resident of Buryatia found herself in a dire medical situation after years of struggling with the aftermath of radiation therapy for a gynecological cancer. Her journey, reported by local news outlets, began with a devastating complication: a ruptured bladder and repeated failed attempts to restore her ureter, leaving only her right kidney functioning and urine draining through a nephrostomy tube.
With the New Year approaching, her situation became urgent. She was admitted to the hospital in Ulan-Ude after an emergency call, facing not only the physical toll of her illness but also the emotional strain of spending the holidays in a medical ward. Her case was so complex that local doctors called in an expert from Saint Petersburg—Dr. Sergey Reva, a renowned urologist and head of the first urology department at Pavlov University.
What happened next was nothing short of remarkable. On December 30, 2025, Dr. Reva and his team performed a unique laparoscopic surgery known as an onlay ureteroplasty. The procedure, which was described as a "laparoscopic online teleoperation" in the news, involved replacing the damaged section of her ureter with a graft made from the mucous membrane of her lower lip. It was a high-stakes operation, blending advanced technology with surgical ingenuity.
According to the medical team at the Semashko Republican Clinical Hospital, the surgery was a success. "The patient was discharged home in satisfactory condition and celebrated the New Year with her loved ones," hospital officials reported. For a woman who had endured so much—years of pain, failed surgeries, and the isolation of chronic illness—this was a hard-won victory. It’s a testament to the power of modern medicine and the skill of dedicated doctors.
But what does this mean for the rest of us, especially as we reflect on our own health after the holidays? Both stories serve as reminders that while it’s easy to worry about every ache and twinge, most post-holiday discomfort is benign and temporary. For the majority, a return to moderation and healthy habits is all that’s needed. Yet, for some, medical crises are real and require the expertise and compassion of the healthcare system at its best.
It’s also a call to be cautious about self-diagnosis and home remedies. As Myasnikov and other experts stress, persistent or severe symptoms should always prompt a visit to a medical professional. While folk wisdom may offer comfort, it can’t replace the insight of trained doctors—nor can it address the complex realities of serious disease.
In the end, whether it’s the everyday challenge of bouncing back after holiday excess or the extraordinary journey of a patient overcoming life-threatening complications, the message is clear: our bodies are resilient, but they need our care and attention. The liver, though tough, thrives on consistency, not quick fixes. And for those facing daunting health battles, the marvels of modern surgery and the dedication of medical teams offer hope and healing, even in the most trying times.
As the holiday lights dim and routines return, perhaps the best gift we can give ourselves is a renewed commitment to well-being—one rooted in knowledge, moderation, and the wisdom to seek help when it’s truly needed.
