Latest news with #Hepatology
Economic Times
8 hours ago
- Health
- Economic Times
Ghee, butter, coconut oil bad for liver? Doctor recommends switching to seed oils
Challenging traditional beliefs, liver specialists now advise replacing ghee, butter, and coconut oil with refined seed oils for cooking and cold-pressed options for raw consumption. This shift aims to reduce liver fat, improve lipid profiles, and lower internal inflammation, particularly for those prone to fatty liver disease. Studies suggest saturated fats worsen insulin resistance and elevate liver triglycerides. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Why are saturated fats being flagged by liver doctors? How should you actually use seed oils in daily cooking? Can changing oil alone really improve liver test results? Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads FAQs Most kitchens use ghee , butter, or coconut oil but could these beloved fats be harming your liver ? A liver expert now recommends switching to refined and cold-pressed seed oils for improved liver health. His advice challenges many of our long-held beliefs about "traditional fats."The liver specialists reportedly warn that using ghee, coconut oil, and butter on a regular basis can harm liver health, particularly in people who are predisposed to fatty liver now recommend usingfor cooking andfor raw consumption to improve liver function and reduce internal Cyriac Abby Philips, a hepatologist who goes by TheLiverDoc on social media, presents a completely different viewpoint on liver health. He wrote on X, "Switch from saturated fats like coconut oil, clarified butter (ghee), lard and butter to refined (for cooking), unrefined and cold pressed (for direct use) seed oils rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated to experience improved liver tests and reduce liver fat,' as per a report by The Indian Express.'Increasing clinical research supports this claim," says Dr. Manoj Gupta, head of PSRI Hospital's Liver Transplant and Surgical Gastroenterology department, in an interview with The Indian is well known that saturated fats, such as those in ghee, butter, coconut oil, and lard, can lead to the accumulation of liver fat, particularly in those who are either at risk for or have been diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).High consumption of saturated fats has been shown to worsen insulin resistance, raise hepatic triglyceride levels, and activate inflammatory pathways in the liver, according to studies published in journals such as Hepatology and The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism."While traditional fats like ghee and coconut oil are culturally significant and consumed in moderation in many households, excessive and regular intake, especially in the context of a sedentary lifestyle and calorie-dense diet, can worsen metabolic health, including liver function," continues Dr. Jagadish Hiremath, a public health responses, he says, can differ, and the total dietary pattern, lifestyle, and pre-existing metabolic risk factors are more important than any one methods have an impact on the healthfulness of seed oils. Safer for deep-frying and sautéing, refined seed oils, such as canola, rice bran, or sunflower oil, are treated to eliminate impurities and tolerate high cooking temperatures without contrast, cold-pressed or unrefined oils are extracted by mechanical pressure without the use of heat or chemicals, preserving antioxidants, phytosterols, and vitamin E, all of which are good for the liver and heart but are heat-sensitive and best eaten people with fatty liver disease, substituting monounsaturated and polyunsaturated seed oils for saturated fats has demonstrated encouraging outcomes in terms of lowering liver fat and improving lipid advantages become even more noticeable when regular exercise and a lower sugar intake are added, making this one of the most affordable and easily accessible liver health in excess, they can increase liver fat and inflammation—particularly if you already have a fatty liver or live a sedentary recommend refined seed oils for cooking and cold-pressed oils, such as flaxseed or sunflower, for raw use.
Time of India
10 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
Ghee, butter, coconut oil bad for liver? Doctor recommends switching to seed oils
Most kitchens use ghee , butter, or coconut oil but could these beloved fats be harming your liver? A liver expert now recommends switching to refined and cold-pressed seed oils for improved liver health. His advice challenges many of our long-held beliefs about "traditional fats." The liver specialists reportedly warn that using ghee, coconut oil, and butter on a regular basis can harm liver health, particularly in people who are predisposed to fatty liver disease. Doctors now recommend using refined seed oils for cooking and cold-pressed oils for raw consumption to improve liver function and reduce internal inflammation. Dr. Cyriac Abby Philips, a hepatologist who goes by TheLiverDoc on social media, presents a completely different viewpoint on liver health. He wrote on X, "Switch from saturated fats like coconut oil, clarified butter (ghee), lard and butter to refined (for cooking), unrefined and cold pressed (for direct use) seed oils rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated to experience improved liver tests and reduce liver fat,' as per a report by The Indian Express. ALSO READ: Can Omega-3 lower blood sugar? One woman's 3-month prediabetes reversal sparks hope Live Events Why are saturated fats being flagged by liver doctors? 'Increasing clinical research supports this claim," says Dr. Manoj Gupta, head of PSRI Hospital's Liver Transplant and Surgical Gastroenterology department, in an interview with The Indian Express. It is well known that saturated fats, such as those in ghee, butter, coconut oil, and lard, can lead to the accumulation of liver fat, particularly in those who are either at risk for or have been diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). High consumption of saturated fats has been shown to worsen insulin resistance, raise hepatic triglyceride levels, and activate inflammatory pathways in the liver, according to studies published in journals such as Hepatology and The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. "While traditional fats like ghee and coconut oil are culturally significant and consumed in moderation in many households, excessive and regular intake, especially in the context of a sedentary lifestyle and calorie-dense diet, can worsen metabolic health, including liver function," continues Dr. Jagadish Hiremath, a public health intellectual. Individual responses, he says, can differ, and the total dietary pattern, lifestyle, and pre-existing metabolic risk factors are more important than any one food. ALSO READ: Cow's milk makes a comeback! New study says it's healthier than oat milk after all How should you actually use seed oils in daily cooking? Processing methods have an impact on the healthfulness of seed oils. Safer for deep-frying and sautéing, refined seed oils, such as canola, rice bran, or sunflower oil, are treated to eliminate impurities and tolerate high cooking temperatures without degrading. In contrast, cold-pressed or unrefined oils are extracted by mechanical pressure without the use of heat or chemicals, preserving antioxidants, phytosterols, and vitamin E, all of which are good for the liver and heart but are heat-sensitive and best eaten raw. Can changing oil alone really improve liver test results? In people with fatty liver disease, substituting monounsaturated and polyunsaturated seed oils for saturated fats has demonstrated encouraging outcomes in terms of lowering liver fat and improving lipid profiles. These advantages become even more noticeable when regular exercise and a lower sugar intake are added, making this one of the most affordable and easily accessible liver health interventions. FAQs Are ghee and coconut oil bad for the liver? Yes, in excess, they can increase liver fat and inflammation—particularly if you already have a fatty liver or live a sedentary lifestyle. Which oils should I use instead? Doctors recommend refined seed oils for cooking and cold-pressed oils, such as flaxseed or sunflower, for raw use.
CNET
5 days ago
- Health
- CNET
Is Your Bloating Normal or Something More Serious? Here's How to Tell
Bloating is an all-too-common issue, and it can occur for a variety of reasons, some of which may be avoidable. You can get bloated from overeating or even stress. Abdominal bloating can often be normal and not a cause for concern, but it can sometimes be a sign of other issues. You should watch out for these signs, just in case. A lot of people suffer from bloating. A study by the Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology Journal found that of nearly 89,000 survey respondents, almost 14% reported bloating within the past seven days. One notable finding from the study was that women and people who usually have abnormal issues were most likely to report bloating. If having a flatter stomach all the time is your primary reason for worrying about bloating, you might be chasing an unrealistic goal, despite what you've heard from those TikTok "gurus." However, if your bloating arrives with other digestive symptoms, it could be hinting at an underlying issue. No two people function the same way, but bloating throughout the day or month is routine for many of us. I, for example, tend to get a visible food baby by the end of the day. For a good while, I felt ashamed of that post-meal bloat and found myself sucking in my stomach, hiding it or avoiding the mirror altogether. But dietitians and wellness influencers have done some good work to normalize bloating, which has helped me learn to shake off the shame, tune into my own body and learn what's "normal" for me. I spoke with a registered dietitian nutritionist and a family doctor to find out the truth about bloating and when you should be concerned. Here's what you need to know. What is bloating? Kitsada Wetchasart/EyeEm/Getty Images Bloating refers to a swollen, tight or full feeling in the abdomen. In everyday usage, "bloating" is used to describe a wide range of causes for a larger-than-usual belly. Gaby Vaca-Flores, registered dietitian nutritionist and founder of Glow+Greens, says that "bloating, in most cases, is perfectly normal." As your food is digested into smaller pieces, some types of foods ferment and release gas, she explains: "Under normal circumstances, 'food babies' are simply made up of intestinal gas." As the digestion process continues, the bloating goes down. "After eating a meal we all get a degree of bloating," explains Dr. David Beatty, who's worked as a general practitioner for over 30 years in England. Because of the way your bones and muscles are shaped, the front and sides of the belly are most likely to stretch and distend to make room for the extra volume after you eat or drink, Beatty says. But if bloating is so common, why does it have such a negative connotation? "Bloating can change the size and shape of your stomach," Vaca-Flores says. "I think this temporary change in appearance can be upsetting since we often see healthy people depicted as having a flat-looking stomach. The good news is that bloating happens to everyone and it's perfectly normal for our body's appearance to fluctuate throughout the day." What causes bloating? CatherineMany people assume that bloating must be caused by some sort of health issue, but in most cases, it's just part of digestion, Vaca-Flores says. Still, why do some people bloat more than others, and why do you only bloat at certain times? Common causes of bloating include: Eating or chewing quickly Eating a large meal Bubbly drinks Not enough water or fiber Hormonal changes (e.g. your menstrual cycle) Stress Some medications However, bloating is one symptom of certain health issues. It's important to know the difference between normal, everyday bloating and the type of bloating that may be associated with a health condition so that you can get the right treatment. Normal vs. abnormalLike with other unrealistic beauty standards, people on social media have worked to dismantle the idea that bloating is inherently bad by sharing photos of their stomachs before and after they eat, or during their periods. One content creator, @claraandherself on TikTok, has built a 1-million-strong follower base, thanks in large part to her viral "outfits before and after I eat" videos. "If I'm totally honest with you, I only have abs in the morning," an Instagram influencer, @stephelswood, wrote in a post in 2017. "It's natural. Don't punish yourself for it." One common refrain on social media is that the difference between normal and abnormal bloating is pain — if it doesn't hurt, it's nothing to worry about. But the truth isn't quite that simple, Vaca-Flores says, because pain is a subjective experience. "Some people might describe the abdominal pressure from normal bloating as painful whereas others might say it's uncomfortable," she says. "Similarly, people with underlying health conditions may experience bloating that is constant, but not painful." A better way to identify abnormal bloating is by looking for other accompanying symptoms. This type of bloating usually occurs alongside at least one other symptom, like nausea, diarrhea or constipation, Vaca-Flores explains. Also, keep track of when and how often you experience bloat. "People with digestion-related health conditions are likely to experience bloating at most meals," she says. Some health conditions that may contribute to bloating include: Irritable bowel syndrome Inflammatory bowel disease Gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as GERD Celiac disease Other food sensitivities or intolerances Constipation Dr. Beatty emphasizes that more serious health conditions can also result in a bloated abdominal area, including ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids and swelling of the liver, spleen, kidneys or lymph glands. If you experience continuous bloating that doesn't come and go, it's important to see a doctor. "This is more likely to be due to one of the more serious causes," Dr. Beatty says. Even if your bloating is caused by a health condition, that's no reason to beat yourself up about what it looks like, any more than you would beat yourself up about getting a headache. Bellies simply change shape, and that's OK. How to prevent bloatingRegardless of how you feel about your bloat, you should never avoid eating just to avoid bloating. Instead, try these management techniques for prevention, courtesy of Dr. Beatty. Eat with your mouth closed Increase physical activity to help speed up digestion Avoid drinking fizzy drinks and chewing gum Eat the most gas-producing foods, like beans, lentils and cruciferous vegetables, in moderation Try probiotics in moderation Eat more frequent, smaller meals and snacks Manage your stress levels How to get rid of"Usually, normal bloating can be relieved with common remedies like taking digestive enzymes, drinking warm beverages and walking," Vaca-Flores says. "Nevertheless, passing gas and having a bowel movement should help bloating go away within a few hours." If these remedies aren't working for you, a healthcare provider can assist you with finding a more effective and reliable solution. Be wary of using over-the-counter "detox" supplements to address bloating -- many of these products have a laxative effect and are potentially dangerous to use over time.
Medscape
04-06-2025
- Health
- Medscape
Management of Pediatric Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (NASPGHAN, 2025)
Editorial Note: These are some of the highlights of the guidelines without analysis or commentary. For more information, go directly to the guidelines by clicking the link in the reference. Guidelines on pediatric cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) were published in April 2025 by the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition in the Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition .[1] Abortive Treatment Antimigraine agents, such as triptans and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, are strongly recommended for treating acute episodes of pediatric CVS in patients who have a personal or family history of migraine. Other options for treating acute CVS episodes in children and adolescents are 5-hydroxytryptamine 3 and neurokinin 1 (NK-1) receptor antagonists. Administration of intravenous fluids is suggested for patients who do not respond to outpatient abortive therapy. Prophylactic Treatment To prevent CVS episodes, suggested nonpharmacologic approaches are trigger avoidance and the use of dietary supplements, such as coenzyme Q10, riboflavin, and magnesium. Medications that are suggested for prophylaxis include beta-blockers and NK-1 and 5-hydroxytryptamine 2A receptor antagonists. Tricyclic antidepressants may be considered for patients with frequent and severe symptoms. Because of their adverse effects, anticonvulsants are generally not recommended for prophylaxis and should be reserved for patients who have refractory CVS. For more information, please go to Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Common herbal supplements taken by millions of Americans could be linked to deadly liver damage
Commonly-used herbal and dietary supplements taken by millions of Americans to stay healthy have been tied to a rising number of cases of liver damage and toxicity. Supplement-related liver failure that required U.S. patients to be put on a waitlist for a transplant increased by eight times the previous level from 1995 through 2020, according to a 2022 study in the journal Liver Transplantation. Another study found that 20 percent of liver toxicity cases around the country are linked to the supplements, according to research published in the journal Hepatology. The result of the damage can be life-threatening. Liver disease results in more than 50,000 deaths each year, according to federal health officials. The result of the drug-induced liver injury known as hepatotoxicity can be impaired liver function and liver failure. Cases of hepatotoxicity may be rare, but it remains unclear just how rare. Still, some 15 million Americans are using supplements containing ingredients that are potentially harmful to the liver. 'I think people assume these things are safe,' Dr. Dina Halegoua-De Marzio, a Jefferson Health hepatologist, told NBC News. 'The No. 1 reason we see people taking these are for good health or to supplement their health, and so I don't think that they realize that there is a real risk here.' So, what are the offending supplements tied to these cases? You may regularly use them in cooking. Many patients take them with the aim of improving their health. The bright yellow spice turmeric is the most commonly consumed in the U.S., according to a study published last year in the journal JAMA Network Open. Black cohosh, red yeast rice, Garcinia cambogia, and green tea extract were also identified on a list compiled by researchers at the University of Michigan. 'When you cook with turmeric, that could be really safe. But some of the supplements now are 2,000 milligrams plus, which is a very high dose of turmeric,' Halegoua-De Marzio said, noting that adding black pepper could make the liver 'really sick.' Online, many of these supplements are promoted as more natural options than prescription medications. But, they are not subject to the same kind of testing and scrutiny as other drugs. That's not the only issue. Physicians say insufficient attention in medical screenings and mislabeling are two other problems to be aware of. 'We performed analytical chemistry and found about a 50 percent mismatch between stated ingredients on the label and what they actually contained, which is quite alarming,' Dr. Robert Fontana, a University of Michigan Medicine hepatologist, said in a statement. 'If you buy a supplement and it says it has a certain ingredient, it's basically a coin flip if that's true or not.' Fewer than 40 percent of patients willingly tell their doctors about the supplements they are taking, according to Kaiser Permanente primary care physician Dr. Crystal Xue. Without the guiding hand of doctors, people who take too much may not realize the risk. New Jersey's Robert Grafton told NBC News that if he hadn't been in the medical field, he might have taken more supplements to help him feel better. Instead, following a trip to the hospital, he found out he had a drug-induced liver injury after taking ashwagandha, turmeric pills, and other supplements. Some people are even genetically vulnerable to this kind of damage. Although, that's also true for prescription drugs. Symptoms of liver damage and toxicity can differ, but generally include fever, fatigue, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, urine changes, and jaundice. There are some 44,000 estimated cases of liver damage associated with the drugs each year, including 2,700 deaths. That number is likely an undercount. People can still take supplements, given they do so safely. However, given the lack of regulation in this area, researchers hope to raise awareness about the issue to try to prevent future deaths. 'We're not trying to create alarm,' Fontana said. 'We're just trying to increase awareness that the over-the-counter supplements people are taking and buying have not been tested nor necessarily proven to be safe,' he said.
