Latest news with #fatty
Scroll.in
28-06-2025
- Health
- Scroll.in
Five ways you may be harming your liver
The liver is one of the hardest working organs in the human body. It detoxifies harmful substances, helps with digestion, stores nutrients, and regulates metabolism. Despite its remarkable resilience – and even its ability to regenerate – the liver is not indestructible. In fact, many everyday habits, often overlooked, can slowly cause damage that may eventually lead to serious conditions such as cirrhosis (permanent scarring of the liver) or liver failure. One of the challenges with liver disease is that it can be a silent threat. In its early stages, it may cause only vague symptoms like constant fatigue or nausea. As damage progresses, more obvious signs may emerge. One of the most recognisable is jaundice, where the skin and the whites of the eyes turn yellow. While most people associate liver disease with heavy drinking, alcohol isn't the only culprit. Here are five common habits that could be quietly harming your liver. 1. Drinking too much alcohol Alcohol is perhaps the most well-known cause of liver damage. When you drink, your liver works to break down the alcohol and clear it from your system. But too much alcohol overwhelms this process, causing toxic by products to build up and damage liver cells. Alcohol-related liver disease progresses in stages. At first, fat begins to accumulate in the liver (fatty liver), often without any noticeable symptoms and reversible if drinking stops. Continued drinking can lead to alcoholic hepatitis, where inflammation and scar tissue begin to form as the liver attempts to heal itself. Over time, this scarring can develop into cirrhosis, where extensive hardening of the liver seriously affects its ability to function. While cirrhosis is difficult to reverse, stopping drinking can help prevent further damage. Even moderate drinking, if sustained over many years, can take its toll, particularly when combined with other risk factors like obesity or medication use. Experts recommend sticking to no more than 14 units of alcohol per week, and including alcohol-free days to give your liver time to recover. 2. Poor diet and unhealthy eating habits You don't need to drink alcohol to develop liver problems. Fat can build up in the liver due to an unhealthy diet, leading to a condition now called metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Excess fat in the liver can impair its function and, over time, cause inflammation, scarring, and eventually cirrhosis. People who are overweight – particularly those who carry excess weight around their abdomen – are more likely to develop MASLD. Other risk factors include high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol. Diet plays a huge role. Foods high in saturated fat, such as red meat, fried foods and processed snacks, can raise cholesterol levels and contribute to liver fat accumulation. Sugary foods and drinks are also a major risk factor. In 2018, a review found that people who consumed more sugar sweetened drinks had a 40% higher risk of developing fatty liver disease. Ultra-processed foods such as fast food, ready meals and snacks packed with added sugar and unhealthy fats also contribute to liver strain. A large study found that people who ate more processed foods were significantly more likely to develop liver problems. On the flip side, eating a balanced, wholefood diet can help prevent – and even reverse – fatty liver disease. Research suggests that diets rich in vegetables, fruit, whole grains, legumes, and fish may reduce liver fat and improve related risk factors such as high blood sugar and cholesterol. Staying hydrated is also important. Aim for around eight glasses of water a day to support your liver's natural detoxification processes. 3. Overusing painkillers Many people turn to over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol for headaches, muscle pain, or fever. While generally safe when used as directed, taking too much – even slightly exceeding the recommended dose – can be extremely dangerous for your liver. The liver breaks down paracetamol, but in the process, produces a toxic by-product called NAPQI. Normally, the body neutralises NAPQI using a protective substance called glutathione. However, in an overdose, glutathione stores become depleted, allowing NAPQI to accumulate and attack liver cells. This can result in acute liver failure, which can be fatal. Even small overdoses, or combining paracetamol with alcohol, can increase the risk of serious harm. Always stick to the recommended dose and speak to a doctor if you find yourself needing pain relief regularly. 4. Lack of exercise A sedentary lifestyle is another major risk factor for liver disease. Physical inactivity contributes to weight gain, insulin resistance, and metabolic dysfunction – all of which can promote fat accumulation in the liver. The good news is that exercise can benefit your liver even if you don't lose much weight. One study found that just eight weeks of resistance training reduced liver fat by 13% and improved blood sugar control. Aerobic exercise is also highly effective: regular brisk walking for 30 minutes, five times a week, has been shown to reduce liver fat and improve insulin sensitivity. 5. Smoking Most people associate smoking with lung cancer or heart disease, but many don't realise the serious damage it can do to the liver. Cigarette smoke contains thousands of toxic chemicals that increase the liver's workload as it tries to filter and break them down. Over time, this can lead to oxidative stress, where unstable molecules (free radicals) damage liver cells, restrict blood flow, and contribute to scarring (cirrhosis). Smoking also significantly raises the risk of liver cancer. Harmful chemicals in tobacco smoke, including nitrosamines, vinyl chloride, tar, and 4-aminobiphenyl, are all known carcinogens. According to Cancer Research UK, smoking accounts for around 20% of liver cancer cases in the UK. Love your liver The liver is a remarkably robust organ – but it isn't invincible. You can protect it by drinking alcohol in moderation, quitting smoking, taking medications responsibly, eating a balanced diet, staying active and keeping hydrated. If you notice any symptoms that may suggest liver trouble, such as ongoing fatigue, nausea, or jaundice, don't delay speaking to your doctor. The earlier liver problems are detected, the better the chance of successful treatment.
Gulf Today
19-06-2025
- Health
- Gulf Today
The five everyday habits that might be quietly harming your liver
The liver is one of the hardest-working organs in the human body. It detoxifies harmful substances, helps with digestion, stores nutrients, and regulates metabolism. Despite its remarkable resilience - and even its ability to regenerate - the liver is not indestructible. In fact, many everyday habits, often overlooked, can slowly cause damage that may eventually lead to serious conditions such as cirrhosis (permanent scarring of the liver) or liver failure. One of the challenges with liver disease is that it can be a silent threat. In its early stages, it may cause only vague symptoms like constant fatigue or nausea. As damage progresses, more obvious signs may emerge. One of the most recognisable is jaundice, where the skin and the whites of the eyes turn yellow. While most people associate liver disease with heavy drinking, alcohol isn't the only culprit. Here are five common habits that could be quietly harming your liver. 1. Drinking too much alcohol Alcohol is perhaps the most well-known cause of liver damage. When you drink, your liver works to break down the alcohol and clear it from your system. But too much alcohol overwhelms this process, causing toxic byproducts to build up and damage liver cells. Alcohol-related liver disease progresses in stages. At first, fat begins to accumulate in the liver (fatty liver), often without any noticeable symptoms and is reversible if drinking stops. Continued drinking can lead to alcoholic hepatitis, where inflammation and scar tissue begin to form as the liver attempts to heal itself. Lack of exercise is another major risk factor for liver disease. AP Over time, this scarring can develop into cirrhosis, where extensive hardening of the liver seriously affects its ability to function. While cirrhosis is difficult to reverse, stopping drinking can help prevent further damage. Even moderate drinking, if sustained over many years, can take its toll, particularly when combined with other risk factors like obesity or medication use. Experts recommend sticking to no more than 14 units of alcohol per week, and including alcohol-free days to give your liver time to recover. 2. Poor diet and unhealthy eating habits You don't need to drink alcohol to develop liver problems. Fat can build up in the liver due to an unhealthy diet, leading to a condition now called metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Excess fat in the liver can impair its function and, over time, cause inflammation, scarring, and eventually cirrhosis. People who are overweight - particularly those who carry excess weight around their abdomen - are more likely to develop MASLD. Other risk factors include high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol. Diet plays a huge role. Foods high in saturated fat, such as red meat, fried foods and processed snacks, can raise cholesterol levels and contribute to liver fat accumulation. Sugary foods and drinks are also a major risk factor. In 2018, a review found that people who consumed more sugar-sweetened drinks had a 40 per cent higher risk of developing fatty liver disease. Ultra-processed foods such as fast food, ready meals and snacks packed with added sugar and unhealthy fats also contribute to liver strain. A large study found that people who ate more processed foods were significantly more likely to develop liver problems. On the flip side, eating a balanced, wholefood diet can help prevent - and even reverse - fatty liver disease. Research suggests that diets rich in vegetables, fruit, whole grains, legumes, and fish may reduce liver fat and improve related risk factors such as high blood sugar and cholesterol. Staying hydrated is also important. Aim for around eight glasses of water a day to support your liver's natural detoxification processes. 3. Overusing painkillers Many people turn to over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol for headaches, muscle pain, or fever. While generally safe when used as directed, taking too much - even slightly exceeding the recommended dose - can be extremely dangerous for your liver. The liver breaks down paracetamol, but in the process, produces a toxic by-product called NAPQI. Normally, the body neutralises NAPQI using a protective substance called glutathione. However, in an overdose, glutathione stores become depleted, allowing NAPQI to accumulate and attack liver cells. This can result in acute liver failure, which can be fatal. Even small overdoses, or combining paracetamol with alcohol, can increase the risk of serious harm. Always stick to the recommended dose and speak to a doctor if you find yourself needing pain relief regularly. 4. Lack of exercise A sedentary lifestyle is another major risk factor for liver disease. Physical inactivity contributes to weight gain, insulin resistance, and metabolic dysfunction - all of which can promote fat accumulation in the liver. The good news is that exercise can benefit your liver even if you don't lose much weight. One study found that just eight weeks of resistance training reduced liver fat by 13 per cent and improved blood sugar control. Aerobic exercise is also highly effective: regular brisk walking for 30 minutes, five times a week, has been shown to reduce liver fat and improve insulin sensitivity. 5. Smoking Most people associate smoking with lung cancer or heart disease, but many don't realise the serious damage it can do to the liver. Cigarette smoke contains thousands of toxic chemicals that increase the liver's workload as it tries to filter and break them down. Over time, this can lead to oxidative stress, where unstable molecules (free radicals) damage liver cells, restrict blood flow, and contribute to scarring (cirrhosis). Smoking also significantly raises the risk of liver cancer. Harmful chemicals in tobacco smoke, including nitrosamines, vinyl chloride, tar, and 4-aminobiphenyl, are all known carcinogens. According to Cancer Research UK, smoking accounts for around 20 per cent of liver cancer cases in the UK. Love your liver, the liver is a remarkably robust organ - but it isn't invincible. You can protect it by drinking alcohol in moderation, quitting smoking, taking medications responsibly, eating a balanced diet, staying active and keeping hydrated. If you notice any symptoms that may suggest liver trouble, such as ongoing fatigue, nausea, or jaundice, don't delay speaking to your doctor. The earlier liver problems are detected, the better the chance of successful treatment. The Independent
Time of India
10-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
These 3 (common) foods can damage the liver
Our liver is one of the most important organs of the body that plays a crucial role in numerous bodily functions, including filtering blood, producing bile, and metabolizing nutrients. It acts as a primary filtration system, removing toxins and waste products from the blood. However, certain foods, that otherwise seem harmless, can seriously damage the liver, and can manifest in the form of fatty liver, Cirrhosis, Fatty Liver Disease, Acute Liver Failure, and Chronic Liver Disease. The good news is that you can avoid consuming these foods in your regular diet, and prevent all these ailments. Let's take a look at top 3 foods that damage your liver (source: Fructose-Heavy Foods Fructose is a type of sugar found naturally in fruits, honey, and some sweeteners like high-fructose corn syrup. While small amounts of fructose from whole fruits are generally safe, consuming too much fructose, especially from processed foods and sweetened drinks, can damage the liver. When you eat a lot of fructose, your liver works hard to break it down. Unlike glucose, fructose is mostly processed in the liver, where it can quickly turn into fat. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo This can lead to fat building up inside the liver, a condition called non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Over time, this fat buildup can cause inflammation, scarring, and even liver cancer. High fructose intake also increases oxidative stress and inflammation in the liver. It can raise uric acid levels and blood pressure, and cause insulin resistance, which means your body doesn't respond well to insulin. These changes increase the risk of liver disease and other health problems like diabetes and heart disease. The problem is especially serious with processed foods and drinks that contain added fructose, such as sodas, candies, and many baked goods. These foods can overwhelm the liver's ability to process fructose safely, leading to liver damage. Industrial Seed Oils Industrial seed oils are oils extracted from seeds like sunflower, safflower, cottonseed, soybean, and corn. These oils are common in many processed and fried foods. While they may seem healthy because they come from plants, they can harm your liver and overall health. These oils are high in omega-6 fatty acids, which are essential in small amounts but harmful when consumed excessively. A high intake of omega-6 fats can cause chronic inflammation in the body, including the liver. This inflammation can contribute to liver damage and diseases like fatty liver. Moreover, industrial seed oils are unstable and easily oxidize when exposed to heat, light, or chemicals during processing and cooking. This oxidation produces harmful substances such as trans fats and lipid peroxides. Trans fats are linked to heart disease and type 2 diabetes, while lipid peroxides can damage liver cells by harming DNA and proteins. Repeatedly heating these oils, as happens in frying, makes them even more toxic and increases the risk of liver inflammation and damage. Studies also suggest that these oils may disrupt the balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut, further promoting inflammation and liver problems. Experts advise limiting the use of industrial seed oils and instead choosing healthier fats like olive oil, coconut oil, rice bran oil, and ghee. These alternatives are more stable and less likely to cause inflammation. Fruit Juices Many people think fruit juices are healthy, but most commercially available fruit juices are high in sugar and low in fiber. When fruit is juiced, the natural fiber is removed, leaving mostly sugar, especially fructose. Drinking large amounts of fruit juice can cause the same problems as eating too much fructose-heavy processed food. The liver has to process all that sugar, which can lead to fat accumulation, inflammation, and oxidative stress in liver cells. Unlike whole fruits, fruit juices cause a rapid spike in blood sugar and fructose levels, which overloads the liver. This can worsen fatty liver disease and increase the risk of liver damage. For those concerned about liver health, it is better to eat whole fruits rather than drinking fruit juices. Whole fruits contain fiber that slows sugar absorption and reduces the burden on the liver. Avoid fruit juices without pulp and those with added sugars, as they can contribute to liver fat and inflammation just like sugary sodas One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Hans India
01-05-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Diabetes drug can effectively treat fatty liver: Study
New Delhi: Treating patients with semaglutide -- an anti-diabetic medication -- can halt and even reverse liver disease, according to a study. Researchers from the King's College London, UK, chose to investigate semaglutide as a potential treatment because this class of drug helps reduce fat and liver scarring for people with metabolic dysfunction associated steatohepatitis (MASH) -- a life-threatening form of liver disease. MASH is a more severe form of Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) -- a long-lasting liver condition caused by having too much fat in the liver. It is closely linked with obesity as well as conditions such as type 2 diabetes and heart and circulatory disease. In the trial conducted across 37 countries around the world, 800 participants were randomly assigned to receive a once-weekly injection of 2.4 milligrams of semaglutide or placebo, alongside lifestyle counselling. The results, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, showed that after 72 weeks of treatment, 62.9 per cent of participants experienced a reduction in steatohepatitis (inflammation of the liver with fat accumulation in the liver) versus 34.3 per cent for participants who took the placebo. About 37 per cent of the semaglutide group also had improvements in their liver fibrosis versus 22.4 per cent in the placebo group. "MASLD is a growing problem worldwide and this trial will provide real hope for patients with MASH. While these results must be treated with caution, the analysis shows semaglutide can be an effective tool to treat this advanced liver disease," said Prof Philip Newsome, from King's College. Researchers also found that people receiving semaglutide had improvements in liver enzymes and other blood measures of liver fibrosis, as well as 10.5 per cent weight loss. However, gastrointestinal adverse events were more common in the semaglutide group, such as nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, and vomiting, the team said.
