Latest news with #NAFLD
Time of India
15 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
5 critical symptoms of liver disease that require immediate medical attention
Liver diseases are increasing globally, marked by conditions like NAFLD, hepatitis, and cirrhosis, leading to a surge in liver-related deaths. Early detection is crucial due to the silent progression of these diseases. Key warning signs include vomiting blood, difficulty breathing, dark stools, confusion, drowsiness, and jaundice, all requiring immediate medical attention to prevent severe complications. Liver diseases are on the rise worldwide, with studies showing a sharp spike in conditions such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), hepatitis, and cirrhosis. Liver-related deaths have surged in the past decade, according to a 2023 report , and a largely driven by lifestyle-related factors and late-stage diagnosis. What makes liver disease even more dangerous is that it can be silent, and often progresses without noticeable symptoms until it reaches a critical stage. Knowing the early warnings are vital. Similarly, recognizing the warning signs is crucial. Here are some of the red flag symptoms of liver disease, which require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek emergency care immediately. Vomiting blood Vomiting blood is the biggest red flag symptom. This condition, also known as hematemesis, hints at serious liver disease, particularly cirrhosis. The blood may appear as bright red blood or resemble coffee grounds. This happens due to the ruptured varices, which are enlarged veins in the esophagus or stomach, often linked to advanced liver disease like cirrhosis. The liver's inability to regulate blood flow can cause pressure buildup in the portal vein system. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Se você sofre com dores no joelho, leia isso antes que seja apagado Receita Anti-Dores Undo This symptom is especially alarming, so it is important to seek immediate help. Delaying treatment risks severe blood loss or even shock. Difficulty breathing People often tend to associate difficulty in breathing with respiratory disease. However, it could also be a warning sign of serious liver disease. Feeling like you cannot get enough air when you breathe, or shortness of breath, is a critical symptom. Shortness of breath is a common complaint made by people with chronic liver disease. A person with impaired liver function could experience fluid buildup in the abdomen (ascites) or lungs (hepatic hydrothorax), which can compress the diaphragm, making it difficult to breathe. Another possible cause could be anemia or reduced oxygen-carrying capacity due to internal bleeding. Immediate medical attention is required in his case. Dark black or tar-like stool If the stools appear black, tarry, or unusually dark, it is a red flag. This condition is known as melena, which often indicates bleeding in the upper digestive tract. This occurs due to internal bleeding resulting from ruptured varices or ulcers, which are often worsened by the liver's impaired ability to produce essential clotting factors. The stool may also be sticky and have a foul smell. Do not wait any further if you notice this symptom. It is important to identify and stop the source of bleeding. See More: Harvard doctor on why THIS powerful ingredient must be added to the morning coffee everyday Confusion and drowsiness Feeling unusually confused, disoriented, or struggling to stay awake are symptoms that you should never ignore. This may be due to hepatic encephalopathy, a brain dysfunction caused by liver failure. The confusion and drowsiness happen when the liver cannot filter toxins like ammonia from the blood; these substances accumulate and impair cognitive function. Immediate medical attention is important to manage toxin levels and prevent permanent brain damage. Critical signs that indicate the onset of a liver disease Jaundice Yellowing of the eyes and skin is a critical symptom. Jaundice is an important sign of liver dysfunction, especially if it appears suddenly. This condition happens when the liver fails to process bilirubin, a waste product from red blood cells. Though jaundice can have other causes, new or worsening cases without prior symptoms could hint at serious liver disease . If this symptom is accompanied by other signs, including fatigue or abdominal pain, seek immediate medical care.
Economic Times
16 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
18 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.
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Harvard uni's liver specialist ranks 10 foods for fatty liver on a scale of 1 to 10: Ripe bananas to green tea
Your liver is the largest organ inside your body, helping you digest food, store energy, and remove toxic material. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the global prevalence of NAFLD (Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease) is 30 percent and increasing. This requires urgent strategies to raise awareness and for people to improve their diet and lifestyle. Per Dr Saurabh Sethi, green tea may not be the best option for you if you have fatty liver. (Adobe Stock) Also Read | Urologist explains role of gut microbiota in kidney health and diseases: 'To avoid kidney issues, focus on gut health' In a video posted on June 26, Dr Saurabh Sethi, a gastroenterologist and liver specialist trained at AIIMS, Harvard, and Stanford Universities, ranked 10 common foods based on how good they are for fatty liver. The list will help you make informed decisions the next time you are picking up a food that may be harmful if you have a fatty liver. Liver specialist ranks 10 common foods Sharing the list, Dr Sethi wrote, 'Are you struggling with fatty liver or worried about your liver health? In this video, I'm ranking 10 common foods based on how good or bad they are for fatty liver, using the latest scientific research and clinical evidence.' Let's check out the list: Green tea: 5/10 Smoothies: 4/10 Berries: 7/10 Chia and basil seeds: 8/10 Beets: 6/10 Very ripe banana: 3/10 Freshly squeezed fruit juice: 2/10 Avocado: 9/10 Store-bought fruit juice: 1/10 Black coffee: 10/10 What is fatty liver? According to MedlinePlus, fatty liver disease is a condition in which fat builds up in your liver, and there are mainly two types: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and alcoholic fatty liver disease, also called alcoholic steatohepatitis. Though the cause of NAFLD is unknown. Researchers do know that it is more common in people who: Have type 2 diabetes and prediabetes Have obesity Are middle-aged or older (although children can also get it) Have high levels of fats in the blood, such as cholesterol and triglycerides Have high blood pressure Have certain metabolic disorders, including metabolic syndrome Have rapid weight loss Have certain infections, such as hepatitis C Have been exposed to some toxins Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition. Catch every big hit, every wicket with Crick-it, a one stop destination for Live Scores, Match Stats, Quizzes, Polls & much more. Explore now!. Catch your daily dose of Fashion, Taylor Swift, Health, Festivals, Travel, Relationship, Recipe and all the other Latest Lifestyle News on Hindustan Times Website and APPs.
Medical News Today
2 days ago
- Health
- Medical News Today
Is the keto diet good for liver cirrhosis?
The ketogenic or keto diet is a high fat, low-carbohydrate eating plan. While some early studies suggest that keto may improve liver function in certain conditions like nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), its effects on advanced liver damage, such as cirrhosis, are less clear and potentially cirrhosis is the final stage of chronic liver damage, where healthy tissue is replaced with scar tissue, impairing liver function. Diet plays a critical role in managing cirrhosis, and healthcare professionals often advise people to follow a balanced diet that supports liver health and prevents further several animal studies suggest that the keto diet may worsen liver injury in the context of fibrosis or cirrhosis. A 2021 study in mice found that a high fat ketogenic diet increased cholesterol buildup in the liver. It also noted that the keto diet increased liver inflammation and markers of findings suggest that in cases of existing liver damage, a keto diet may accelerate liver dysfunction rather than improve in some short-term human studies, results are more promising. A 2020 study showed that a 6-day controlled ketogenic diet in adults with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease showed rapid reductions in liver fat and better insulin resistance. A 2025 review of very-low-calorie keto diets (VLCKD) showed substantial reductions in liver fat, improved insulin sensitivity, and lower liver enzyme levels. However, it noted that long-term safety data, especially in cirrhosis, are still limited. These studies suggest short-term benefits in reducing fat and inflammation in early liver disease, but they involved people with fatty liver before cirrhosis represents advanced, irreversible liver damage. Most keto studies exclude patients with cirrhosis, and animal data warn of possible harm from increased fibrosis and ketogenic diets may help reverse liver fat and early fibrosis, there is no strong evidence supporting their safety or benefit in established with liver disease who is considering a major dietary change like the keto diet should do so only under the close guidance of a hepatologist or clinical nutrition specialist. More research is needed to determine whether this type of diet is safe or effective in cirrhosis management.
