Experts reveal that daily diet has become one of the most prominent factors threatening liver health, even among people who do not consume alcohol or drink it in small amounts.
With the increasing consumption of ultra-processed foods and sugary drinks, experts warn of rising rates of metabolic fatty liver disease, which could affect about 1.8 billion people worldwide by 2050 if lifestyles and diets do not change.
The danger of the disease lies in its silent progression over years, as it often presents no obvious symptoms in its early stages, leading to its discovery only after liver damage has occurred. If left untreated, it can progress to chronic inflammation and cirrhosis, and subsequently to liver failure or liver cancer.
However, experts confirm that the liver has a great capacity for recovery, if the disease is detected early and lifestyle changes are made, especially dietary changes.
Ultra-processed foods are a leading cause
Experts believe that ultra-processed foods pose the greatest risk to liver health, as they typically contain artificial sweeteners, preservatives, emulsifiers, and added flavors, along with large amounts of fats, sugars, and calories.
Segi Klavin, founder of the "Liver Clinic," says that the problem lies not only in the ingredients of these foods, but also in the ease with which they can be consumed in excess, leading to the accumulation of fat inside the body, with the liver being one of the first organs affected.
He added that the introduction of thousands of manufactured chemicals into the diet since the 1970s has coincided with a significant increase in rates of fatty liver disease.
The risks are not limited to sugar-sweetened soft drinks, as studies indicate that low-calorie or artificially sweetened beverages may also be linked to an increased risk of fatty liver disease.
Also, excessive consumption of fruit juices and smoothies may increase the burden on the liver, as they contain high amounts of fructose sugar, which is mainly metabolized within the liver.
Experts advise limiting the consumption of processed meats, such as sausages and bacon, because they contain preservatives, such as nitrates, which increase the burden on the liver.
As for red meat, it can be eaten in moderation, with a preference for low-fat varieties, because saturated fats may contribute to chronic inflammation when consumed in excess.
Therefore, the UK's National Health Service recommends not exceeding 70 grams per day of red and processed meat.
Experts confirm that alcohol remains a toxic substance to the liver, but its danger increases when mixed with soft drinks or sugar-sweetened beverages, or when painkillers such as paracetamol are taken after drinking it, because this places an additional burden on the liver.
Following the Mediterranean diet is one of the best options for maintaining liver health, as it is based on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, olive oil and fish, which are foods rich in fiber, antioxidants and healthy fats, which help reduce inflammation and lower liver fat.
Studies also indicate that drinking coffee regularly may reduce the risk of liver cancer and liver diseases, and this is believed to be due to its content of bioactive compounds and antioxidants that help reduce fibrosis and inflammation.
Liver disease is no longer limited to people who overindulge in alcohol, but has become more common among those with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure. Genetic factors may also play a role in some thin people developing the disease.
Experts point out that about 80% of people with fatty liver disease do not know that they have it, due to the absence of symptoms in the early stages, which makes early screening and lifestyle modification the most important means of preventing and reducing the complications of the disease.
