Diet plays a vital role in health. Indeed, certain diets can help take care of your cardiovascular health, limit the risks of diabetes or even dementia. But poor eating habits can have detrimental consequences on your health. Asked by The media ParadeDr Supriya Rao, gastroenterologist at Integrated Gastroenterology, in the United States, presents a very widespread bad habit which directly impacts the liver and which would increase the risk of NAFLD (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease).
Sodas and processed foods increase the risk of liver disease
As a reminder, NAFLD, also known as non-alcoholic fatty liver, is a disease associated with metabolic syndrome. “It is characterized by an accumulation of fats in the liver, apart from any excessive consumption of alcohol”, specifies Health Insurance. It should be noted that today it is called “steatotic liver disease associated with metabolic dysfunction” (MASLD). In the United States, 30% of the population is affected.
According to Dr Supriya, who speaks in the columns of Parade, having an unhealthy diet increases the risk of this disease. The specialist therefore recommends avoiding “processed foods and sugary drinks”. More generally, Dr Darlene Negbenebor, gastroenterologist at Stamford Gastroenterology, emphasizes in Parade “that a diet rich in saturated fats and simple carbohydrates (the typical American diet) and increased alcohol consumption are the most common habits that cause liver damage”.
Liver diseases: how to limit the risks?
To limit the risks of liver disease, also called hepatopathy, specialists recommend limit alcohol consumption and to favor a Healthy eating containing fruits And vegetables, by limiting processed foods and sugary drinks. “A simple way to do this is to ‘eat the rainbow,’ which means eating lots of colorful fruits and vegetables and avoiding heavy pastas, fried foods and decadent desserts,” emphasizes Dr Supriya Rao.
Among the diets, it is possible to turn to the Mediterranean diet, “which is a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and healthy fats, improves liver fat deposition and inflammation” adds Dr Darlene Negbenebor. The magazine U.S. News & World Report has also been ranked at the top of the healthiest diets. According to the experts who carried out this classification, it is “a premier diet plan for those seeking a heart-healthy diet, a diabetes-friendly diet, or to promote bone and joint health”.
Sources:
- Parade – One Common Habit That Could Be Damaging Your Liver, According to a Gastroenterologist – 02/01/2024
- Health Insurance: Treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver and steatohepatitis