Due to changing lifestyles, the increasing consumption of junk food and processed foods, the problem of fatty liver is increasing rapidly these days. Many people ignore it, considering it a common disease. Furthermore, many misconceptions about it also exist among the public.
Keeping this question in mind, Dr. Saurabh Sethi, a trained gastroenterologist from AIIMS, Harvard, and Stanford, shared a video on his Instagram handle and explained three major myths related to fatty liver. According to him, this problem can be largely controlled by proper information and timely lifestyle changes. Let’s take a look at the myths related to fatty liver that people often believe.
Myth 1: Fatty liver is caused only by eating too much fat
People often think that fat accumulates in the liver only by eating ghee, oil, or other fatty foods, but according to Dr. Saurabh Sethi, this is not entirely true. The biggest cause of fatty liver isn’t just fat, but high-fructose foods and certain processed foods.
Fructose in packaged soft drinks, sweetened beverages, processed snacks, and junk food can promote fat accumulation in the liver. Furthermore, poor-quality seed oils can also aggravate this problem.
The doctor further explained that not all types of fat are harmful. Healthy fats found in extra virgin olive oil, avocados, and nuts are considered beneficial for both the body and the liver.
Myth 2: Fatty liver is not a serious disease
Many people believe that fatty liver is a common disease and therefore does not cause much harm, but this belief is wrong. According to Dr. Sethi, if fatty liver is not controlled in time, it can gradually develop into a serious disease. It can further lead to serious conditions like non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and even liver cancer.
The biggest challenge with this disease is that it often doesn’t show any symptoms in its early stages. This is why many people remain unaware that their liver is affected for a long time. Therefore, regular blood tests and periodic checkups with a doctor are considered extremely important.
Myth 3: Fatty liver cannot be improved simply by changing diet.
Some people believe that once fatty liver develops, it is difficult to cure it and that dietary changes alone are of no use. However, Dr. Saurabh Sethi considers this a myth. According to him, fatty liver is a condition that can be significantly improved and, in many cases, even completely reversed by adopting a healthy lifestyle. This doesn’t require expensive detox teas, supplements, or any special products.
If a person loses 5 to 10 percent of their body weight, reduces their intake of high-fructose and processed foods, and engages in regular physical activity, their liver can be kept healthy.