Avoid alcohol and stay fit to keep liver healthy, says expert

According to a study published in Lancet, fatty liver affects nearly 4 in 10 adults in India. Losing 7-10% of body weight and exercising for at least 150 minutes a week can reduce liver fat and improve health, said an expert on X.

In a detailed post about liver on World Liver Day on April 19, Dr. Cyriac Abby Philips, popularly known as ‘The Liver Doc’ on social platforms, warned that there is no real liver detox, and some herbal products can harm the liver. The doctor warned that many natural or herbal supplements can be harmful. Ingredients like Ashwagandha, green tea extract, and high dose turmeric have been linked to liver damage.

He emphasized that no amount of alcohol is safe, while sugary drinks also increase liver fat. On the other hand, 2-3 cups of coffee daily may protect the liver, according to Dr Philips. “A 7–10% body-weight loss clears Liver fat, reduces inflammation, and can regress early fibrosis,” he said.

The post also stressed on the importance of vaccines and testing, where the Dr said, “Get vaccinated against hepatitis B. Get screened for HBV and HCV at least once in your lifetime. HBV vaccine prevents >95% of chronic infection, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Hepatitis C is curable in 8-12 weeks with >95% success - but most carriers don't know they have it.”

He also explained that the liver naturally cleans body on its own, so special detox drinks are not needed. In fact, some of these products may cause more harm than good. 

Regular exercise plays a key role, at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week can help reduce liver fat and keep liver healthy, concluded ‘The Liver Doc’.