Healthy Diet Can Reduce Liver Disease Risk by 50%, Say Experts Ahead of World Liver Day
As India gears up to observe World Liver Day on April 19, leading medical experts have emphasized the urgent need to adopt healthier dietary habits, noting that up to 50% of liver disease cases can be prevented through simple changes in food and lifestyle.
Rising liver disease rates across both urban and rural populations are prompting healthcare professionals to push for widespread dietary awareness. While liver damage has long been associated with alcohol use, doctors now warn of a surge in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), driven by poor nutrition, obesity, and sedentary lifestyles.
“Liver disease is no longer limited to alcohol abuse. We’re seeing a troubling increase in NAFLD, especially among younger patients,” said Dr. Sanjiv Saigal, President of the Liver Transplantation Society of India (LTSI).
“The liver is a resilient organ, and with timely interventions—especially dietary changes—it can heal itself significantly.”
📊 Research Reinforces Diet-Liver Link
A recent study published in Frontiers in Nutrition, based on data from over 121,000 participants in the UK Biobank, found that individuals who consumed pro-inflammatory diets—measured by the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII)—had a 16% higher risk of developing chronic liver disease (CLD).
Conversely, adherence to anti-inflammatory diets, such as the Mediterranean diet or those scoring high on the Healthy Eating Index 2020, was shown to reduce the risk of liver disease.
“We witness significant improvements in liver enzyme levels and patient energy when diets are corrected. It’s not just about avoiding alcohol—it’s about what’s on your plate every day,” Dr. Saigal added.
“Start by reading food labels and cutting back on processed foods.”
🍎 Prevention Through Nutrition
Experts recommend a diet rich in fruits, leafy vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and lean proteins. These foods support liver regeneration and overall health. Avoiding processed food, sugar-laden drinks, and high-fat meals is essential.
Hydration, physical activity, and mindful eating practices—such as portion control and home-cooked meals—are key to maintaining liver health.
⚠️ Children Also at Risk
A separate study published in Nutrients raised concerns about increasing liver disease among children, linking high fructose intake—particularly from sugary drinks and packaged snacks—to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and insulin resistance in obese children.
The research highlights the urgent need to limit added sugars in children’s diets to combat early-onset liver issues.
✅ Key Takeaways for Liver Health:
- Eat whole, unprocessed foods
- Limit sugar, especially fructose and sugary drinks
- Stay physically active
- Avoid alcohol and smoking
- Stay hydrated
- Read nutrition labels carefully
With timely awareness and lifestyle changes, medical professionals believe India can turn the tide on the rising burden of liver disease.
