5 morning drinks to naturally heal your liver and give it a gentle detox
Detox in a Cup: What to Drink for Liver Support
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India's silent epidemic: 6 foods to include in your diet if you have fatty liver
Amla Juice
Ginger and Mint Tea
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Amla juice and Ginger Mint tea
Coconut Water
Peppermint Tea
Oat Tea
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Coconut Water and Oat Tea
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In today's fast-paced world, where convenience often trumps nutrition, one organ quietly bears the brunt of our modern choices — the liver. Whether it's the late-night greasy meal, the sugary drinks, the stress of deadlines, or sedentary habits, our liver works around the clock to keep our body balanced. But even heroes need support, and sometimes, all it takes is a conscious sip of something better.Once seen as the organ primarily affected by alcohol, the liver is now increasingly under siege from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a condition triggered not by drinking, but by everyday habits like consuming ultra-processed food, sitting for hours, and battling chronic stress. And while medications and supplements flood the market, doctors agree — the most powerful protectors of your liver might already be in your kitchen.According to a recent report by Only My Health, the liver is more vulnerable than ever before. Dr. Shoibalini Karmokar, General Physician and Founder of Aceso Mumbai, highlights how toxins from food, pollution, and stress are making it harder for the liver to do its job — metabolizing nutrients, clearing waste, and filtering blood. Yet, many don't realize their liver is in trouble until symptoms like fatigue, bloating, or even jaundice set in.What's worrying experts is the silent progression of liver damage. As gastroenterologist Dr. Saurabh Sethi warns, liver disease often advances unnoticed — fat quietly accumulates, inflammation builds, and over time, fibrosis or even cirrhosis can occur. And all of this without a single sip of alcohol.Forget miracle detox kits. Real nourishment can begin with a simple drink. Dr. Karmokar suggests five effective, natural beverages that can support liver health and offer a gentle cleanse for the overworked organ.Made from Indian gooseberry, amla juice is packed with Vitamin C and powerful antioxidants. As Dr. Karmokar points out, it can reduce liver inflammation, improve function, and shield against toxin-related damage.Ginger, known for lowering triglycerides and cholesterol, pairs beautifully with mint's cooling menthol effects. Together, they offer a potent blend of antioxidants that support liver regeneration and fight oxidative damage.Often touted as nature's electrolyte drink, coconut water may reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the liver, thanks to its bioactive compounds. It's a hydrating and restorative choice for anyone looking to ease liver strain.Peppermint, thanks to compounds like menthol, offers anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Studies cited by Dr. Karmokar suggest peppermint oil may even help prevent liver fibrosis — a condition where scar tissue builds up and damages liver function.Oats aren't just for breakfast anymore. Avena sativa, or oat tea, is rich in antioxidants and has shown promise in reducing liver enzyme levels and preventing liver damage from toxins such as alcohol.While these drinks won't replace medical treatment, they offer a meaningful first step toward protecting your liver in the long term. The secret isn't in a dramatic overhaul but in small, sustained choices — a cup of tea instead of soda, water over sugary beverages, and mindful movement rather than endless screen time.
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News18
a day ago
- News18
The Silent Epidemic: Why Fatty Liver Is Becoming Increasingly Common In Young Adults
Last Updated: Once considered a condition affecting middle-aged, older individuals, Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is now increasingly diagnosed in people as young as their early 20s Fatty liver disease, particularly Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), is quietly emerging as a major health concern among young adults in India. Once considered a condition affecting middle-aged and older individuals, NAFLD is now increasingly diagnosed in people as young as their early 20s. Lifestyle changes, rising obesity, and dietary habits are among the key drivers of what experts are now calling a 'silent epidemic." A Modern Lifestyle Problem At the core of this alarming trend is the modern sedentary lifestyle. Long hours of sitting—whether at desks, in front of screens, or during commutes—combined with a lack of physical activity disrupt normal metabolism and promote fat accumulation in the liver. What's more concerning is that even individuals who appear slim or fall within normal BMI ranges may be at risk due to what's now termed 'lean NAFLD," where visceral fat affects internal organs without visibly increasing body weight. Unhealthy eating habits are another major contributor. 'The easy availability and frequent consumption of processed, high-sugar, and high-fat foods, especially among college students and young professionals, is drastically impacting liver health. Add to that sugary drinks and late-night eating habits, and the liver is constantly under assault," explains Mool Meena, Founder & CEO, Sheopals. What makes fatty liver especially dangerous is its potential to act as a gateway to more serious conditions. NAFLD increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and liver cancer. In some cases, it may lead to liver failure, requiring transplantation. Prevention Through Lifestyle and Ayurveda The good news is that fatty liver is largely reversible, especially in its early stages. A multi-pronged approach involving a healthy diet, regular exercise, weight management, stress reduction, and routine health checkups can make a significant difference. Nutritionists recommend a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, while avoiding saturated fats and refined sugars. Exercise, including strength training and cardio, for at least 150 minutes a week, is critical. Losing just 5–10% of body weight can substantially reduce liver fat and inflammation. Complementing lifestyle changes, traditional herbs are also gaining recognition for their hepatoprotective properties. Herbs like Kutki (Picrorhiza kurroa), Bhumi Amla (Phyllanthus niruri), Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa), Bhringraj (Eclipta alba), and Makoi (Solanum nigrum) have been used in Ayurveda to help repair liver cells, detoxify the liver, and protect against chemical damage. 'Scientific interest in these herbs is growing, as they offer a natural adjunct to lifestyle management for fatty liver. They support liver function, reduce oxidative stress, and aid in the body's natural detoxification processes," says Dr. Mandeep Sahanpal,BAMS, BLSLLB. A Call to Action As NAFLD becomes more prevalent among India's younger population, it's crucial to increase awareness, promote early screening, and adopt proactive lifestyle habits. Combining the best of modern medicine with time-tested traditional knowledge can help reverse the tide of this silent epidemic and protect the health of an entire generation. view comments Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
‘Fatty liver disease affecting many kids'
Mumbai: Fatty liver is a disease not only of adults but is common among today's children as well. "Around 50% of obese children and nearly 20% of children with normal weight have a fatty liver," said Hepatologist Dr Aabha Nagral. Fatty liver disease is a condition in which excess fat builds up in the liver, affecting its normal function; inflammation over time leads to scarring (cirrhosis), and potentially liver failure or cancer. "Like viruses, fatty liver too causes hepatitis or inflammation of the liver," she said. It's estimated that nearly 30% of the population has a fatty liver, which could soon emerge as a leading cause for transplant. It's to check this growing epidemic that Dr Nagral's Children's Liver Foundation and Jaslok Hospital organised a fest for schoolchildren at Nehru Centre in Worli on Saturday. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai "Children don't go for annual health check-ups like adults do. However, if there is a family history or one of the parents has metabolic syndrome (a cluster of conditions that occur together, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes), then fatty liver should be considered if the child is overweight," said Dr Nagral. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Elegant New Scooters For Seniors In 2024: The Prices May Surprise You Mobility Scooter | Search Ads Learn More Undo Students, including those from Bombay International School, Anjuman Islam, Green Lawns School, and J B Vachha School, were told about the need to identify fatty liver and treat it. "There is a need to check food labels, understand saturated and unsaturated fats," said one of the organisers. Fatty liver was traditionally associated with alcoholics, but, in the 1980s, doctors noticed "liver beaded with extra fat" even in the absence of alcoholism. This led to the birth of the term non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, or NAFLD, which, in June 2023, was renamed metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease or MASLD. At the fest, kids were blindfolded before tasting food. Ragi brownie, the healthier option, was identified as tasty. tnn
Economic Times
a day ago
- Economic Times
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: An acute menace and a silent killer
Fatty liver disease was once considered a relatively rare and benign condition. It now has become one of the most pressing public health concerns. The reasons are simple enough — rising rates of obesity, sedentary lifestyles and poor dietary habits. While alcohol is a known risk, non-alcoholic fatty liver is also more prevalent now. Fatty liver is now classified as MASLD (Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease), mainly driven by obesity, diabetes and hypercholesterolemia—not alcohol alone. What makes it particularly alarming is how it often goes unnoticed — many individuals discover they have fatty liver only when imaging is done for unrelated reasons. Imaging is crucial for early detection, identifying liver issues that blood tests may not detect early. In 2024, 2.5 lakh individuals were screened, of which 65% had fatty liver. Notably, 52% had normal liver enzyme levels, according to Apollo Hospitals Health of the Nation Report 2025. Hepatologists say patients often come in for fatigue and mild abdominal discomfort. What appears to be a minor issue turns out to be stage-2 NAFLD. Worse still, this condition is no longer just a concern for the middle-aged or the obese — even teenagers are showing early signs of fatty liver due to diets high in processed foods and sugary drinks. A study in the US involving adolescents revealed that nearly 10% had some form of fatty liver changes, often linked to soft drink consumption and a lack of physical activity. What's particularly concerning is the long-term trajectory: Fatty liver can quietly progress to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, or even liver cancer without any obvious silent developments underscore the need for early screening, public awareness, and a shift in lifestyle choices. Today, watching for fatty liver isn't just a medical necessity — it's a cultural wake-up call. Eat nutrient-rich food: Vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, fish, olive oil; Omega-3 from salmon, chia seeds, flaxseeds; black coffee or green tea: 2–3 cups/day (unsweetened); healthy snacking via dark chocolate with nuts, dates with walnuts, Greek yogurt with berries, lean proteins, healthy fats. Avoid processed, sugary, fast foods and fried foods. That means colas, sodas, and candies are a no. Avoid white bread, pastries, red meat, processed meats, trans and saturated fats. Work out regularly: At least 150 minutes a week of moderate or 75 minutes a week of intense activity. Aim for 40 minutes a day for six days a wee. Maintain a healthy weight. Losing just 5–10% of body weight can help. Avoid alcohol and certain medications like statins and corticosteroids. Control blood sugar and cholesterol. What is Fatty liver is a condition where excess fat (more than 5–10% of the liver's weight) accumulates in liver cells. What does the liver do? It detoxifies the body, produces essential proteins, and helps digest fats. What does fatty liver do? With a rise in fat buildup, liver cells can become inflamed and scarred — impairing its vital functions. Why is fatty liver a big deal? Three reasons: It is strongly linked to obesity, insulin resistance, Type 2 diabetes; it can affect even non-drinkers (ergo, non-alcoholic); and it often goes undiagnosed until significant damage has occurred. What are the symptoms? Most people have no symptoms in the early stages. Detected accidentally via ultrasound or blood tests. In advanced stages, symptoms and complications include fatigue, abdominal pain (right upper side, enlarged liver, jaundice (in severe cases). What are the complications of fatty liver? Fibrosis - scarring; cirrhosis - severe liver damage; liver cancer (rare but possible).
