Hypertension, Fatty Liver, Obesity: Why Our Daily Diets Need a Natural Reset

News18

13-05-2025

Last Updated:
Experts call for a shift to whole, natural foods and urban farming to combat the growing burden of lifestyle diseases
In today's fast-paced world, convenience often trumps nutrition. From quick packaged meals to sugary drinks and ultra-processed snacks, modern dietary habits are not only stripping meals of their natural goodness—they're also silently fuelling a health crisis. Rising rates of hypertension, fatty liver disease, and obesity have made it clear: our diets need a natural reset.
'Modern dietary patterns, often dominated by ultra-processed foods, high sugar intake, and unhealthy fats, are directly contributing to a surge in lifestyle-related conditions," says Dr. Kapil Kumar Kursiwal, Senior Consultant – GI Surgery, GI Oncology, Bariatric and Minimal Access Surgery at Dharamshila Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, Delhi. 'The liver, being a central metabolic organ, bears the brunt of this nutritional imbalance."
According to Dr. Kursiwal, Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)—once a rare diagnosis—is now a common condition even among non-drinkers. It's closely tied to insulin resistance and is exacerbated by diets rich in refined carbs, trans fats, and added sugars. Meanwhile, hypertension continues to be a major public health concern, often worsened by excessive salt and processed foods.
'The body is not designed to handle this sustained metabolic load. What is urgently needed is a shift toward natural, whole foods—rich in fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats—coupled with moderation and mindful eating," Dr. Kursiwal emphasizes. 'A 'natural reset' in our diets is not a trend but a necessity."
That's where urban farming comes into the picture—as both a preventive and sustainable solution. 'The surge in lifestyle diseases such as hypertension, fatty liver, and obesity is deeply tied to our modern diets, often laden with chemicals and processed foods," explains Maninder Singh Nayyar, CEO and Founder, CEF Group. 'Urban farming, through the production of natural, locally grown foods, offers a powerful remedy."
Nayyar highlights how fresh produce grown in urban spaces—like spinach, kale, broccoli, and cabbage—can be game-changers for health. Leafy greens are excellent sources of potassium and magnesium, which help regulate blood pressure. Cruciferous vegetables support liver detoxification and reduce the risk of fatty liver. Herbs such as parsley and cilantro, also easy to grow in compact spaces, further aid liver function and toxin elimination.
Additionally, fruits like tomatoes, citrus, and berries, commonly cultivated in home gardens and urban farms, offer high doses of antioxidants, fiber, and essential vitamins that help manage weight and support heart health.
'By embracing urban farming, we are not only improving the quality of our food but also providing our bodies with the necessary nutrients to fight lifestyle diseases naturally," says Nayyar. 'This shift towards natural farming holds the potential to revolutionize both our health and the health of our planet."
As both experts assert, this isn't about restrictive eating or the latest superfood trend. It's about getting back to basics—choosing real, unprocessed ingredients, growing what we can, and being mindful of what we eat. A healthier body, a stronger immune system, and a sharper mind might just start with what's on our plate.