These everyday habits could turn 'fatty liver' into cancer: How to stop it now?
Fatty liver or Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), affecting one in three adults globally, is a growing health threat. Often symptomless initially, it can progress to severe liver damage. Experts highlight poor diet, sedentary lifestyles, and underlying health conditions as key factors worsening the condition, but early detection and lifestyle changes can reverse it.
iStock Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease or fatty liver is rising globally. It affects one in three adults. Excess fat in the liver can lead to serious complications. Poor diet and sedentary habits worsen the condition. Obesity and diabetes increase the risk. Fatty liver disease, recently reclassified as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), is emerging as one of the world's fastest-growing health threats. Once dismissed as a minor condition, it now affects one in three adults globally, according to The Times of India. The condition develops when excess fat accumulates in the liver, and while it can remain symptomless in early stages, untreated cases may progress to liver scarring, cirrhosis, or even cancer. The MD Anderson Cancer Center warns that MASLD can escalate into metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), a severe form marked by inflammation and cell damage. MASH significantly raises the risk of liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common type of liver cancer. What makes the disease alarming is its stealthy nature—many patients show no symptoms until serious damage has already occurred.
Experts highlight three everyday lifestyle choices that can silently push fatty liver from a reversible condition to a dangerous one: Poor Diet Choices
Diets high in sugar, refined carbs, and ultra-processed foods such as sodas, chips, biscuits, and fast food accelerate fat buildup in the liver. Nutritionists recommend shifting to a Mediterranean diet, rich in vegetables, whole grains, nuts, olive oil, and fish, which has been shown to reduce liver fat. Sedentary Lifestyle
Long hours of sitting and minimal movement reduce the liver's ability to process fat efficiently. Doctors suggest at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of intense physical activity weekly. Simple habits like taking stairs or walking during phone calls can also support liver health. Underlying Health Conditions Conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and high cholesterol heighten the risk of fatty liver progression. Addressing these through weight management, improved sleep quality, and regular medical monitoring is key to prevention.
Because fatty liver is often called a 'silent disease', identifying symptoms can be tricky. Some possible indicators include fatigue, discomfort in the upper right abdomen, elevated liver enzymes during routine tests, and an enlarged liver seen in imaging scans. Doctors emphasize that early detection through screenings is vital, especially for those in high-risk groups.
The good news is that fatty liver, especially in its early stage, is largely reversible. Losing just 5 to 10 percent of body weight can significantly reduce liver fat. Interestingly, research highlighted in The Times of India shows that even coffee consumption may reduce fatty liver risk due to its antioxidant properties.
Health experts caution that the global spike in fatty liver cases reflects deeper societal habits: processed diets, urban sedentary lifestyles, and rising metabolic disorders. Without intervention, MASLD could become a leading cause of liver transplants and liver cancer in the coming decades. Stopping fatty liver in its tracks is possible. The prescription is simple yet powerful: eat mindfully, move more, manage metabolic health, and get screened regularly. Doctors insist that your liver's future health depends less on expensive treatments and more on everyday choices made today.
Disclaimer: This article is intended solely for informational use and should not be taken as medical advice. For any concerns regarding a health condition or treatment, please consult a licensed physician or qualified healthcare professional.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
18 hours ago
- Time of India
Eating instant noodles every day? Science has a warning for your slurp cravings, along with a solution
What's inside a packet The risks of overindulgence Can instant noodles be made healthier? iStock Experts recommend simple tweaks to instant noodles to transform a packet into a more balanced dish. What does Science say? You Might Also Like: What is Viking Diet: Why eating like a Norse warrior could be a modern health trap? Few foods have earned cult status like instant noodles. They're cheap, quick to prepare, and carry a strong sense of nostalgia. For students, night-shift workers, and families on tight budgets, a packet of Maggi, Indomie, or Shin Ramyun often means more than a meal—it's a taste of home. As The Conversation notes, instant noodles also hold cultural significance, offering comfort and belonging in new or challenging behind the warmth of those slurps lies a question: what happens when convenience becomes a daily habit? Research suggests that while instant noodles can fill stomachs, they may not be filling nutritional its core, a standard packet contains refined wheat noodles and a sachet of flavor enhancers. Some versions may throw in dried vegetables or garlic chips, but the nutritional picture remains fairly one-dimensional. According to The Conversation, a typical serving contains 600–1,500mg of sodium, which is close to or above the World Health Organization's recommended daily limit of 2, much salt may not harm if eaten occasionally, but over time, it places strain on the heart, kidneys, and blood vessels. Combine that with the low levels of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins, and you have a food that satisfies hunger but does little to support long-term problem isn't the occasional late-night ramen run, but when it becomes a three-meals-a-day routine. A South Korean study cited by VICE linked frequent consumption—more than twice a week—to higher risks of metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions that increase vulnerability to heart disease and diabetes. Interestingly, women were more affected, with researchers pointing to possible hormonal factors or chemical exposure from fiber intake from refined noodles also impacts gut health and can increase risks of type 2 diabetes and bowel cancer. Without protein additions like eggs, tofu, or chicken, the quick fullness noodles bring quickly fades, leaving the eater hungry eating noodles doesn't have to be a health hazard. Experts recommend simple tweaks to transform a packet into a more balanced dish. Cutting down on the salt-heavy flavor sachet, swapping in low-sodium stock, and adding vegetables or lean protein can make a major difference. Some brands also offer wholegrain or air-dried noodle options, which pack in more short, instant noodles work best as a base, not the full picture. As The Conversation puts it, they're like fuel for a car: enough to get you moving, but not enough to keep the engine running smoothly in the long is clear: instant noodles aren't 'bad,' but they aren't designed to be a daily diet either. They're comforting, affordable, and nostalgic—but also high in sodium and lacking key nutrients. Occasional indulgence is harmless, but making them your main meal plan could slowly compromise your the next time you tear open a packet, think of it as a canvas. Toss in vegetables, add a protein, or swap the seasoning for fresh spices. You'll still get the warmth and convenience you crave—without putting your body at risk of running on empty.
Economic Times
21 hours ago
- Economic Times
No need to wait till burnout to take a vacation: Neurologist shares simple daily hack to reset your brain
Synopsis Workplace disengagement is rising. Global engagement has plummeted. Neurologist Wendy Suzuki suggests micro-regulation to combat this. Brief pauses can signal safety to the brain. These pauses can rewire it to handle stress. Micro-breaks can be an antidote to disengagement. Workers can reclaim control through these practices. Resilience is built through daily calm. This can help avoid burnout and disengagement. iStock Quiet cracking, a gradual disengagement from work, is impacting global engagement and costing billions. Neurologist Dr. Wendy Suzuki suggests micro-regulation—brief moments of calm like deep breaths or stretches—can build resilience. Related The modern workplace is quietly draining employees long before they realize it. A recent VICE report highlights a phenomenon known as 'quiet cracking,' where workers don't storm out or make headlines with resignations. Instead, they gradually disengage until one day, they are mentally checked out. Data from Gallup's 2024 State of the Global Workplace Report showed global engagement plummeted to just 21%, costing the world economy an estimated $438 billion last year. This silent burnout epidemic has made mental resilience an urgent conversation. But do we really need a long vacation to fix it? Enter Dr. Wendy Suzuki, neuroscientist and Dean at New York University's College of Arts & Science. In her Instagram series Mindful Mondays , Suzuki explained that resilience is not built on rare escapes but on small, consistent acts of calm. 'You don't need a week off. You need 30 seconds of this,' Suzuki said in her post. 'Waiting until burnout to take care of yourself is like waiting until you're starving to eat.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Wendy Suzuki (@ She calls this process micro-regulation. These are bite-sized pauses—placing a hand on your chest, taking a deep breath, stretching, or closing your laptop briefly when a notification arrives. According to Suzuki, such anchors signal safety to the brain, gently rewiring it to handle stress before it spirals out of control. What Suzuki suggests may be the missing antidote to quiet cracking. While companies often overlook early signs of disengagement, individuals can reclaim control by embedding micro-regulation into their day. Unlike dramatic sabbaticals or expensive wellness retreats, these practices are accessible and immediate, especially in rigid workplace cultures where 'wait and see' responses from management deepen frustration. As Peter Duris, CEO of Kickresume, told VICE, quiet cracking is often fueled by poor communication and lack of recognition from managers. In such environments, workers need tools to protect their mental reserves—something Suzuki's approach directly addresses. Suzuki's reminder is simple: resilience is not built once a year on vacation but through moments of daily calm. By training the nervous system to reset consistently, workers may avoid hitting the breaking point that fuels both burnout and disengagement.
Economic Times
a day ago
- Economic Times
These everyday habits could turn 'fatty liver' into cancer: How to stop it now?
Synopsis Fatty liver or Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), affecting one in three adults globally, is a growing health threat. Often symptomless initially, it can progress to severe liver damage. Experts highlight poor diet, sedentary lifestyles, and underlying health conditions as key factors worsening the condition, but early detection and lifestyle changes can reverse it. iStock Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease or fatty liver is rising globally. It affects one in three adults. Excess fat in the liver can lead to serious complications. Poor diet and sedentary habits worsen the condition. Obesity and diabetes increase the risk. Fatty liver disease, recently reclassified as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), is emerging as one of the world's fastest-growing health threats. Once dismissed as a minor condition, it now affects one in three adults globally, according to The Times of India. The condition develops when excess fat accumulates in the liver, and while it can remain symptomless in early stages, untreated cases may progress to liver scarring, cirrhosis, or even cancer. The MD Anderson Cancer Center warns that MASLD can escalate into metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), a severe form marked by inflammation and cell damage. MASH significantly raises the risk of liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common type of liver cancer. What makes the disease alarming is its stealthy nature—many patients show no symptoms until serious damage has already occurred. Experts highlight three everyday lifestyle choices that can silently push fatty liver from a reversible condition to a dangerous one: Poor Diet Choices Diets high in sugar, refined carbs, and ultra-processed foods such as sodas, chips, biscuits, and fast food accelerate fat buildup in the liver. Nutritionists recommend shifting to a Mediterranean diet, rich in vegetables, whole grains, nuts, olive oil, and fish, which has been shown to reduce liver fat. Sedentary Lifestyle Long hours of sitting and minimal movement reduce the liver's ability to process fat efficiently. Doctors suggest at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of intense physical activity weekly. Simple habits like taking stairs or walking during phone calls can also support liver health. Underlying Health Conditions Conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and high cholesterol heighten the risk of fatty liver progression. Addressing these through weight management, improved sleep quality, and regular medical monitoring is key to prevention. Because fatty liver is often called a 'silent disease', identifying symptoms can be tricky. Some possible indicators include fatigue, discomfort in the upper right abdomen, elevated liver enzymes during routine tests, and an enlarged liver seen in imaging scans. Doctors emphasize that early detection through screenings is vital, especially for those in high-risk groups. The good news is that fatty liver, especially in its early stage, is largely reversible. Losing just 5 to 10 percent of body weight can significantly reduce liver fat. Interestingly, research highlighted in The Times of India shows that even coffee consumption may reduce fatty liver risk due to its antioxidant properties. Health experts caution that the global spike in fatty liver cases reflects deeper societal habits: processed diets, urban sedentary lifestyles, and rising metabolic disorders. Without intervention, MASLD could become a leading cause of liver transplants and liver cancer in the coming decades. Stopping fatty liver in its tracks is possible. The prescription is simple yet powerful: eat mindfully, move more, manage metabolic health, and get screened regularly. Doctors insist that your liver's future health depends less on expensive treatments and more on everyday choices made today. Disclaimer: This article is intended solely for informational use and should not be taken as medical advice. For any concerns regarding a health condition or treatment, please consult a licensed physician or qualified healthcare professional.
