Latest news with #CyriacAbbyPhilips
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Eating eggs helps the liver: The Liver Doc shares how many eggs in a day are safe
Dr Cyriac Abby Philips, a certified hepatologist popularly known as The Liver Doc, took to Instagram on May 30 to talk about eggs and how 'eating eggs really helps the liver'. Per The Liver Doc, a Framingham Heart study showed that eating fewer than two whole eggs a week, one egg a day, or even skipping eggs altogether made no measurable difference in who went on to develop non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) during six years of follow-up. Also Read | Thinking about adding eggs to your diet? Dietician shares full nutrient profile of this popular protein Why? According to Dr Cyriac, it is because the real protector was dietary choline, and eggs happened to be its richest source. 'People who consumed the highest level of choline (approximately 400 mg per day) had a 31% lower NAFLD risk than those who consumed much less,' he added. A post shared by The Liver Doc (Cyriac Abby Philips) (@theliverdr) Dr Cyriac also stated in the post that whole eggs do not increase liver fat. Additionally, eating up to 1 egg per day (maximum 7 per week) is not associated with more heart disease. 'In fact, studies show an 8 percent lower risk of heart disease in the Asian population,' he added. - Safe for the 'general' public. - Neutral for heart disease and type 2 diabetes; no rise in death risk; may lower heart disease in Asian diets. - Neutral effect in many cohorts, but in USA studies, there is an increased risk of diabetes or all-cause death. - Caution if you have diabetes, very high LDL-C or familial high cholesterol disorder. - Small but measurable rises in all-cause and cancer death and in heart disease, but mostly within the USA studies. - Potentially unsafe long-term, especially when clubbed with Western diets high in processed meat & saturated fat. According to The Liver Doc, choline is a super compound in egg yolk that helps the liver. It is a vitamin B-like nutrient which is critical for brain development and liver function. He further explained, 'In both animal and human studies, a choline-deficient diet was associated with the development of severe fatty liver. So, contrary to current beliefs, egg yolks are good for the liver and help prevent fatty liver and do not cause or worsen it.' Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Liver Doc reveals the best and worst teas for your liver: ‘Just because it's herbal doesn't mean it's safe'
We often turn to a warm cup of tea to relax, rejuvenate, or even detox, but how often do we consider the impact it may have on our liver? From green tea to trendy herbal blends, tea is widely celebrated for its potential health benefits. But not all teas are created equal, especially when it comes to liver health. Dr Cyriac Abby Philips, a certified hepatologist popularly known as The Liver Doc, often shares insights on health and well-being with his Instagram followers. In his May 29 post, he revealed the most beneficial and dangerous teas for the liver. (Also read: Gastroenterologist lists worst foods for your gut health: What to avoid for constipation, bloating and diarrhoea ) A post shared by The Liver Doc (Cyriac Abby Philips) (@theliverdr) Drinking 2–3 cups a day (approx. 200–240 ml per cup) may help reduce liver inflammation and improve liver enzyme levels. However, the benefits are dose-dependent and excessive intake or concentrated extracts can have the opposite effect. Consuming over 750 ml of black tea per day is associated with a 24% lower risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). It's rich in flavonoids and considered one of the safest bets when it comes to liver-friendly teas. In a 2024 study conducted on mice fed a high-fat diet, oolong tea was found to reduce liver weight, lower lipid accumulation, and improve liver pathology, showing promising hepatoprotective effects. Animal studies suggest that Pu-erh tea may reverse diet-induced fatty liver disease, with improvements in lipid metabolism and inflammation markers in the liver. Findings from 2022 rodent studies and 2024 metabolic studies report that white tea helps reduce liver fat, oxidative stress, and inflammatory signalling, making it one of the gentler, antioxidant-rich teas for liver support. A 2025 double-blind, randomised controlled trial found that an 8-week regimen of hibiscus extract (450 mg daily) lowered triglycerides and ALT levels in patients with NAFLD, indicating its potential for liver health benefits. While moderate green tea consumption is safe, concentrated green tea extracts often found in 'detox' or 'weight-loss' teas can be harmful. Doses of EGCG ≥ 800 mg/day are linked to liver toxicity and should be strictly avoided. With over 100 global case reports, kava tea has been linked to dose-independent liver injury, including severe hepatitis, liver failure, and death. The toxic compound kavalactone is the main culprit. In 2024, U.S. and Hawaii health departments renewed advisories against its use. This herbal tea contains pulegone, a compound associated with liver necrosis and acute liver failure. Documented fatalities include both infants and adults. As of 2024, the Mayo Clinic lists it among the top supplements causing acute liver damage. Comfrey contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can cause severe damage to the liver's blood vessels, leading to a life-threatening condition known as hepatic veno-occlusive disease. The compound nordihydroguaiaretic acid in chaparral tea has been linked to severe liver toxicity and even liver failure. Despite an FDA safety alert dating back to 1992, new cases requiring liver transplants continue to be reported. Though widely available online, rooibos tea has been associated with sporadic but severe hepatitis. Liver biopsy results have shown toxic hepatitis patterns. Recovery was only observed after discontinuing the tea. A 2024 study found that excessive or overly fermented kombucha can mimic alcohol-induced liver injury, especially when consumed in large quantities. A 2025 case series confirmed a rising number of hepatitis cases linked to kombucha in the U.S. These teas, often sold via reels or marketed as wellness products, combine senna, concentrated green tea extract, and other unregulated herbs. Products like Herbalife teas have been repeatedly flagged in the context of herbal supplement-induced liver damage. Avoid multi-ingredient formulations, slimming teas, and detox blends entirely. While tea drinking is often touted for its overall health benefits, scientific evidence specifically supporting liver benefits is limited. Among the commonly consumed types: If you're looking to support your liver, steer clear of teas promising rapid detox or weight loss. When in doubt, stick to single-ingredient, traditionally consumed brews and always consult your doctor before starting any herbal tea regimen. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition
Indian Express
16-05-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Hepatologist says ghee, coconut oil, butter can worsen liver health, suggests switching to refined, cold-pressed seed oils; experts share their take
There has long been debate over which fats are good for health — particularly when it comes to commonly used ingredients in Indian kitchens like ghee, coconut oil, and butter. These traditional fats have loyal supporters, especially among influencers and nutritionists, who tout their purity and supposed health benefits. However, hepatologist Dr Cyriac Abby Philips, known on social media as TheLiverDoc, offers a very different perspective on liver health. He wrote on X, 'Switch from saturated fats like coconut oil, clarified butter (ghee), lard and butter to refined (for cooking), unrefined and cold pressed (for direct use) seed oils rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated to experience improved liver tests and reduce liver fat.' His guidance also contradicts the growing perception that traditional = healthier. His message reframes the discussion: tradition doesn't always equal optimal, especially when viewed through the lens of clinical liver health. Dr Manoj Gupta, head, Liver Transplant and Surgical Gastroenterology at PSRI Hospital, tells 'Yes, growing clinical research supports this claim. Saturated fats, including those found in ghee, butter, coconut oil, and lard, are known to contribute to liver fat buildup, especially in people at risk of or already diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Studies published in journals like Hepatology and The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism have found that high intake of saturated fats can increase hepatic triglyceride levels, worsen insulin resistance, and trigger inflammatory pathways in the liver.' Switch from saturated fats like coconut oil, clarified butter (ghee), lard and butter to refined (for cooking), unrefined and cold pressed (for direct use) seed oils rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated to experience improved liver tests and reduce liver fat. — TheLiverDoc (@theliverdr) May 13, 2025 Dr Jagadish Hiremath, public health intellectual, adds, 'While traditional fats like ghee and coconut oil are culturally significant and consumed in moderation in many Indian households, excessive and regular intake, especially in the context of a sedentary lifestyle and calorie-dense diet, can worsen metabolic health, including liver function.' However, he states, individual responses can vary, and the overall dietary pattern, lifestyle, and existing metabolic risk factors play a more significant role than any single food item. According to Dr Gupta, how oils are processed significantly affects their nutrient profile and behavior when heated. 'Refined seed oils like sunflower, rice bran, or canola oil are treated to remove impurities and withstand high cooking temperatures without breaking down. This makes them safer for deep frying and sautéing because they are more heat-stable and less likely to form harmful compounds like trans fats or free radicals.' Cold-pressed or unrefined oils, on the other hand, are extracted using mechanical pressure without heat or chemicals. Dr Gupta says, 'They retain antioxidants, phytosterols, and vitamin E, which are beneficial for heart and liver health — but they're heat-sensitive and best consumed raw, in salad dressings or drizzles. Dr Philips' recommendation to match oil type with use — refined for cooking and cold-pressed for raw consumption — is aligned with global dietary guidelines.' Dr Hiremath notes, 'Yes, replacing saturated fats with seed oils rich in unsaturated fats, such as sunflower, safflower, canola, or flaxseed oil, has shown promising results in improving lipid profiles and reducing liver fat in individuals with fatty liver disease.' In patients with fatty liver disease, Dr Gupta explains, this dietary shift has led to measurable improvements in liver enzyme levels (ALT, AST), reduced hepatic fat on imaging, and better insulin sensitivity. When combined with regular exercise and reduced sugar intake, the benefits are even more pronounced — making this one of the most accessible, low-cost interventions for improving liver health. DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
