Hyderabad: Your liver may deteriorate silently – until it’s too late, you may not know. Ahead of World Liver Day observed on Saturday, doctors raised concerns about a liver disease and diet related to lifestyle and diet that are now affecting younger and younger people in India. The solution is modest.
“One in five people in India suffer from liver disease,” said Dr. Anand V. Kulkarni, senior consultant at AIG Hospital. “This growing burden is fueled by easy access to unhealthy foods, increased obesity, increased screen time, lack of physical exercise and normalization of drinking.”
In addition, viral hepatitis (especially hepatitis B A, B and E) is unique in India, with the Asia-Pacific region accounting for more than two-thirds of the global burden on the disease. The consequences are serious: a significant surge in liver cancer, usually diagnosed when treatment options are limited.
Liver disease remains a silent threat. “The liver can withstand years of damage without symptoms,” Dr. Kulkani said.
Subtle signs such as blurred right abdominal pain, darkening of the skin, mild itching and swelling of the legs are often overlooked. Fat accumulation in the liver (commonly known as fatty liver) has become one of the main causes of cirrhosis and cancer.
Cirrhosis is an irreversible sclerosis of the liver, which is increasingly seen in young people, mainly due to excessive alcohol consumption. A recent study by AIG Hsopitals found that many patients aged 35 to 45 have associated alcohol-related liver disease, and usually have poor survival rates.
Hepatology Consultant Dr. G. Srinivas Reddy responded to this concern, saying non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver problem in clinical practice today. NAFLD is a progressive disease that can range from simple fat accumulation (steatosis) in the liver to inflammation (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis or NASH), and ultimately cirrhosis.
What makes this particularly dangerous is that it usually develops without symptoms.
In India, NAFLD affects about 35% of the population and up to 88% of people with diabetes. Due to genetic susceptibility, even individuals with normal body mass index (especially among Asians), especially among Asians – can develop into a form called thin nash.
Both doctors say the good news is that early liver damage is reversible and lifestyle changes are key.
“Food is medicine,” Dr. Reddy said, in line with this year’s World Liver Day theme. “A diet rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidants, especially fruits and vegetables, can greatly reduce liver inflammation.”
Ginger and garlic are excellent natural liver support ingredients. Fibrous-rich seeds, such as Chia and Flax, help regulate calorie intake and promote intestinal health, thereby reducing inflammation in the liver. Seafoods containing selenium and vitamin E also have liver protection, helping to reduce cholesterol, blood pressure and weight beans.
Dr. Reddy warns that foods containing high sugars, such as soda, red and processed meat, superprocessed foods, and alcohol – all of which increase inflammation and fat deposition in the liver.
“These foods overload the liver with carbohydrates and bad fats, which can cause inflammation and bacterial imbalances,” he said. Even fruits like mangoes are often scared of their sugar content and are not moderately harmful. “Mangoes contain antioxidants and fibers. They are not enemies,” Dr. Reddy said.
Dr. Kulkani stressed that a balanced diet, regular exercise and early screening are crucial for liver health. “Walking at least 8,000-10,000 steps a day, drinking three to four liters of water, even two to three cups of black coffee, all show protective effects on the liver. As many liver conditions are rooted in youth, healthy habits must be taught early on,” he said.
Vaccinations against hepatitis C, unless prescribed, avoid over-the-counter painkillers and ensure access to clean water and sanitation are also the fight against viral hepatitis. “The liver is the silent engine of the human body – it handles everything we eat and drink, but it doesn’t complain until it’s severely damaged,” Dr. Kulkani said. “It’s the only organ of forgiveness – until it can’t be taken care of.
