A Russian gastroenterologist has warned that an excess of sugary drinks, baked goods and desserts can cause more damage to the liver than drinking alcohol.
Evgeny Belousov, a candidate of medical sciences and gastroenterologist at the Academician Roitberg Clinic, named the foods most dangerous to liver health in an interview with the Russian news outlet Lenta.ru.
He said that a chronic excess of calories, sugar and saturated fats found in sweet beverages, pastries and confectionery presents the greatest danger to the organ, rather than any individual food item.
Fatty liver disease
The situation becomes particularly harmful when a person regularly consumes these foods in large quantities while leading a sedentary lifestyle, Belousov explained.
He warned that this combination increases the risk of developing metabolically associated fatty liver disease.
The liver is one of the largest and most complex organs in the human body, responsible for filtering toxins from the blood, aiding the digestion of food and regulating metabolism.
Metabolically associated fatty liver disease is a common condition characterised by a buildup of excess fat in the liver cells. It is closely linked to obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure, and can sometimes progress to more serious liver damage or scarring if left untreated.
The Academician Roitberg Clinic, officially known as JSC Medicina, is a prominent private healthcare facility based in Moscow. Lenta.ru is one of the most widely read online news publications in Russia.
Belousov noted that even healthy and nutritious foods must be eaten in moderation to protect liver function.
Caloric intake
While nuts and avocados are not typically harmful to the liver, eating a large packet of almonds or peanuts, or several avocados in a single day, significantly increases the energy value of a person's diet, he said.
Avocados are widely popular for their high content of monounsaturated fats, which are generally considered beneficial for heart health, while nuts are a rich source of protein and healthy fats. However, both are high in calories and can contribute to weight gain if eaten in excess.
The doctor explained that if an individual regularly consumes more kilocalories than they burn off through physical activity, it leads to weight gain and the accumulation of fat within the liver.
He identified the combination of high calorie intake, sugar, saturated fats and alcohol as an especially unfavourable mix for the body to process.
Regular feasts involving fatty foods, desserts and alcoholic drinks place a significantly greater strain on the liver than any single product consumed on its own, Belousov said.
Harmful white bread
The warnings follow earlier advice from fellow gastroenterologist Olga Chistik, who previously identified the white loaf as the most harmful type of bread.
White bread is typically made from highly processed wheat flour that has had the bran and germ removed, stripping it of most of its natural fibre and nutrients. This process gives it a high glycaemic index, meaning it causes a rapid spike in blood sugar levels after eating.
Medical professionals widely recommend maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet and taking regular exercise to protect the liver and prevent the onset of metabolic conditions.
