How Too Much Sugar Affects Your Liver: Side Effects to Consider

Many people cannot function without sugar. “A guilty pleasure,” as most people call it. But while it is safe to consume moderate amounts of natural sugar from carbohydrate sources like fruits and vegetables, grains and dairy products, excessive consumption of added sugar can be detrimental to health.

It’s important to note that diabetes isn’t the only health problem associated with excessive sugar consumption. In fact, studies suggest it may also increase the risk of chronic health conditions like high blood pressure, inflammation, weight gain, and fatty liver disease.

In this article, we discuss the impact of excessive sugar consumption on liver health and the types of challenges it can pose over time.

Also read: Your legs may signal fatty liver disease: note THIS warning sign

How Excessive Sugar Consumption Affects Liver Health

Dr Arnab Sarkar, Consultant Gastroenterology, Fortis Hospital, Anandapur, Kolkatastates: “Our liver is the main center of metabolism in our body, which is mainly responsible for converting fats, carbohydrates and proteins into energy. »

“Since people already consume sugar, which is naturally found in fruits, vegetables and other foods, in the form of fructose, additional sugar consumption can be risky because it can inhibit liver metabolism,” explains the doctor to the OnlyMyHealth team. , adding: “This happens when sugar metabolism in the liver is converted to stored fat. As a result, these extra unhealthy fats cause a fatty liver disease called nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Citing recent research published in the Journal of HepatologyDr. Sarkar says that even moderate consumption of added sugar is likely to affect the liver, because these sugars are high in calories and have no nutritional value.

Researchers looked at how different sugars affect liver fat production and found that drinks containing fructose or sucrose significantly increased liver fat production compared to drinks containing glucose or no sugar.

Interestingly, this effect occurred even though everyone consumed roughly the same amount of calories. This suggests that fructose and sucrose, found primarily in high-fructose corn syrup and table sugar, specifically affect liver metabolism, potentially leading to long-term health problems.

Take a look at some of the common side effects and symptoms of high sugar consumption on the liver:

• Liver inflammation
• Obesity or excess weight
• Insulin resistance and diabetes
• Cardiovascular diseases (CVD)
• Intestinal problems

Tips for managing sugar intake

To reduce the risk of liver problems associated with high sugar consumption, Dr. Sarkar lists some strategies for reducing consumption. These include:

• Follow a strict diet and consume no more than 10% of daily calories.
• Be a conscious consumer and read the amount of sugar in a food product.
• Compare products and replace them with healthier options, like honey and jaggery.
• A diet rich in protein and fiber helps prevent sugar cravings by keeping a person full.
• Avoid sugary drinks, such as soft drinks, artificial juices, etc.
• Eating foods naturally free of added sugar is recommended.
• Treat yourself to sweet foods once a month.

Other lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of liver problems include:

• Incorporate more vitamins and minerals into the diet
• Avoid excessive weight gain or obesity through regular exercise and other physical activities
• To drink a lot of water
• Moderate alcohol consumption
• Get enough sleep to neutralize hormones

(Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Therefore, we advise you to consult your expert if you are experiencing any health problems to get the necessary treatment.)