3 Drinks That AIIMS, Harvard Trained Doctor Recommends For Fatty Liver

Fatty liver has emerged as one of the most common liver conditions that affected several people. It occurs due to poor diet, alcohol consumption, weight issues, high cholesterol, and even diabetes. Fatty liver can be developed when excess fat starts building up in the liver cells that can make up over 5 to 10% of the liver’s weight. It does not cause any symptoms in the initial stages. This is the reason why many people failed to realise they are suffering from fatty liver until it is shown in their annual health check-up. However, the good thing is that fatty liver situation can be reversed with lifestyle changes.

Recently, Dr. Saurabh Sethi, also known as the gut doctor, a gastroenterologist trained at AIIMS, Harvard, and Stanford Universities, took to his Instagram account and shared three powerful drinks for individuals with fatty liver. “I am a liver specialist, and these are the three drinks I often recommend to my patients with fatty liver disease," he said in the Instagram video. Here they are:

1. Beetroot Juice

Beetroot juice has emerged a magical drink that can cure several diseases with great ease. It possesses nitrates and antioxidants, essential for healthy liver. The presence of high content of betaine and betalains that can bring down liver fat, offers protection against oxidative stress, fights inflammation, and helps detoxification. The juice can effectively reverse fat accumulation and boosts liver enzymes such as ALT/AST. Several studies indicate the juice can dissolve fat in the liver and reduces dangerous lipids. Moderation will be key to avoid higher sugar intake. Dr Sethi said, “it is packed with betalains that are powerful antioxidants that can protect liver cells and reduce fat accumulation. Drink in moderation so the sugar does not outweigh the benefits.”

2. Coffee

Experts often recommend coffee as the drink is linked with a lower risk of liver disease that may include fatty liver. The presence of antioxidants and compounds such as chlorogenic acid can bring down fat deposits, inflammation, and fibrosis or scarring. The drink boosts metabolism, enhances liver enzymes like ALT/AST, increases insulin sensitivity, and prevents liver cells from damage. Studies claim that there will be lower risk of liver disease and cancer for those consuming it on a regular basis. Benefits have been associated with black coffee. Dr Sethi suggested, “it can lower the risk of fatty liver and fibrosis. Choose organic and skip sugar. A touch of honey, monkfruit or stevia without erythritol additives- are all fine.”  

3. Green tea

It is an excellent source of antioxidants such as catechins that can bring down liver fat and enhance liver enzymes. The anti-inflammatory nature of the drink can protect the liver from further damage. If you are keen to reap the benefits of green tea to deal with fatty liver, it is significant to consume it regularly. “It is rich in catechins like EGCG, which is shown to improve liver enzymes and reduce fat buildup," Dr. Sethi added.