Why You Can’t Afford to Believe These Myths
Fatty liver disease is quietly spreading across the globe and India is no exception. Against this backdrop, misinformation only makes things worse. Dr. Saurabh Sethi a gastroenterologist educated at AIIMS, Harvard, and Stanford has taken to social media to clear the air. His message is simple: don’t let myths lull you into inaction. Believing them may put your liver and your health at real risk.
Myth #1: “Fatty liver is caused solely by fatty foods”
This one lingers because it makes intuitive sense. But Dr. Sethi counters it firmly, saying the real culprits are high-sugar processed foods, sugary drinks, and harmful oils. Over time, that combination leads to fat depositing in the liver not necessarily the amount of fat consumed in your dal or ghee moderate portions. It’s a wake-up call to rethink how everyday choices affect your liver.
Myth #2: “Fatty liver is harmless”
Many brush off fatty liver as a benign condition. Dr. Sethi warns otherwise: left unchecked, it can silently escalate into serious trouble fibrosis, cirrhosis, even liver cancer. The scary part? Symptoms often don’t appear until damage is significant. Early intervention through lifestyle changes can derail this progression, but denial can allow the disease to unfold unchecked.
Myth #3: “Supplements are the key treatment”
It’s tempting to believe that popping a capsule can fix everything. Yet, Dr. Sethi emphasizes that no supplement can undo liver fat like consistent, sensible habits can. Supplements can’t replace a balanced diet, regular physical activity, or healthy weight goals. In truth, they’re only helpful when they complement not replace real lifestyle shifts.
Sensible Steps to Shield Your Liver
If you want to lower the risk of fatty liver, remember this: it doesn’t take extravagant health hacks, just consistency. Start with a diet focused on whole foods, cut back on refined sugar and junk oils, get moving regularly and track your weight. Even modest changes, like walking daily and swapping sugary drinks for water, can help reverse early fatty liver. Your liver is resilient and it responds when cared for early.
The Takeaway
Fatty liver disease is no longer a niche diagnosis it’s a public concern. By rejecting these myths and adopting realistic habits, you can protect your liver with simple, sustainable changes. Because when it comes to health, clarity and consistency beat quick fixes every time.
