What’s the Real Culprit Behind Inflammation and Fatty Liver?
Dr. Pooja Reddy, a Hyderabad-based dermatologist, warns that industrial starch not just maida or sugar is a major hidden risk in many processed foods. According to her, it causes more inflammation, more belly fatigue, and even fatty liver.
What Exactly Is Industrial Starch?
According to Dr. Reddy, industrial starch is a highly processed carbohydrate found in many packaged foods. She clarifies that she’s not talking about naturally occurring starches in potatoes or rice, but “fake starch” made in factories and labs.
This starch undergoes intense heating, chemical treatment, and refinement, making it super easy to break down in the body.
Why Industrial Starch Is Especially Dangerous
- Blood Sugar Spikes: Dr. Reddy explains that industrial starch can spike blood sugar more significantly than sugar itself, because of how quickly it breaks down.
- Metabolic Impact: It’s absorbed rapidly, lacks fiber, and contributes to chronic inflammation. Over time, this drives visceral fat accumulation and raises the risk of metabolic diseases.
- Liver Health: These starches can overwhelm the body’s fat storage mechanisms, leading to fat build-up in the liver a key factor in fatty liver disease.
- Gut Imbalance: Processed industrial starch can promote dangerous gut bacteria, deplete essential vitamins (like B1 and D), and contribute to fatigue.
How to Spot Industrial Starch in Everyday Foods
Dr. Reddy urges people to read nutrition labels carefully. Industrial starch hides in many familiar items:
- Maltodextrin
- Modified food starch
- Cornstarch / modified corn starch
- Tapioca starch
- Wheat starch
She warns that many “healthier” packaged foods like protein powders, ready-to-eat masala mixes, and low-sugar snacks may contain these starches as cheap fillers.
Why This Warning Matters
- Hidden Health Risk: Unlike sugar or maida, industrial starch is less obvious but may be more harmful.
- Metabolic Disease Link: The link to insulin resistance, inflammation, and fatty liver could explain part of India’s growing metabolic health crisis.
- Misleading Labels: Many foods labeled “sugar-free” or “low sugar” still carry industrial starch so they can be deceptively unhealthy.
What You Should Do Next
- Read Labels: Look out for names like maltodextrin, modified starch, or cornstarch in ingredient lists.
- Limit Ultra-Processed Foods: Reduce consumption of packaged sauces, biscuits, and ready mixes.
- Add Whole Foods: Promote natural sources of carbohydrates whole grains, vegetables, and legumes.
- Consult a Doctor/Nutritionist: If you have metabolic concerns or liver symptoms, get proper medical guidance.
Final Thoughts
The next time you worry about maida or sugar, don’t forget the stealthy risk: industrial starch. As Dr. Reddy points out, this highly processed carbohydrate may be one of the most dangerous carbs out there because of its link to inflammation, rapidly spiking blood sugar, and fatty liver. Awareness and mindful eating are crucial especially in a world where processed foods dominate.
