What is the Enemy of the Liver?

Many factors can damage the liver. There isn't one single "enemy," but several key culprits contribute to liver disease.

• Excessive Sugar and Refined Carbohydrates: Too much refined sugar and high-fructose corn syrup cause a fatty buildup in the liver, leading to liver disease. Studies show sugar's impact can be as harmful as alcohol, regardless of weight. [Source: WebMD, March 17, 2024; Penn Medicine, June 29, 2020] Limit added sugars in soda, pastries, and candy. [Source: WebMD, March 17, 2024] Sugary drinks and refined carbohydrates are specifically identified as "the enemy of the liver." [Source: SingleCare Blog]

• Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): NAFLD is a common condition marked by excess fat accumulation in the liver, even without excessive alcohol consumption. [Source: NCBI PMC]

• Hepatitis B Virus (HBV): HBV infection, particularly occult HBV (OBI), can lead to liver cancer through fibrosis and cirrhosis progression. One-third of the global population carries this virus. [Source: MDPI, PubMed]

• Excessive Vitamin A: Therapeutic doses of vitamin A can cause liver damage. Retinoids may also play a role in hepatitis B-related liver damage. [Source: NCBI Bookshelf]

• Pannexin1 Channels: These channels contribute to inflammation and cell death in the liver, exacerbating various liver conditions. [Source: Frontiers]

• Spleen (in the context of cirrhosis): In liver cirrhosis, the spleen's influence can negatively impact disease progression. [Source: Biomedical Central]

• Acetaminophen (Paracetamol) Overdose: Excessive acetaminophen use can cause liver toxicity, especially in children. Early treatment with N-acetyl cysteine (N-AC) can mitigate this. [Source: PubMed]

Conclusion

While various factors contribute to liver damage, excessive sugar intake and specific viral infections stand out as significant threats.