Hepatologist shares which foods and drinks you should restrict, completely avoid or consume to reduce fatty liver risk

By Admin

12 Nov, 2025

Liver health has become a growing global concern, with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and alcohol-related liver disease being among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. According to data published by the World Health Organisation (WHO) on Sciencedirect.com in April 2024, the burden of liver diseases continues to rise   and dietary habits play a crucial role in prevention and management.

Dr. Cyriac Abby Philips, widely known as “The Liver Doc”, recently shared his expert advice on how diet can influence liver health and reduce the risk of developing fatty liver disease.

Four Things You Must Seriously Restrict

In an Instagram post dated November 11, Dr. Philips outlined four dietary items that Indians should restrict to maintain liver health:

1. Sugar-sweetened beverages – Excess sugar consumption contributes to fat accumulation in the liver.
   
   

2. Coconut oil and palm oil-based products – High in saturated fats, these oils can worsen liver fat levels.
   
   

3. Butter – Another source of unhealthy fat that may contribute to liver inflammation.
   
   

4. Ghee (clarified butter) – Often overused in Indian cooking, ghee can increase liver fat if consumed in excess.
   
   

According to Dr. Philips, cutting down on these items can significantly help in preventing the progression of fatty liver disease.

The One Thing to Completely Avoid

“If there is one dietary item you must completely avoid, it is alcohol,” Dr. Philips emphasized.
Alcohol is a well-known cause of liver damage, and chronic consumption can lead to alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD), cirrhosis, and even liver failure. For individuals already diagnosed with fatty liver, even small amounts of alcohol can accelerate the damage.

The One Thing to Absolutely Include

Interestingly, Dr. Philips also highlighted one drink that can benefit liver health   unsweetened black coffee.
Studies suggest that regular coffee consumption can help reduce liver fat, lower inflammation, and even decrease the risk of fibrosis and cirrhosis. Dr. Philips recommended including unsweetened black coffee as part of a healthy lifestyle to support liver function.

Understanding Fatty Liver Disease

In a March 2024 interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Lorance Peter, Director of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Sakra World Hospital, Bengaluru, explained fatty liver disease in simple terms:
“Fatty liver disease is when your liver, which should have only about 5 percent fat, starts storing more fat than it should. This can be detected through a simple ultrasound when the liver appears bigger and brighter than usual.”

He further clarified that there are two main types of fatty liver disease:

• Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (AFLD) – Caused by excessive alcohol consumption.
  
  

• Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) – Linked to obesity, diabetes, or metabolic dysfunction.
  
  

Recently, NAFLD has been reclassified as MASLD (Metabolic Dysfunction Associated Steatosis Liver Disease), reflecting its close connection with metabolic issues.

Key Takeaway

By making informed dietary choices, reducing unhealthy fats and sugars, avoiding alcohol, and including liver-friendly drinks like black coffee, individuals can significantly lower their risk of fatty liver disease. Coupled with regular exercise and a balanced diet, these lifestyle changes can help promote long-term liver health.