Sugar and the liver
Excessive consumption of sugar, particularly in the form of fructose, has been linked to the development of fatty liver disease.
When we consume large quantities of sugar — especially in the form of sugary beverages and processed foods — the liver converts the excess fructose in our bodies into fat. Over time, this can lead to an accumulation of fat in the liver, a condition known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD can progress to more severe forms of liver damage, such as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), cirrhosis, and even liver failure.
Reducing sugar intake, particularly from sources high in fructose, is crucial in preventing and managing fatty liver disease, promoting liver health, and reducing the risk of associated complications.
It’s important to remember risk of NAFLD is not age dependent: kids frequently consume sugar-sweetened drinks, often marketed as energy or sports drinks, and may suffer similar health consequences as a result. Make no mistake: Gatorade can be just as problematic as Mountain Dew. (“Sugar Free” drinks have their own problems which we’ll save for another blog post.)
Reducing or stopping your sugar consumption is a great first step to managing your risk of NAFLD. Try replacing your daily soda with an Organo coffee, or your energy drink, or sports drink with Dynamic Hydrate by NutriDyn, a naturally flavored hydration complex with a balanced profile of key minerals, electrolytes, vitamins, and more. Hydrate is available in a wide variety of flavors and NutriDyn’s formula is always free from added sugars, artificial colors, and unnecessary additives that may detract from your health and performance.*
If you’re curious about your options for daily liver support, look no further. Adding Ortho Molecular’s HepatoCore into your daily regimen is an easy way to support your body’s major detox organ. HepatoCore is a cutting-edge supplement that has been proven to reduce fat accumulation in the liver.
To learn more about HepatoCore, healthy beverage options, or other functional medicine applications that may assist you in your health journey, schedule a lab consult with one of our providers today.
