Medical warnings on liver disease causes

Medical experts have issued warnings regarding the various causes and progression of liver disease. Initial reports focused on the risks of frequent alcohol consumption, with gastroenterologist Vladimir Neronov noting that early signs of damage include fatigue, abdominal pain, and jaundice. Neronov warned that consumption can lead to fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, and cirrhosis. Nutritionist Andrea Urizar specifically highlighted beer as harmful due to the combination of alcohol and carbohydrates, which can lead to metabolic issues and increased cardiovascular risk.

Subsequent reports expanded the scope of liver damage to include non-alcoholic factors. Experts identified metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) as a primary cause, often linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and high lipid levels. Consultant Suresh Raghavaya warned that liver disease can progress silently, with severe symptoms like internal bleeding or abdominal fluid accumulation appearing only in advanced stages of fibrosis or cirrhosis. Additional risks were identified regarding the use of herbal products and supplements.

Recent warnings have highlighted dietary risks that may damage the liver more rapidly than alcohol. Citing GLOBOCAN 2022 data, which indicates over 860,000 new liver cancer cases and 700,000 deaths annually worldwide, experts identified moldy foods as a major threat. Dr. Wang Dong of Peking University People’s Hospital noted that aflatoxin, a Group 1 carcinogen, attacks the DNA of liver cells, causing tissue degeneration, hemorrhage, and necrosis. He cautioned that removing visible mold is ineffective as fungal threads often permeate the entire food item. Furthermore, excessive intake of grease, saturated fats, and expired oils can overwhelm the liver, leading to fat accumulation.