Dr Amir Khan who appears on ITV’s This Morning said one type of food was causing mayhem
A TV doctor has highlighted a worrying rise in people with liver issues – and it’s not down to alcohol. Dr Amir Khan who appears on ITV’s This Morning and Lorraine regularly explained in a new post on Instagram that his surgery is seeing a rise – and it’s all down to diet.
He said: “We are seeing so many people with non alcoholic fatty liver disease – and lots of people think it’s related to fats but it’s sugar.”
Dr Khan explained that people constantly snacking on sugary snacks and refined carbohydrates such as crisps was causing the problem. He said: ”Did you know your blood sugar and your liver are basically best friends? But sometimes that friendship can turn toxic. So here’s what’s going on:
“Every time your blood sugar rises, your body releases insulin. Insulin’s job is to move sugar out of your blood and into your cells. But if your blood sugar is high all the time – lots of sugary foods, refined carbohydrates, snacking all day long – your body stops responding to insulin properly. That’s what we call insulin resistance.
“Now here’s where the liver comes in. Your liver starts taking all that extra sugar and actually turns it into fat. This process is called de novo lipogenesis. Literally, it means “making new fat.” At the same time, insulin is telling your body not to burn fat, so even more fat ends up getting delivered to the liver. And slowly, fat starts building up inside of your liver cells. Over time, that can lead to inflammation, damage, and a condition called non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. And most people don’t even know they’ve got it.”
Dr Khan emphasised that having been diagnosed with this a person didn’t have to despair – because it can be sorted out. He said: “But here’s the good news: this is often reversible. If you’ve got fatty liver, here’s what can actually help. Now I know this is hard, but I’ve gotta say it:
“Firstly, losing just 5-10% of your body weight can significantly reduce liver fat. Secondly, move your body every single day. Even if it’s a brisk walk, it improves how your body handles sugar.
“Thirdly, cut back on added sugars and ultra-processed carbohydrates, especially things high in fructose, like fizzy drinks. Focus instead on whole foods, fiber, protein, and healthy fats. They help keep your blood sugar steady.”
Not drinking too much is also important because the liver is in need of help, he added: “Limit your alcohol, because your liver is already under pressure. Why put it under more? And don’t forget sleep. Poor sleep makes insulin resistance worse.
“Honestly, I like to think of it like this: if you look after your blood sugar, you look after your liver. And the amazing thing is, your liver is so forgiving if you give it a chance.”
The NHS says: “Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common condition where fat builds up in your liver. It’s often linked to being overweight and can usually be treated with healthy lifestyle changes.”
Symptoms of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease does not usually cause any symptoms.
Many people have it without realising. It’s usually found when you have tests for another reason.
Some people have symptoms including:
- feeling very tired
- feeling generally unwell
- liver pain or discomfort, which is felt in your tummy (abdomen) under the right side of your ribs
Who is more likely to get non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is very common.
You’re more likely to get it if you:
- are overweight, particularly if you have a lot of fat around your stomach and waist
- do not have a healthy diet or are not very physically active
- have type 2 diabetes
- have polycystic ovary syndrome
- have high blood pressure or high cholesterol
- are over 50
For more information visit the NHS website here.
