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The liver removes toxic substances from our bodies, which is why keeping it healthy is essential. Although liver damage is most commonly connected with excessive alcohol consumption, scientists have discovered another type of drink that could harm it.
Keep reading to learn what drink may be the worst for your liver.
The Framingham Heart Study
This study began in the Boston area in 1948 and has educated the public on how lifestyle choices affect our health ever since.
Recently, researchers from the Boston University School of Medicine published an update regarding consuming a particular drink that could damage our liver. This study involved 1,636 descendants of the participants from the original Framingham Heart Study cohort.
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
The researchers explored how often the participants consume sugar-sweetened drinks and whether they could be linked to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
NAFLD is a term that marks the build-up of fat in the liver. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), 24% of Americans have it.
Per the NIH, people with NAFLD usually don’t experience liver complications, but they become more prone to heart disease, diabetes, and other conditions.
The results of the study showed that people who frequently consume sugar-sweetened beverages are two and a half times more likely to develop NAFLD. “Frequent consumption” means the participants drank these beverages more than once a week.
Those that occasionally consumed these drinks (around once per month) also had significantly increased liver fat compared to non-consumers.
Cut Back on Sugary Drinks
If you want to keep your liver healthy (and you most definitely should), cutting back on sugary drinks is vital. In addition, avoid excess alcohol consumption, don’t use unnecessary medications, and consume liver-friendly foods.
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