Sugar Vs. Alcohol- What’s More Toxic? Dr. Prabhakar Tiwari Debunks Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Myths News24 –

On this World Liver Day, concerns surrounding the silent rise of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), as well as the regular use of antibiotics, are coming to the forefront. How safe is paracetamol? Why is non-alcoholic fatty liver disease on the rise in the country? What are the symptoms of fatty liver disease? Is it completely reversible? In an exclusive conversation, Dr. Prabhakar Tiwari, Chief Medical Officer of Bhopal, breaks down the facts, clears common myths, and explains how our lifestyle—and even over-the-counter drugs—can quietly impact our liver and kidney health.

What Exactly Is A Fatty Liver?

Fatty liver, also known as hepatic steatosis, is a condition where excess fat builds up in the liver cells. However, if fat makes up more than 5–10% of the liver’s total weight, it is considered abnormal and may indicate fatty liver disease.

Alcoholic And Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver

“The pathogenesis (origin and development of a disease) of both types of fatty liver is the same, but the aetiology (cause) is different. Alcoholic fatty liver is caused by excessive alcohol consumption, while non-alcoholic fatty liver is caused by unhealthy eating patterns and poor dietary habits.” Dr. Prabhakar Tiwari, Chief Medical Officer of Bhopal, began the interview.

According to Tiwari, non alcoholic fatty liver is primarily caused by excess intake of a high-fat diet combined with a sedentary lifestyle (a lifestyle that involves minimal physical activity). As we repeat this process regularly, it leads to fat accumulation in the liver, which later triggers inflammation and damage.

“There is a strong link between fatty liver and obesity. Both fatty liver and obesity often go hand-in-hand. People with Type 2 diabetes are at a higher risk of developing fatty liver disease.” Dr. Prabhakar Tiwari said.

Stages Of Fatty Liver And Probability Of Cure

• Stage 1– Can Be Reversed
• Stage 2 – It may or may not be reversible, as it depends on the individual condition
• Stage 3 – According to Tiwari, it is a full-blown disease

Is Detoxification A Wellness Myth?

The liver plays a vital role in detoxification. Generally, there are two modes of excretion in the body — the liver processes and detoxifies harmful chemicals, breaking them down into less toxic substances. The byproducts are then thrown out of the body through Urine with the help of the kidneys. Those chemicals that can’t be metabolised are also eliminated from the body.

Do Paracetamol Impact Your Liver And Kidneys?

Analgesics and antipyretics normally impact the kidneys more than the liver. Analgesics are painkillers like Paracetamol. Antipyretics are medications given to patients to reduce fever. They help lower a high body temperature. Most of the analgesics are excreted through the renal system, so they impact the kidneys more than the liver. The liver is mostly impacted by Paracetamol. If there is toxicity caused by Paracetamol, it impacts the liver only, because this painkiller is metabolised by the liver and thrown out through the kidneys.

All other antipyretics, like Diclofenac and Ibuprofen, are harmful to the renal system, such as the kidneys. These antipyretics are an important factor in chronic renal failure, especially when combined with diabetes and hypertension. A few drugs, such as antipsychotics, are metabolised in the liver and can be toxic to the hepatic system. Paracetamol, if taken in high doses, often gives rise to hepatic toxicity. Even at doses of 1000 milligrams/day, it usually isn’t harmful to the liver. That is why doctors prescribe Paracetamol. It is, in fact, safer compared to Diclofenac and Ibuprofen.

What Are The Toxic Elements For Our Body?

Alcohol and excessive intake of carbohydrates and fats are toxic to our body. Fast foods like pizzas, noodles, fried foods, and other junk food, along with ready-to-eat foods, are harmful to the liver. These foods also contain cheese, which further contributes to fat accumulation.

What About Kids?

Although fat-rich food is essential for kids, the intake should be regulated according to the needs of their body. They need fat for growth—it can’t be avoided, though.

Sugar or Alcohol- Which Is More Toxic?

Both sugar and alcohol are different but equally dangerous to the liver. Alcohol is directly toxic to the liver, while sugar acts as a slow poison, causing long-term damage. Excessive sugar intake can lead to obesity and type 2 diabetes. Therefore, alcohol is a fast-acting poison, whereas sugar is a slow-acting one.

How Can You Detect And Monitor Fatty Liver Early?

Regular monitoring of liver fat is important, especially because non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) often goes unnoticed. Many people don’t realize they have it because they associate fatty liver with alcohol consumption, which causes them to neglect regular check-ups. Medical camps have shown that NAFLD remains undiagnosed in most cases. Therefore, raising awareness and monitoring conditions like hypertension and blood sugar are essential to prevent further health

About Reversing Fatty Liver

You don’t need medications to reverse fatty liver. It isn’t necessary! Simply changing your lifestyle by eating properly and exercising regularly can help. How long it takes to reverse fatty liver depends on how well you follow these habits. Some devices can detect body fat at home. Traditional tests like ultrasounds and MRIs can also be useful.