Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Jul 3: Daily alcohol consumption, frequent intake of ultra-processed foods and chronic stress coupled with poor sleep are among the common lifestyle habits that can quietly damage the liver over time, according to gastroenterologist Dr Saurabh Sethi.

In a recent Instagram video, Dr Sethi, who trained at AIIMS, Harvard and Stanford, highlighted three habits that may increase the risk of liver disease, even among young adults.

The liver, the body's largest internal organ, performs several vital functions, including filtering blood, storing energy and producing bile to aid digestion. It also has the unique ability to regenerate itself, but experts warn that long-term unhealthy habits can gradually impair its function.

Dr Sethi said there is no completely "liver-safe" level of alcohol consumption, as every drink places a metabolic burden on the organ. He noted that imaging studies have found signs of fatty liver disease in up to 40 per cent of people who consume alcohol in moderate amounts.

He also warned against the regular consumption of ultra-processed foods, saying diets rich in excess fructose, refined carbohydrates and saturated fats are contributing to a sharp rise in fatty liver disease among people in their 20s and 30s. According to him, cases of fatty liver disease in children and young adults have increased significantly since the early 2000s.

The third major risk factor, he said, is chronic stress combined with inadequate sleep. Elevated stress hormones, particularly cortisol, can promote the accumulation of visceral fat, which is closely linked to fatty liver disease. Dr Sethi noted that patients with fatty liver disease often have considerably higher cortisol levels than healthy individuals.

He stressed that reducing alcohol intake, eating a balanced diet, managing stress and ensuring adequate sleep are key lifestyle measures to support long-term liver health.