Study Reveals Sweetened Carbonated Drinks Cause More Liver Damage than Alcohol

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The liver is a vital organ that filters toxins from the body, making it essential to maintain its health. When discussing liver damage, the first thought is typically alcohol. However, new research suggests that sweetened carbonated drinks can cause more damage to the liver than alcohol.

According to health experts from Boston University of Medicine, sweetened carbonated drinks can cause non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, commonly known as fatty liver disease. This condition can lead to more severe problems, such as cirrhosis of the liver or an enlarged liver that causes pain.

Unlike alcohol, there is no minimum drinking age for sugary drinks, and they are readily available to people of all ages.

Framingham Heart Study Provides Evidence

The experts' conclusion is based on research conducted since 1948 as part of the Framingham Heart Study in Framingham, Massachusetts.

The study has investigated the impact of lifestyle factors such as diet and smoking on health. The researchers analyzed participants aged 48 to 63 from the study's Framingham Offspring cohort in 2002, with over half of the participants being women.

The participants reported how frequently they consumed sweetened carbonated drinks, and the experts studied the prevalence of the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Sugary Drinks Increase the Risk of Liver Damage

The study found that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is preventable by eliminating sugar-sweetened beverages from the diet.

Frequent consumption, defined as more than once a day to more than once a week, increases the odds of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by two and a half times, compared to non-consumers. Even "occasional" consumption, meaning once a month to less than once a week, leads to a more adverse increase in liver fat compared to non-consumers.

The researchers concluded that the public should prioritize consuming water or other healthy drinks instead of sweetened carbonated beverages. In addition, people should minimize the consumption of sugar in any form and should aim for a well-balanced diet.

Preventing Liver Damage through Lifestyle Changes

The study's findings emphasize the importance of liver health and the need to prevent non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Researchers suggest making simple lifestyle changes can help prevent the disease, such as reducing the intake of sugar-sweetened drinks and a well-balanced diet.

This study provides crucial insights into the health implications of sugar-sweetened beverages and liver health. Reducing consumption of these drinks can significantly reduce the risk of liver damage and contribute to overall health and well-being.