The liver, a powerhouse organ, plays a key role in digestion, nutrient absorption, and removing toxins from the body. But sedentary lifestyles, irregular eating habits, and high intake of alcohol or processed foods have made fatty liver disease more common these days. Although treatment often involves medication and lifestyle changes, making simple changes in diet can also help improve liver health.The National Institutes of Health (NIH) says that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is a leading cause of liver disease worldwide, with an estimated global incidence of 47 cases per 1,000 population. Experts have said that if you pay attention to healthy food habits then you can bring some changes and help you prevent fatty liver.

Dr. Saurabh Sethi, a gastroenterologist trained at AIIMS, Harvard, and Stanford universities, recently shared a video on Instagram, where he explained 3 natural drinks that he recommends to his patients for fatty liver diseases. In a short yet informative video on Instagram, Dr Sethi talked about three drinks he often recommends to his patients with fatty liver disease.

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How to tackle fatty liver?

“Three Drinks I Often Recommend to My Patients with Fatty Liver Disease. Backed by science and clinical experience, these drinks can help reduce liver fat, improve digestion, and support overall liver health, “ Dr Saurabh Sethi wrote in the caption.

The gastroenterologist highlighted the benefits of drinking these 3 drinks: beetroot juice, coffee, and green tea. He also emphasised moderation and mindful consumption to maximise the health benefits of each beverage.

–Green Tea: Dr Sethi said explained that green tea is rich in catechins like EGCG, compounds shown to improve liver enzymes and reduce fat buildup. A few cups of green tea a week can help your liver stay in better shape while giving you a gentle caffeine lift.

According to a study published in PMC journal titled ‘Therapeutic Benefits of Green Tea Extract’ on Various Parameters in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease patients, it has been found that green tea offers various benefits. It can improve metabolic, chemical, inflammatory, and radiological markers in non-diabetic patients with fatty liver disease.

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The study noted that green tea contains thousands of bioactive compounds, with nearly one-third made up of polyphenols—mainly flavonoids. Among these, catechins are key flavonoids that have drawn attention for their potential health benefits. Researchers highlighted that catechins show properties that may help in managing several conditions, including aging, cancer, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, diabetes, bacterial infections, diarrhea, fibrosis, inflammation, oxidative stress, and atherosclerosis.

–Beetroot tea: Dr Sethi explained that beetroot juice is packed with betalains – powerful antioxidants that help protect liver cells and reduce fat accumulation. “Drink in moderation,” he advised, “so the sugar does not outweigh the benefits.” A glass a few times a week can go a long way in supporting liver health.

A study titled Comparing effects of beetroot juice and Mediterranean diet on liver enzymes and sonographic appearance in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a randomized control trials, states that beetroot juice holds potential as an effective treatment for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in adults, as per a TOI report.

-Coffee: Next, Dr Sethi recommended that those with fatty liver disease drink coffee as it can lower their risk of fatty liver and fibrosis. “Choose organic and skip sugar: a touch of honey, monk fruit, or stevia without erythritol additive is all fine,” he recommends. According to the doctor, coffee can lower your risk of fatty liver and fibrosis. He recommended choosing organic coffee and skipping the sugar.

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A study titled Coffee and Liver Disease found that drinking coffee is linked to improved liver enzyme levels, including ALT, AST, and GGTP, particularly in people at risk of liver disease. The study noted that consuming more than two cups of coffee a day among patients with existing liver conditions is associated with lower chances of developing fibrosis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer, as well as reduced mortality rates. Researchers also reported experimental evidence showing that coffee rich in chlorogenic acid (CGA) can help regulate glucose intolerance and may reduce the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in obese rats.

(With TOI inputs)

( Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition)