One particular food group could significantly increase your risk of developing liver cirrhosis, even if you’re not a drinker.
Liver cirrhosis is a serious condition that occurs when the liver sustains extensive damage, leading to the replacement of healthy tissue with scar tissue. If left unchecked, it can prove fatal by inhibiting the liver’s ability to function properly.
According to World Health Organisation data, over 1.3 million deaths each year are attributed to liver cirrhosis, making it one of the primary causes of mortality worldwide. Cirrhosis typically develops as a result of prolonged liver damage and is most frequently diagnosed in heavy drinkers, obese individuals, and those living with type 2 diabetes.
However, a diet rich in ultra-processed foods has also been associated with an elevated risk of liver cirrhosis.
The impact of ultra-processed foods on your liver
A food item is generally classified as ultra-processed if it contains ingredients that aren’t typically found or easily replicated in a home kitchen. These products often contain a high proportion of additives and are usually high in fat, salt, and sugar.
Frequent consumption of ultra-processed foods has been linked to an increased likelihood of various severe health conditions, including obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. However, these ultra-processed foods could also negatively affect your liver health.
The liver’s main role is to filter the blood, assist in nutrient absorption, and detoxify any harmful substances. It’s thought that frequent consumption of ultra-processed foods can trigger inflammation in the liver, leading to scarring and impairing its functionality.
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition discovered a correlation between high intake of ultra-processed foods and an increased risk of ‘adverse liver outcomes’. In a study involving 173,889 participants over an average of 8.9 years, there were 1,108 instances of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and 350 cases of liver cirrhosis.
Additionally, there were 550 severe liver disease cases and 134 instances of liver cancer. The study implies that cutting down on ultra-processed foods could enhance overall liver health.
Symptoms of liver cirrhosis
Many individuals with liver cirrhosis may not exhibit noticeable symptoms, particularly in the early stages of the condition. However, the NHS points out potential symptoms you might experience include:
- feeling tired or unwell all the time
- tummy pain
- feeling or being sick
- blotchy red palms of the hands – the redness may be harder to see on brown or black skin
- loss of appetite or losing weight without trying
- visible blood vessels on the skin
- very dark or black poo
- feeling confused or difficulty concentrating
- trembling hands
- swollen tummy, legs, ankles or feet
- changes to your fingers, such as them getting wider and curved (clubbed), or white nails
- vomiting blood
- yellow skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice) – yellowing of the skin may be harder to see on brown or black skin
- bleeding or bruising easily
- itchy skin
- slurred speech
If you believe you have liver cirrhosis it’s important that you see a GP as soon as possible as they can provide professional advice and potential treatment.