Choosing a sugary soda over alcohol may seem like a healthier decision, but experts warn that regular consumption of soft drinks can be just as damaging to the liver as alcohol. The sugar in these beverages is converted into fat once it reaches the liver, which can accumulate in liver cells and eventually lead to fatty liver disease. If left untreated, this condition can progress to cirrhosis, a severe form of liver scarring that poses significant health risks.
Many people are surprised to learn that cirrhosis can develop even without frequent or any alcohol use. According to recent findings, drinking just one sugary beverage per day for five to seven years can result in fatty liver disease. This increases the risk not only for heart disease and diabetes but also for certain cancers such as those affecting the colon, pancreas, and esophagus.
A 2022 study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology highlighted that consuming one or more sugar-sweetened drinks daily over several years significantly raises the likelihood of developing fatty liver disease. "When I tell my patients that, they’re often surprised," said a medical professional.
Sugary drinks typically contain high levels of sugar and high fructose corn syrup. Once ingested, these substances are processed by the liver into fat, which stresses liver cells and impairs their ability to filter toxins from the body. As fat builds up in the liver, individuals become more susceptible not only to fatty liver disease and cirrhosis but also to other serious conditions including diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. However, maintaining an active lifestyle through exercise can help lower these risks.
Fatty liver disease has become increasingly common due largely to lifestyle factors such as frequent consumption of sugary sodas. While alcohol-related cirrhosis remains the leading cause of liver transplants in the United States, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is now the second most common reason for these procedures—a trend linked to rising obesity rates nationwide. Over the past two decades, transplants due to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease-related cirrhosis have increased from 5.3% to 23%.
Medical advice suggests that having one sugary drink per week is unlikely to harm the liver. Diet sodas are considered preferable alternatives, but water remains the healthiest choice given its importance for bodily functions.
Symptoms indicating potential liver problems include loss of appetite, fatigue, pain on the right side below the ribcage where the liver is located, and jaundice—characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes.
The good news is that fatty liver disease is both reversible and treatable with lifestyle changes such as increased physical activity, healthy eating habits, regular exercise, and weight loss. Two medications—resmetirom and semaglutide—have been approved for treating individuals with fatty liver accompanied by significant fibrosis. Additionally, clinical trials at Ohio State are investigating new drug treatments for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
To prevent fatty liver disease beyond reducing intake of sugar-sweetened beverages, experts recommend exercising regularly, eating more fresh fruits and vegetables, and drinking plenty of water. These measures allow people at higher risk to occasionally enjoy soda without compromising their health.
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