On World Liver Day, it’s vital to raise awareness about liver health and debunk some widespread myths that hinder early diagnosis and proper care. Dr. Sandeep Satsangi, Consultant Hepatologist, shares expert insights into some of the most frequently misunderstood aspects of liver diseases.
“No Amount of Alcohol Is Safe,” Says Hepatologist
A common question Dr. Satsangi receives is about how much alcohol is “safe” to consume. “The simple answer is: no amount of alcohol is safe. It not only affects liver and pancreatic health but also increases the risk of aerodigestive cancers,” he explains. From a liver disease standpoint, anything more than 20 grams of alcohol per day is considered significant. To put that in perspective:
30 ml of whiskey ≈ 100 ml of wine ≈ 240 ml of beer ≈ 10 gm of alcohol.
Home Food Doesn’t Guarantee Liver Safety
Many patients with fatty liver disease are surprised when diagnosed, especially if they avoid eating outside. “Fatty liver is primarily caused by excess calorie intake and a sedentary lifestyle. Home food, if consumed in excess or prepared with high-fat ingredients, can still lead to fatty liver,” Dr. Satsangi clarifies.
Do Liver Detox Drinks Really Work?
With the rise of wellness trends, liver detox products have gained popularity. But Dr. Satsangi warns against falling for these marketing gimmicks. “The liver itself is the body’s largest detox organ. It doesn’t need any ‘detox’ products. All it requires is a consistent, balanced lifestyle,” he states. Most of these so-called detox supplements lack scientific backing and are not recommended by specialists.
Fatty Liver Medications Aren’t Always Lifelong
There’s a widespread belief that once you start medications for fatty liver, you’re stuck with them for life. Dr. Satsangi counters this notion: “Medications are only prescribed in cases of severe metabolic dysfunction or liver fibrosis. Once the liver recovers and lifestyle improvements are sustained, medications can be discontinued.”
Hepatitis B Myths Fuel Unnecessary Stigma
Misunderstandings about hepatitis B transmission continue to cause social stigma. “You cannot get hepatitis B from shaking hands, hugging, sharing meals, or casual contact. It spreads through infected blood and certain body fluids—mainly through childbirth, unprotected sex, and non-sterile medical procedures,” says Dr. Satsangi. He urges greater awareness to end the discrimination against those living with the virus.
Cirrhosis Can Happen Without Alcohol
Alcohol is a well-known risk factor for liver cirrhosis, but it’s not the only one. “People are often shocked to be diagnosed with cirrhosis despite never drinking. Other causes include fatty liver, hepatitis B or C, autoimmune hepatitis, and metabolic disorders,” he notes. Early screening is crucial to identify and reverse damage before it worsens.
Transplant Isn’t the Only Solution for Cirrhosis
Dr. Satsangi emphasises that liver transplant is not always the end game. “Cirrhosis exists in two stages—compensated and decompensated. In the compensated stage, if we address the root cause, we can halt progression and even avoid a transplant. Only in advanced cases or when liver cancer is involved do we strongly recommend transplantation.”
On this World Liver Day, Dr. Satsangi urges people to take liver health seriously, not just with quick fixes or temporary diets, but with sustainable lifestyle choices. Regular check-ups, vaccinations against hepatitis B, and early management of conditions like obesity and diabetes are key to keeping your liver healthy.
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