Impact of excessive sugar consumption on liver health
The liver excretes bile and regulates several hormone levels in the body. It stores fat-soluble vitamins and handles cholesterol homeostasis in the body. The food and beverages one consumes have a major impact on determining the liver’s functioning. Consuming excessive amounts of sugar, especially fructose, can lead to fat buildup, making one more susceptible to liver disease. Although this is a benign condition, it may progress to steatohepatitis or liver failure (cirrhosis). How does sugar consumption impact liver function? There are three simple sugars in the body: glucose, galactose, and fructose. Some of this is utilized immediately as energy, while the rest is stored for future use. The liver is responsible for metabolizing fructose. Naturally occurring fructose comes from fruits, vegetables, and honey. High-fructose corn syrup is also a common additive in processed foods like candy, bread, and condiments. Since the liver’s ability to metabolize fructose is limited, any excess fructose converts to fat. This process is known as lipogenesis. Fat is stored in various parts of the body, including the liver. Over time, excessive fat buildup in the body can lead to the replacement of healthy liver cells by fat cells, giving rise to fatty liver disease. Sugar also causes inflammation.