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New Delhi, April 26: In a significant public health advisory issued Friday, a leading liver specialist emphasized the crucial role of simple lifestyle choices – prioritizing sleep and shunning junk food – in maintaining liver health. Dr. S.K. Sarin, Director of the prestigious Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS), stressed these fundamentals for preventing liver ailments.
Taking to the social media platform X, Dr. Sarin delivered a stark warning against consuming processed foods. “The word ‘junk food’ says it all — it’s junk and belongs in the dustbin,” he stated unequivocally. “If you treat your stomach and intestines like dustbins, go ahead. Otherwise, avoid it completely.”
Dr. Sarin explained that junk foods, typically high in unhealthy fats, excessive sugars, and processed ingredients, are significant drivers of obesity, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes. These conditions, in turn, dramatically increase the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), recently renamed metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Left unchecked, MASLD can progress to severe liver damage, including cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Beyond diet, Dr. Sarin highlighted the often-overlooked importance of sleep hygiene. “Sleeping late and eating late at night disturbs gut bacteria, essential for good health,” he advised. “Your intestinal bacteria, responsible for processing food, need their rest too. Prioritizing restorative sleep is one of the best things you can do.”
This advice is supported by scientific research indicating that irregular sleep patterns and late-night eating disrupt metabolic processes. Such habits impair the body’s ability to process fats and carbohydrates effectively during sleep, increasing the risk of significant liver fibrosis, a marker of liver damage.
In a broader appeal, Dr. Sarin urged the public to re-evaluate life priorities, cautioning against sacrificing well-being for external achievements. “Don’t trade your health in pursuit of money, power, or positions. A sound, healthy body and a good night’s sleep are the real sources of happiness,” he asserted.
The advisory comes as India faces a rising incidence of MASLD, estimated to affect nearly 30% of the population. This condition, characterized by excess fat accumulation in the liver unrelated to heavy alcohol consumption, is frequently linked to metabolic disorders like diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
Recognizing this growing health challenge, the Union Health Ministry launched revised operational guidelines and training modules in September last year aimed at improving the early detection and management of MASLD nationwide.
Disclaimer: This news article is based on information provided by a medical expert for general awareness. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
