It’s Not Just “Fatty Liver” Anymore: The Silent Epidemic Hiding in Your Winter Diet
By Dr. Karan R. Rawat Gastroenterologist, Hepatologist & Liver Specialist | Agra
In Agra, we love our winters. It is the season of Gajak, Garam Chai, and hot Parathas dripping with ghee. We tend to believe that these heavy foods are necessary to “keep the body warm.”
But as a Hepatologist (Liver Specialist), I see a different side of this story.
In the last few years, we have seen a massive explosion in liver disease cases in North India that have nothing to do with alcohol. Patients walk into my OPD at Safe Gastro and Surgery Center confused, asking: “Doctor, I don’t even drink. How is my liver damaged?”
The answer lies in a condition we used to call “Fatty Liver,” which medical science has recently renamed MASLD (Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease).
What is MASLD? (And Why You Should Care)
You might see “Grade 1 Fatty Liver” on an ultrasound report and ignore it. Please don’t. The medical community changed the name to MASLD to highlight that this is not just about the liver—it is a warning sign that your entire metabolism (sugar, cholesterol, weight) is malfunctioning.
In North India, this is becoming an epidemic because of the “Winter Trap”:
- The “Comfort Food” overload: We consume high-calorie, sugary, and fried foods in winter, but our physical activity drops to near zero because of the cold.
- The “Alcohol” Myth: Many people believe rum or brandy “keeps you warm” in winter. This is a myth. Alcohol actually lowers your core body temperature and acts as a direct toxin to a liver already struggling with fatty food.
- Self-Medication: Popping painkillers for winter joint pains without consulting a doctor can cause drug-induced liver injury.
The “Silent” Danger
The liver is a forgiving organ. It doesn’t complain until it is too late. You can lose up to 70-80% of your liver function before you feel any major symptoms.
- Early signs you might be missing: Extreme fatigue, a feeling of fullness in the right upper abdomen, and darkened skin around the neck (a sign of insulin resistance).
How to Protect Your Liver This Winter
You don’t need to give up everything, but you need to be smart:
- Switch the Grain: Instead of just wheat roti, try Bajra or Jowar. These winter millets are excellent for the liver and keep you warm.
- The “3-Cup” Rule: Studies show that black coffee (without sugar) can actually help reduce liver stiffness. Limit sweet chai and try coffee instead.
- Move Indoors: If it’s too cold to walk outside, do 20 minutes of yoga or stair climbing at home. A sedentary liver is a fatty liver.
- Know Your Numbers: If you are over 30 and overweight, get a Liver Function Test (LFT). If your enzymes (SGOT/SGPT) are elevated, it is time to see a specialist.
A Note on Liver Detoxes
I see many “Magic Liver Detox” syrups advertised online. Be very careful. There is no magic syrup that cleans the liver. The only true detox is stopping the intake of toxins (alcohol, excess sugar) and letting the liver heal itself.
If you have concerns about your liver health, or if your ultrasound shows “Fatty Liver,” do not wait for it to become Grade 2 or 3.
About the Author: Dr. Karan R. Rawat is a leading Hepatologist and Gastroenterologist in Agra. He specializes in the management of Fatty Liver (MASLD), Hepatitis, and Alcohol-related Liver Disease.
📍 Visit Us: Safe Gastro and Surgery Center, Agra Heart Centre, Civil Lines, Agra. 📞 Book an Appointment: +91-7398888889