Fructose, a highly-used additive in the Western diet, may lead to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

According to Knowridge, researchers found that consuming large amounts of high-fructose corn syrup can cause obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and NAFLD; fatty liver disease can lead to liver damage and inflammation. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which is linked to NAFLD, can also damage the liver and cause cancer.

To understand how high fructose consumption leads to NAFLD, researchers conducted an experiment using mice. They found that mice on a high-fructose diet suffered from liver inflammation and a deteriorating intestinal barrier: a barrier that prevents bacteria and toxins in the gut from getting into the bloodstream.

The following information was also found:

Mice fed a high-fructose diet also had higher circulating levels of endotoxins—toxins released from certain bacteria when they die.

The team also found that leaked endotoxins prompted immune cells in the liver called macrophages to react and increase the production of cell signaling proteins like tumor necrosis factor (TNF) that can cause inflammation.

These signaling proteins are proved to boost enzymes that convert fructose into fatty deposits in the liver.

High fructose levels could break down your intestinal barrier, which leads to severe liver damage.

In other words, start cutting back on (or eliminating) those pancake sweeteners, sugary drinks, and other processed foods.

Until Next Time…

(Sources)

Photo Credit: EatThis

This common sugar in American diet may lead to fatty liver disease. Knowridge. (2022, March 22). Retrieved March 22, 2022, from https://knowridge.com/2022/03/this-common-sugar-in-american-diet-may-lead-to-fatty-liver-disease/