Change begins at home, and the best way to transform your health is through a healthy diet. That’s what Harvard and Stanford-trained gastroenterologist Dr Saurabh Sethi also believes in. In a social media post, he listed four snack combinations to improve liver health. “I eat these weekly as a liver specialist. Approximately two billion people worldwide suffer from fatty liver or MASLD, and a poor diet is one of the biggest reasons,” said Dr Sethi on YouTube.
He swears by dates and pairs them with walnuts for a quick and healthy snack. “Mixed nuts provide vitamin E, which is vital for liver health. Dark chocolate also has benefits, so a combination of dark chocolate with mixed nuts is a delicious treat,” said Dr Sethi.
He also shared how he pairs honey, apple, and cinnamon, which is a favourite among kids. “Greek yoghurt or dahi with berries is a potent combination,” said Dr Sethi.
We reached out to other experts to understand if these combinations are worth your time.
Snacks like dates, walnuts, mixed nuts, dark chocolate, honey, apples, and Greek yoghurt are generally healthy and can support liver function due to their antioxidant, fibre, and healthy fat content, said Dr Ameet Mandot, director, department of hepatology and liver transplant medicine, Gleneagles Hospitals Parel, Mumbai.
Should you have dates? (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)
According to Dr Mandot, these foods may help reduce inflammation and aid digestion, both of which are essential for liver health.
“However, while they are beneficial as part of a balanced diet, they are not substitutes when it comes to medical treatment. People with liver conditions like fatty liver (MASLD), hepatitis, or cirrhosis should consult a doctor before relying on any food-based remedy,” said Dr Mandot.
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Liver conditions cannot be managed solely through diet. Dr Mandot emphasised that one has to pay attention to liver health by quitting alcohol, smoking, staying hydrated, exercising regularly, and reducing processed sugar and fat. “It’s important to manage liver disease with medical guidance. Do the essential tests and initiate timely intervention. Always combine good nutrition with a doctor’s advice for the best outcome. Don’t just rely on nutrition alone,” said Dr Mandot.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
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