Sugar and high fat diet linked to liver disease and mental decline, says study

Many severe diseases often remain symptomless for an extended period, leading to appropriate therapy being initiated only when the condition has advanced significantly. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one such dangerous ailment. If left untreated, it can lead to obesity, insulin resistance, Type 2 diabetes, and diseases of the colon and pancreas. Interestingly, it can also cause neurological complications, such as severe dementia.

A study conducted by a team of scientists at King's College, London, demonstrated that a diet high in sugar and fat is the primary factor in the development of NAFLD and, consequently, brain dysfunction. The results of this study aligned with data gathered by French researchers at the University of Poitiers. In a mice-based experiment, the rodents were divided into two groups - one fed a diet with a maximum fat content of 10%, and the other was fed a diet containing about 55% fat.

After the studies concluded, animals with the highest fat intake were diagnosed with insulin resistance, brain function disorders, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Additionally, in individuals with NAFLD, researchers detected a decreased oxygen level in the bloodstream. They propose that fatty liver disease negatively impacts blood vessel thickness, which means the brain does not receive the required amount of oxygen.

"Research confirms that reducing sugar and fat in our diet is not just vital in the fight against obesity but also for protecting the liver to maintain brain health and minimize the risk of developing diseases like depression and dementia," emphasised Dr. Anna Hadjihambi, the primary author of the study.