Fact Check: Ginger-turmeric tea can’t cure fatty liver; lifestyle, diet changes must
The social media claims of curing fatty liver within 21 days are misleading
By Neelambaran A Published on 18 Oct 2024 11:41 AM GMT
Claim: The video claims fatty liver can be cured within 21 days by consuming tea made from ginger, turmeric and black pepper.
Fact: The claim is misleading. Though the ingredients have specific medicinal benefits, fatty liver disease treatment requires lifestyle changes and a regulated diet with medication
An Instagram video has gone viral with the claim that tea made from ginger, turmeric and black pepper can remedy fatty liver within 21 days. The video details an ayurvedic detox tea made by mixing grated turmeric and ginger in water boiled with a pinch of black pepper and consumed on an empty stomach.
Similarly, several such ‘natural remedies’ claiming to be quick lung detox solutions have gained prominence on social media.
Fact Check
NewsMeter found that the claim is misleading. The ingredients have limited medicinal benefits.
Though ginger, turmeric and black pepper have medicinal benefits, a ‘detox tea’ made from them doing wonders on the liver does not have any scientific basis. The ingredients have more medicinal potential as supplements to primary treatments.
“We should primarily focus on lifestyle modifications like dietary changes, exercise and weight loss to successfully manage fatty liver,” said Dr Tejaswini Tumma, consultant gastroenterologist and therapeutic endoscopist, Kamineni Hospitals, LB Nagar.
Ginger and turmeric possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory which can help reduce oxidative stress and improve lipid metabolism.
“Herbal teas like this may support liver health and can only be considered complementary to primary treatments but not as cures or standalone treatments. Integrating the tea into a broader plan that includes a Mediterranean diet, regular aerobic exercise and weight control will yield better results,” suggested Dr Tejaswini Tumma.
Beware of huge claims
Referring to a study, MedicalNewsToday stated: “High doses of turmeric supplements might reduce some symptoms of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. However, turmeric is not a substitute for standard treatment or lifestyle changes.”
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) can occur due to Type 2 diabetes. As much as 75 per cent of obese people may develop the condition. Only healthy diets, lifestyle and weight loss can help control NAFLD.
A report in Healthline also warned about the regressive effects of liver detox drinks including interactions with the medications prescribed for the illness.
However, anecdotal evidence showed that turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties and helps reduce inflammation in the liver while ginger too can bring a similar effect. Ginger can also reduce liver fat in people with NAFLD.
