Liver Detox Concept Unscientific, Says Kerala State IMA Research Cell Chairman

KOCHI:
Homemade recipes claimed on social media to be liver detoxifiers have no scientific validity, and there is no need for such artificial means or shortcuts to protect the liver, according to Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan, Chairman of the Kerala State IMA Research Cell. Speaking at the wellness convention themed ‘Liver Facts and Myths- Transforming Liver Health,’ held during the 32nd Annual Scientific Meeting of the Indian National Association for the Study of the Liver (INASL-2024), Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan emphasized the capability of the liver to rid the body of its own waste products as well as ingested substances.

“Many people use the term detox in modern times because it is associated with the ancient belief of cleansing the mind of toxic thoughts, but it is not possible to cleanse the liver through such shortcuts. The liver is perfectly capable of cleansing itself. It is more important to avoid intake of substances that damage the liver, such as alcohol,” said Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan. He also warned against relying on self-proclaimed health experts on social media, who often lack proper knowledge or have commercial interests.

As the largest organ in the body, the liver functions like a chemistry lab, efficiently sorting beneficial and harmful substances that enter the stomach. Early-stage liver disease often shows no symptoms. Health experts at the convention highlighted the increasing prevalence of fatty liver disease due to alcohol consumption and unhealthy lifestyles, and advised to take early preventive lifestyle measures rather than rely on scams and shortcuts.

During the convention held at CSM Hall, Le Meridian, Kochi, liver disease experts presented multiple sessions outlining ways to improve liver health. Key recommendations included giving up alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, controlling sugar intake, exercising regularly, and adopting a balanced diet.

Dr Mathew Philip, ISG President, Dr. G.N Ramesh, Organizing Chairman of INASL and Senior Consultant – Medical Gastroenterology at Aster Medcity, Dr. Charles Panackel, Organising Secretary of INASL and Senior Consultant–Hepatology at Aster Medcity , Dr Harikumar. R. Nair, Senior Consultant Hepatologist, Ernakulam Medical Center Dr. Antony Paul ,Senior Consultant Gastroenterologist, VPS Lakeshore, Dr John Menachery Senior Consultant Hepatologist Rajagiri Hospital, Dr Manju George Chief Dietician, VPS Lakeshore, Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, Chairman, Kerala State IMA research Cell took sessions on various subjects. Mr Ramesh Kanjilimadhom, Director Seygen Design and Shefali Singh, Shefali Singh-Founder & Director “Welcon”, Wellness Convention spoke at the event.