A scientific study suggests that fatty liver disease can begin to improve in as little as nine days by making one crucial dietary change: eliminating added fructose.

Researchers in the United States, from Touro University and the University of California, found that removing added fructose—a common form of sugar in processed foods—from the diet led to rapid and measurable improvements in liver health. Their findings offer hope to millions of people affected by non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), one of the most prevalent chronic liver conditions worldwide.

---

Added Fructose: A Key Contributor to Fatty Liver Disease

According to information cited by Times of India, NAFLD affects roughly 30% of adults in developed countries and up to 90% of individuals who are obese or living with diabetes. Scientists increasingly point to excessive intake of added fructose as a major driver of this condition.

Added fructose is widely used in soft drinks, bottled beverages, breakfast cereals, candies, baked goods, and many ultra-processed foods—often in the form of high-fructose corn syrup.

Unlike glucose, which is metabolized by multiple organs, fructose is processed almost exclusively by the liver. When consumed in large amounts, it is rapidly converted into fat, leading to fat accumulation in liver cells. Over time, this buildup can trigger inflammation, damage liver tissue, and impair liver function. Persistent fatty liver disease also raises the risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and serious metabolic disorders.

Importantly, researchers emphasize that added fructose is not the same as the natural sugars found in whole fruits. Fruits contain fiber and antioxidants that slow sugar absorption and protect the liver, whereas added fructose lacks these protective components and is therefore far more harmful.

---

Fatty Liver Improvement in Just Nine Days

The study was conducted on adolescents who consumed high levels of added fructose daily. Researchers replaced foods rich in added fructose with alternatives containing natural glucose, while keeping total calorie intake unchanged.

After just nine days, the results were striking:

• Liver fat decreased by up to 20%

• Insulin sensitivity improved significantly

• Average body weight dropped by nearly 1%

These findings demonstrate that early-stage fatty liver disease is reversible, even without calorie reduction, as long as added fructose intake is drastically reduced.

---

Practical Steps to Protect and Restore Liver Health

Based on the study’s findings, health experts recommend the following actions to reduce the risk of fatty liver disease and support liver recovery:

• Avoid sugary soft drinks and sweetened beverages; choose water, herbal teas, or water infused with fresh fruit instead.

• Read food labels carefully and avoid products containing high-fructose corn syrup.

• Eat whole fruits rather than drinking fruit juice.

• Cook meals at home to better control sugar intake.

• Replace processed sweets with natural foods that contain fiber along with sugar.

Individuals who are overweight, have diabetes, or suspect they may have fatty liver disease are advised to seek early medical screening and follow personalized dietary guidance.