In brief

• A diet rich in salt may affect the way the liver processes fats.
• Excess salt may promote inflammation and increase the risk of liver diseases.
• Experts recommend carefully limiting salt, and people with symptoms should consult a doctor.

Why the liver also feels excess salt

Although it is the kidneys that regulate the amount of sodium retained in the body, the liver is not isolated from its effects. According to reports based on publications from the American outlet Verywell Health, examined by Ukrainian media, a diet rich in salt may alter the process of fat metabolism in the liver and trigger chronic inflammation (Не лише тиск: лікарі розповіли, чим ще небезпечний надлишок солі – mk.ua) (Як сіль впливає на печінку: вчені виявили небезпечний зв’язок – UNIAN) (Как соль влияет на печень и повышает риск её заболеваний: объяснение ученых – unian.net).

What is known about the mechanism

Hepatologists point out that sodium affects blood pressure, water-electrolyte balance, insulin sensitivity and the gut microbiota. Each of these factors burdens the liver in its own way. According to reports on the research, the combination of a diet rich in salt and fat may accelerate inflammatory processes and, over the longer term, promote tissue fibrosis and even increase the risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer.

What to pay attention to

Researchers stress that the link between salt and liver disease requires further study. The current findings nonetheless point to the need to carefully control salt intake, which, as specialists assess, may support overall health and the proper functioning of the liver.

Recommendations

People with suspected liver disease should discuss their diet with their attending physician. If worrying symptoms appear, they should contact a primary care doctor or seek specialist hepatology consultation.