The 'Healthy' Drink That's Silently Damaging Your Liver, According to Hepatologists
When it comes to protecting your liver, you might think, "As long as I limit alcohol, I'm good." Hepatologists won't argue with part of that-limiting or eliminating alcohol from your life can go a long way in keeping your liver safe. But it's not the only drink that can harm your liver.
"There are several foods, beverages, medications and supplements besides alcohol that have the potential to cause damage to the liver," says Dr. Lee F. Peng, MD., Ph.D., the chief of gastroenterology and hepatology at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center and a professor of medicine at Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine.
In fact, people who don't drink can develop liver disease. "The disease formerly known as NAFLD-nonalcoholic fatty liver disease-is now known as MASLD-metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease," Dr. Peng says. "MASLD develops when fat builds up in the liver because of metabolic syndrome, which consists of conditions including obesity, type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol."
So, it's vital to know about how even so-called "healthy" drinks can silently damage your liver, especially given how vital the organ is. There are lots of "detox tips" on TikTok and Instagram, but your liver is actually a built-in detoxifier.
"Among its many tasks, one of the liver's most important jobs is to process the things we ingest," Dr. Peng explains. In general, the organ processes nutrients from the blood, produces bile for digestion, regulates blood sugar levels, synthesizes proteins for clotting and removes toxins such as alcohol and drugs. It also stores vitamins and minerals."
Pretty important, right? If that motivates you to treat this organ right, read on to learn of the healthy drink that's silently damaging your liver.
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The ‘Healthy' Drink That's Silently Damaging Your Liver, According to Hepatologists
"Fruit juices should be consumed in moderation," Dr. Peng reports. Indeed, while cartons and bottles of fruit juice usually hail their high vitamin C content (true), it's vital to look at the entire label. Fruit juices contain and lack some ingredients that can contribute to liver damage if you drink them daily, as many of us did with orange juice as kids-live and learn.
"Gulping down fruit juices with every meal can indeed result in weight gain and insulin resistance," explains Dr. Abdul Nadir, MD, a gastroenterologist specializing in hepatology with HonorHealth.
Dr. Nadir adds that drinking too much fruit juice can also lead to fat accumulation in the liver, resulting in scarring (aka cirrhosis) and damage to the liver's architecture. Dr. Nadir says the consequences are "life-threatening." Dr. Peng agrees, adding that too much fruit juice can raise your risk of developing MASLD (or make it worse if you're already living with it).
Related: One Common Habit That Could Be Damaging Your Liver, According to a Gastroenterologist
Why Fruit Juice Can Damage the Liver
Fruit juice has a bit of a health halo-it is made of fruit, after all. But it's not the same as whole fruit, and the lack of fiber and added sugar concerns hepatologists like Dr. Peng.
We hear a ton about fiber and gut health. As a reminder, the liver is a part of your digestive system. Fiber matters for liver function. Research, including a 2023 study in Frontiers in Public Health, suggests that increasing dietary fiber can help protect you against MASLD.
"Dietary fiber has the potential to enhance satiety, reduce blood sugar spikes by slowing the release of fructose and other sugars and lower insulin secretion," Dr. Peng says. "All of these things can help combat MASLD."
Speaking of sugar...
"There are no 'hidden' sugars in fruit juice," Dr. Peng adds. "The sugar content is there for everyone to see on the nutrition facts label. The primary sugar in fruit juices is fructose, the same sugar found in high fructose corn syrup."
He explains (and research supports) that consuming too much sugar can make it more likely that you'll experience "fat accumulation within the liver and contribute to the development of MASLD, and make existing MASLD worse."
Related: The #1 Early Sign of Liver Cancer Most People Miss
Wait-Can I Never, Ever Drink Fruit Juice?
"Fruit juice in moderation is OK," Dr. Nadir notes. Hepatologists don't think you have to swear off fruit juice completely, but it's not an everyday kind of beverage if you want to support your liver or your overall health. Dr. Nadir notes that excessive fruit juice intake can lead to GI issues, such as diarrhea and heartburn.
If you love the taste of something fruity, may we suggest whole fruit?
"Consume at least two servings of fruit daily," Dr. Peng states. "Choose fresh or frozen fruits. If you consume canned fruit, choose fruit canned in its own juice-not sugar syrup-and drain the juice before eating."
Dr. Nadir shares that there's no one best fruit for your liver. But you should be mindful of ones with high fructose content, especially if you have or are at risk for developing liver disease. High fructose in any form (juice, fruit or sugary foods) can contribute to liver damage and disease.
A doctor can help you better understand your risk for liver disease and even refer you to a dietitian, who can help you eat to support your unique body and health status.
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Sources:
- Dr. Lee F. Peng, MD., Ph.D., the chief of gastroenterology and hepatology at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center and a professor of medicine at Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine
- Dr. Abdul Nadir, MD, a gastroenterologist specializing in hepatology with HonorHealth
- Dietary fiber intake and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: The mediating role of obesity. Frontiers in Public Health.
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This story was originally published April 20, 2026 at 10:50 AM.