4 common drinks that might be killing your liver

The liver is one of the body’s hardest-working organs, tirelessly filtering toxins, metabolising fats, and supporting digestion. But while we may think our drink choices are harmless, certain popular beverages could be slowly undermining liver health. It is common knowledge that regularly consuming some of these everyday drinks can lead to liver damage, particularly by promoting fatty buildup, inflammation, or even liver disease. Here are the 4 drinks that are widely consumed yet can be unexpectedly harmful to the liver.

Soda is more than just a sweet treat—it’s one of the most common sources of liver damage for people without traditional liver disease risk factors. According to a study published in the Canadian Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, regular soft drink consumption is closely associated with fatty infiltration in the liver. This is known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), where fat builds up in the liver, impairing its function and increasing inflammation. The high sugar content and artificial additives in soda stress the liver, leading to fat accumulation, which can develop into serious liver complications over time.

Many people turn to energy drinks when they need a quick boost, but they may be more harmful than beneficial. According to a US National Institutes of Medicine study, acute liver injury has been connected to excessive energy drink use. The liver must work extra hard to break down ingredients like high dosages of taurine, caffeine, and other stimulants. Consuming too much has been known to cause liver failure in certain situations, with some individuals even needing immediate liver transplants.

While this might come as no surprise, alcohol remains one of the top causes of liver damage worldwide. John Hopkins Medicine highlights that alcohol-associated liver disease occurs when heavy drinking overwhelms the liver’s capacity to process alcohol, leading to inflammation, scarring, and eventually, liver failure. Over time, excessive alcohol consumption can cause conditions like fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, and cirrhosis, which are often irreversible.

Sweetened beverages like flavoured teas, fruit punches, and even “healthy” juices often contain an alarming amount of added sugars. These sugars, especially in liquid form, get quickly absorbed and can overload the liver. When sugar is metabolised, it turns into fat, which can deposit in the liver and lead to NAFLD, similar to the effects of soda. Over time, the liver can become inflamed, and in severe cases, fibrosis or cirrhosis may develop. Limiting sugar-laden drinks is one of the best ways to prevent liver stress and maintain optimal health.