Study links both sugary and diet drinks to higher fatty liver risk

Most people know that sugary drinks can pack on the pounds — not just around the waist, but in the liver too. But switching to diet sodas might not be the solution either. A new study suggests that both sugary and artificially sweetened drinks could raise the risk of fatty liver disease. The simplest and healthiest choice, researchers say, is still plain water, according to United Press International.

Researchers from Soochow University in China analyzed data from almost 124,000 people and found that those who drank at least one sugary or diet soda a day were more likely to develop fatty liver disease over the next 10 years.

Those who replaced such drinks with water had a reduced risk of developing fatty liver disease compared to those who continued drinking them: about a 15% lower risk for people switching from diet drinks and a 13% lower risk for those replacing sugary ones.

Scientists said that sugary drinks have long been linked to health problems, but diet drinks might also be harmful. They may change gut bacteria or affect how the body uses insulin, for example.

The researchers believe that avoiding both sugary and diet drinks and sticking to plain water may be the best way to reduce strain on the liver.