Alcohol and liver health share a complicated connection, shaped not only by drinking habits but also by genetics, food patterns and daily lifestyle. While moderate drinking is common across cultures, fatty liver disease has emerged as a major concern in India — even among people who rarely or never consume alcohol.
A recent Instagram video by Dr Harsh Vyas, a Gujarat doctor, has sparked discussion on this issue, as he highlighted why Europeans often appear to tolerate alcohol better than Indians, despite drinking more frequently.
A Surprising Comparison Of Two Livers
In the video that has gone viral, Dr Vyas compared liver ultrasound scans of two individuals of the same age: a 37-year-old Italian and a 37-year-old Indian.
What stood out was the difference in liver health.
The Italian patient reportedly consumed alcohol every two to three days, yet his liver scan appeared healthier. In contrast, the Indian individual did not drink at all but showed signs of fatty liver.
This contrast raised a question many people often ask: why does fatty liver seem widespread in India even without heavy alcohol intake?
Europeans And Alcohol: Why The Impact Seems Different
Dr Vyas explained that the answer lies in several factors beyond alcohol itself. According to him, Europeans may experience fewer alcohol-related liver issues because of a combination of genetic advantages and healthier lifestyle patterns.
He noted that many people assume alcohol alone is responsible for fatty liver, but the reality is more complex.
1. Genetic Differences In Alcohol Metabolism
One of the biggest reasons, Dr Vyas said, is the way different populations process alcohol.
Europeans generally have stronger activity of key enzymes — alcohol dehydrogenase and aldehyde dehydrogenase — which help break down alcohol efficiently.
Because these enzymes work effectively, toxic intermediate by-products produced during alcohol metabolism are cleared out faster.
In many Asian populations, including Indians, these enzymes may not function at the same level. As a result, harmful metabolites can remain in the body longer, increasing the stress on the liver.
2. Diet Plays A Major Role
Dietary habits were another major factor highlighted in the video.
Dr Vyas pointed out that many Europeans consume diets rich in complex carbohydrates, healthy fats and high-quality protein.
Foods such as fish, seafood and olive oil contribute beneficial fats that support better metabolic health.
On the other hand, Indian diets often rely heavily on refined carbohydrates, with comparatively lower intake of healthy fats and adequate protein.
This imbalance can contribute significantly to fatty liver development, even in non-drinkers.
3. Physical Activity And Daily Movement
Exercise and overall activity levels also make a big difference.
Dr Vyas shared that his Italian patient walked around five to six kilometres daily, in addition to doing 30 to 40 minutes of regular exercise.
In contrast, a large part of India’s population leads a more sedentary lifestyle, with limited structured exercise or daily movement.
Lack of physical activity is a well-known risk factor for fatty liver, obesity and metabolic disorders.
Lifestyle Offsets Alcohol Damage
Dr Vyas concluded that even if Europeans consume alcohol more often, their healthier routines — better diet, regular exercise and stronger metabolic processing — may help the body recover from the damage alcohol can cause.
For many Indians, however, poor dietary patterns and low activity levels can make the liver vulnerable, even without alcohol consumption.
The discussion highlights that fatty liver disease is not only linked to drinking, but also to broader lifestyle and genetic factors that influence liver health.
Also Read: Experts Highlight Dietary Measures to Maintain Liver Health https://www.vibesofindia.com/experts-highlight-dietary-measures-to-maintain-liver-health/
