Quick Take
A Facebook post claims that a drink made from tamarind and plum can cure fatty liver and liver fibrosis. However, our fact-checking revealed that this claim is false.
The Claim
A Facebook post claims that drinking a tamarind and plum beverage can treat fatty liver.
Fact Check
Can NAFLD be cured?
So far, there are no approved medications specifically for treating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). If someone has NAFLD but no other underlying health issues, they usually don’t need any special medical treatment. Instead, making key lifestyle changes can help manage or even reverse the fat accumulation in the liver. This includes losing weight, reducing cholesterol and triglyceride levels, managing blood sugar if diabetic, and completely avoiding alcohol.
Can drinking tamarind and plum drink help in fatty liver?
Not quite. While tamarind and plums are known to offer several benefits for liver health, there’s no solid evidence that either can cure fatty liver disease.
A 2014 study involving rats suggested that tamarind might have a positive impact on Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). Although the findings hinted at tamarind’s potential in liver therapy, the researchers clearly stated that more research is needed—especially in humans—to confirm these effects.
Similarly, another study showed that a diet including prunes (plums), dried grapes, carrots, cape gooseberry, pomegranate peel, chicory, sumac, sweet corn, germinated soybeans, and vitamins B12, C, and D helped improve fatty liver in rats. However, this was also an animal study. So, while the results are interesting, we can’t draw firm conclusions about plums alone based on this evidence.
Dr Kashyap Dakshini, a general physician based in Mumbai, explains that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) occurs when too much fat builds up in the liver. The number of cases is rising in India, largely due to increasingly sedentary lifestyles and poor eating habits. If left unmanaged, NAFLD can lead to serious complications like liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and abnormal cholesterol levels (dyslipidaemia).
While there’s currently no cure for NAFLD, it can be managed through lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, weight loss, a healthy diet, and cutting down on carbohydrate intake. Dr Dakshini also confirms that there is no scientific proof or reliable study supporting the use of tamarind and plum drinks as a treatment for NAFLD.
What role does diet play in curing fatty liver and liver fibrosis?
Diet plays a significant role in managing and reducing fatty liver. While quick improvements are possible, they depend on individual factors such as weight, metabolism, and overall health. A diet based on whole, unprocessed foods can support weight loss and improve insulin sensitivity both of which are key to reducing liver fat. For some individuals, a noticeable decrease in liver fat may occur relatively quickly when following a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. However, long-term commitment to dietary changes and regular physical activity is usually required for sustained improvement.
Certain dietary components, such as soy protein, may benefit liver health, but it’s essential to consider individual health conditions before incorporating them. For more insights, it’s worth exploring the effects of soy protein on patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Beneficial Foods for Fatty Liver:
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in sources like fish oil, chia seeds, and flaxseeds, these can help lower fat levels in the liver.
- Milk Thistle: Contains silymarin, an antioxidant that may support liver cell regeneration and protection.
- Turmeric: Its active compound, curcumin, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects beneficial for liver health.
- Green Tea Extract: Rich in catechins, which may improve liver enzymes and reduce fat buildup.
- Probiotics: Improve gut health, which may have a positive effect on liver health.
- Low-Fat Dairy: Opt for low-fat or fat-free options like yogurt, milk, and cheese to gain nutrients without the saturated fats of full-fat dairy.
Everyone’s dietary needs can vary, so it’s essential to tailor these choices based on individual health conditions. Physical activity and weight management are equally important in combating fatty liver.
Foods to Avoid with Fatty Liver:
To support liver health, it’s important to reduce or eliminate foods that contribute to fat buildup or liver stress:
- Highly Processed Foods: Avoid those high in added sugars, unhealthy fats, and refined carbs, as they contribute to weight gain and insulin resistance.
- Sugary Drinks: Soft drinks, sweetened juices, and energy drinks increase liver fat and insulin resistance due to their high sugar content.
- Fried Foods: Deep-fried items often contain trans fats and excessive unhealthy oils, which can worsen liver inflammation.
- Alcohol: Should be completely avoided, especially in alcoholic fatty liver disease, as it can significantly worsen liver damage.
- High Sodium Foods: Too much salt can cause fluid retention and increase the risk of liver complications.
- Red and Processed Meats: Limit intake of red meat and avoid processed meats like sausages and bacon, which are linked to inflammation and insulin resistance.
- Calorie-Dense, Low-Nutrient Foods: Fast food, desserts, chips, and other snacks contribute to weight gain and metabolic issues.
- Diet Sodas: While calorie-free, they often contain artificial sweeteners like aspartame or sucralose, which may negatively affect insulin sensitivity and contribute to fatty liver progression.
What Experts say
We asked Dr Sharad Malhotra, Head of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Therapeutic Endoscopy at Aakash Healthcare, New Delhi, to find out if fatty liver can be cured with home remedies in just 14 days. He explained that fatty liver often develops gradually and without early symptoms, but can lead to serious liver damage over time. There is no instant cure or miracle treatment—especially not one that works in just two weeks. The most effective approach involves sustained lifestyle changes, including a balanced diet, reduced intake of sugar and alcohol, regular physical activity, and gradual weight loss. Even losing 5% to 10% of body weight can significantly improve liver function.
Dr Malhotra also emphasized the importance of regular check-ups, recommending an annual abdominal ultrasound and liver function tests for early detection. In some cases, advanced diagnostics like a Fibroscan or liver biopsy may be necessary. He advised managing blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and warned against using unverified herbal remedies or unnecessary medications.
Clinical Nutritionist Nidhi Sarin clarifies that there is no scientific proof that plum and tamarind can cure fatty liver. She emphasizes the importance of a healthy lifestyle, including maintaining an appropriate body weight through proper diet and exercise. While tamarind and plum offer health benefits, relying solely on them is not effective for treating the condition. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) can be managed successfully with professional guidance from doctors and dietitians, which typically involves losing around 10% of body weight along with adopting the right dietary and exercise habits.
Maintaining a healthy liver requires time, consistency, and informed choices—not quick fixes. We have already fact checked a post that falsely suggested that ginger, turmeric, and apple cider vinegar (ACV) water can cure fatty liver within 14 days?
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