Cirrhosis has long been associated with heavy alcohol use, but doctors say that’s no longer the only cause. Doctors are now seeing an alarming rise in cirrhosis cases among people who have never touched alcohol.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), liver cirrhosis causes over 1.3 million deaths globally each year, making it one of the leading causes of death worldwide. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also reports that cirrhosis-related deaths in the US have risen by over 65 per cent in the last two decades—with a growing number of cases linked to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Due to unhealthy diets, rising obesity, diabetes, and inactive lifestyles, NAFLD has become one of the fastest-growing causes of liver damage—even in non-drinkers. In fact, NAFLD now affects nearly 30 per cent of the global adult population, and its more severe form, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), is rapidly increasing among younger adults as well.
What is cirrhosis?
Cirrhosis is a condition where healthy liver cells are replaced with scar tissue. This scarring blocks blood flow and reduces the liver’s ability to do its vital work—filtering toxins, aiding digestion, storing nutrients, and regulating hormones. Over time, this can lead to liver failure or even cancer.
Why are non-drinkers getting it?
Modern lifestyles are to blame. A diet high in sugar, fat, and processed foods, combined with a lack of exercise and rising cases of obesity and diabetes is leading to fat buildup in the liver. This silent buildup causes liver inflammation, scarring, and eventually, cirrhosis. The condition often goes unnoticed for years because symptoms appear late.
Warning signs of NAFLD and cirrhosis to watch out for
NAFLD and cirrhosis may show no symptoms early on. But these red flags should not be ignored:
- Fatigue or low-energy
- Swollen legs or abdomen
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Sudden weight loss
- Loss of appetite
Regular check-ups, liver function tests, and ultrasounds are key to early diagnosis.
Common mistakes that harm the liver
- Eating too much processed or fried food
- Consuming too much sugar (soft drinks, sweets, pastries)
- Skipping workouts or sitting too long
- Ignoring diabetes or high BP
- Crash dieting or taking unnecessary supplements
How to heal the liver naturally
If detected early, doctors say NAFLD can be reversed with these changes:
- Eat balanced meals with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy protein
- Exercise daily, even 30 minutes of walking can help
- Drink enough water to flush out toxins
- Avoid self-medication and unnecessary pills
- Get regular health check-ups to monitor liver function
Liver cirrhosis is no longer just linked to alcohol. It’s now a growing threat to non-drinkers due to lifestyle diseases. But the good news is it’s largely preventable with awareness, early detection, and simple, consistent lifestyle changes.
