Experts Warn of Liver Damage from Regular Shawarma Consumption

Health experts have issued a strong warning about the potential dangers of regular consumption of popular fast foods like shawarma, instant noodles, sugary drinks, and processed snacks, citing rising cases of liver-related diseases among Nigerians. According to medical professionals, these widely consumed foods are high in saturated fats, salt, and sugar—all of which place a significant burden on the liver and increase the risk of chronic conditions such as fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.

Dr. Ganiyat Oyeleke, a Consultant Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist at Lagos University Teaching Hospital, explained that lifestyle and diet have become major contributors to liver disease, especially metabolic dysfunction-associated liver disease (MASLD), formerly known as fatty liver disease. She stressed that the liver—central to detoxifying the body, metabolising nutrients, and supporting digestion—is highly vulnerable to the toxic effects of poor dietary habits.

She specifically highlighted foods like shawarma, sweetened cereals, sodas, and pastries as culprits due to their high levels of trans fats, preservatives, and refined sugars. These ingredients, she said, contribute to fat accumulation in the liver, leading to inflammation, fibrosis, and potentially irreversible liver damage.

Dr. Oyeleke cautioned against assuming liver disease is only caused by hepatitis viruses, noting that MASLD has now overtaken viral hepatitis as the most common liver condition in many countries, including Nigeria. She also warned that liver disease often develops without early symptoms, making routine health checks crucial. “By the time people notice yellowing of the eyes or skin, substantial liver damage may have occurred,” she said.

She advised Nigerians to shift toward natural, nutrient-rich foods like green leafy vegetables (including bitter leaf, fluted pumpkin, and African spinach), fruits such as pawpaw, watermelon, and oranges, and whole grains like millet and guinea corn. Healthy fats from sources such as avocado, coconut, and nuts were also recommended, while limiting intake of animal fats and processed foods. Palm oil, she added, can be beneficial when used in moderation for its Vitamin E content.

The hepatologist also raised concerns about the widespread use of unregulated herbal mixtures, warning that many of these remedies—though perceived as natural—can be harmful and lead to liver injury. She urged better meal planning, healthier cooking techniques like steaming or grilling, and avoidance of late-night meals and overeating. Instead of processed snacks, she recommended alternatives like cucumbers, carrots, groundnuts, and watermelon.

Echoing similar concerns, registered nutritionist Odunayo Babatunde emphasised that diet plays a critical role not just in maintaining liver health but also in preventing and managing liver disease. She pointed out that foods like shawarma, sugary drinks, and fried items contribute to fat buildup and inflammation in the liver and can increase insulin resistance, further worsening liver damage.

Babatunde warned that liver disease is no longer exclusive to heavy drinkers, as dietary habits alone can now trigger serious conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its more severe form, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). These illnesses often progress silently until they reach an advanced and often irreversible stage.

To reduce liver disease risk, she recommended antioxidant-rich foods such as berries, walnuts, green tea, turmeric, and fatty fish. She also cautioned against high salt consumption, particularly for people with liver complications like ascites. Babatunde advised Nigerians to prepare meals ahead of time, choose whole foods over processed options, and opt for plant-based or Mediterranean diets when dining out.

Both experts urged regular liver function tests and abdominal scans, even for those without symptoms, to detect problems early. Their message was clear: what Nigerians eat every day could either protect or harm their liver, and making better dietary choices is a crucial step toward safeguarding long-term health.