Coffee, should it be part of an effort to manage liver disease?
There is lots of talk about alternative therapy for what ails you since drugs are limited and expensive. We all manage our day to day with only occasional contact with our docs and much depends on what we consume.
Would it surprise you to learn that coffee is as good as many of the drugs that have been studied for the treatment of MASLD/MASH? If it was suddenly discovered, it would probably be packaged as an expensive pill only available through the medical system. There is a surprising amount of information on coffee. The image below shows how coffee studies are cited in the medical literature. A citing analysis of 1106 coffee studies in 510 publications. If you would like to read a short paper on the studies, click on the image.
Here are some highlights from the research.
- 3 to 4 cups per day 25% lower ALT/AST scores, 20% reduction in fat
- 2 to 3 cups per day 30% reduction in malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker of oxidative stress, and a 15% increase in glutathione, a key antioxidant
- at least 2 cups per day reduced the risk of liver fibrosis progression by 28%. The same study also reported that patients with cirrhosis who drank coffee had a 46% lower risk of mortality
While the evidence is promising, it is essential to interpret these findings within the context of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. The studies suggest that moderate coffee consumption—typically 2-4 cups daily—is associated with the most significant liver health benefits. However, the exact "dose" may vary depending on individual tolerance and underlying health conditions. Discuss your individual situation with your doc but keep in mind that most of them don't study nutrition or supplements.
One surprising issue is that you need to brew your coffee through a paper filter. There are two chemicals that are harmful to you that are caught by the filter. They are:
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Cafestol: This is a diterpene compound found in coffee oil, which is known to raise LDL cholesterol levels. Paper filters trap most of the cafestol, making filtered coffee a healthier option for those concerned about cholesterol levels.
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Kahweol: Another diterpene compound present in coffee oil. Like cafestol, kahweol is also associated with raising cholesterol levels and is effectively removed by paper filters.
I'm often asked about decaf. It retains nearly all of the liver beneficial chemicals, so it is a good choice for those concerned about caffeine. One thing to consider in that choice is that caffeine has been shown to have positive neurological effects.
Caffeine has been studied extensively for its potential protective effects against certain neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and others. Here’s an explanation of how caffeine may contribute to neurological protection:
1. Parkinson’s Disease
Reduced Risk: Multiple studies have shown that caffeine consumption is associated with a significantly lower risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. For example, research suggests that regular coffee drinkers have up to a 25-30% reduced risk.
2. Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia
Cognitive Benefits: Caffeine may help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia by improving brain health and function over time.
Improved Blood Flow: Caffeine enhances cerebral blood flow, which may help protect against cognitive decline.
The growing body of evidence supports the notion that coffee is more than just a daily beverage; it is a potential ally in liver health. With measurable reductions in liver enzyme levels, oxidative stress markers, and fibrosis progression, coffee emerges as a simple, accessible, and cost-effective tool for liver disease prevention and management. As research continues, coffee should become an integral part of dietary recommendations for those at risk of liver disorders.
For those who haven't seen it yet, the 2024 edition of our Care Survey is ready. It gives a view of how patients experience liver disease over time, and how contact with medical care evolves. We are beginning to see changes in patient care that are encouraging as the education efforts of patients and physicians begin to show results. I invite you to click on the image below and take a look at the report.
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