“Shawarma, Noodles May Harm Liver” – Health Experts Warn Nigerians

Medical experts have cautioned Nigerians against the frequent consumption of fast foods like shawarma, instant noodles, sugary drinks, and processed snacks, warning they may silently damage the liver and increase the risk of fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.

Speaking to PUNCH Healthwise, Dr. Ganiyat Oyeleke, Consultant Gastroenterologist at Lagos University Teaching Hospital, explained that trans fats, excessive salt, refined sugars, and preservatives in these popular foods overwork the liver and cause fat accumulation, leading to Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).

“People think they are fine because they feel fine, but early liver disease doesn’t present obvious signs,” Dr. Oyeleke warned. “By the time jaundice appears, serious damage may have already occurred.”

She noted that poor nutrition is now a leading non-viral cause of liver disease in Nigeria, overtaking hepatitis in many cases.

Registered nutritionist Odunayo Babatunde also emphasized that frequent consumption of fried and sugary foods leads to inflammation, insulin resistance, and liver damage—even in non-drinkers.

Both experts recommended adopting healthier diets featuring vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, green tea, and liver-boosting foods like bitter leaf, ugu, turmeric, and walnuts. They also urged moderation in alcohol use and avoidance of unregulated herbal mixtures.

“Food is either medicine or poison,” Dr. Oyeleke concluded. “It’s up to us to make deliberate choices that protect our liver.”

They advised Nigerians to limit junk food, cook more at home, and undergo routine liver function tests for early detection—even in the absence of symptoms.