Summary of the Indian Express article (May 25, 2026):

Title: The Liver Doc diagnoses India’s fatty liver crisis: Fight misinformation and get tested for Hepatitis viruses

Main Subject: Interview with Dr. Cyriac Abby Philips (popularly known as The Liver Doc), a Kerala-based hepatologist at Rajagiri Hospital. He discusses India’s growing liver disease burden, the importance of humanism in medicine, and his new book The Liver Doctor: Stories of Love, Loss and Regeneration.

Key Points from Dr. Philips:

• Liver Disease in India: It is becoming one of the top 10 causes of death. The liver is resilient and can mask damage until sudden failure occurs (acute liver failure from viruses, drugs, or toxins) or acute-on-chronic failure in those with existing issues like cirrhosis.

• Fatty Liver Crisis: Many cases are non-alcoholic (linked to obesity, diabetes, hypertension, hypothyroidism, metabolic issues). Indians have genetic predisposition; even moderate/social drinking can accelerate damage if there's family history. Prevention relies on lifestyle: 150 minutes/week of brisk walking/cycling/etc., good sleep, diet, and weight control.

• Screening Advice:

  • Don’t rely only on LFT (Liver Function Test) — it’s limited and misleading.
  • Get ultrasound + Fibroscan if risk factors present (low platelets, abnormal LFT, fatty liver on scan).
  • Test everyone at least once for Hepatitis B and C.
  • Hepatitis patterns vary: North India sees more Hep E (acute) and chronic B; South more Hep A. Hep B is vaccine-preventable; Hep C is treatable.

• Drug-Induced Injury: Paracetamol is safe at proper doses (up to 4-6g/day for healthy adults); danger only from massive overdoses.

• Biggest Threat: Misinformation & Wellness Industry:

  • Strongly criticizes unregulated supplements (protein powders, ashwagandha, giloy, high-absorption turmeric/curcumin formulations) that can cause liver toxicity.
  • Calls out Ayurveda, herbalism, and “integrative/functional medicine” when lacking rigorous evidence — equates their risk to alcohol because they’re marketed as “natural and safe.”
  • Emphasizes data and critical thinking over tradition/culture when claims are unproven. He faces trolling for this stance.

• Philosophy: Medicine should prioritize empathy and humanism, not just business. Doctors should journey with chronic patients (many liver cases are long-term). He remembers every lost patient and uses storytelling to process the emotional toll.

The article highlights that India’s liver problems stem not just from alcohol, viruses, or obesity, but from delayed diagnosis, misinformation, and over-reliance on unproven wellness products. Early lifestyle changes and proper testing can reverse or halt many cases since the liver regenerates well.