Dr. Joseph Mercola - Take Control of Your Health Liver Damage Before Birth: The Shocking Impact of Mom's Diet - AI Podcast
May 10, 2025
New research uncovers the alarming effects of a Western diet on fetal liver health. Mothers consuming unhealthy fats and sugars during pregnancy may cause irreversible liver damage in their babies, leading to significant health issues later on. The study shows that even after switching to healthier foods post-birth, the initial damage persists. Practical tips for pregnant women include avoiding vegetable oils and opting for nutrient-rich animal proteins. This discussion emphasizes the critical role of prenatal nutrition in ensuring better health outcomes for both mothers and their children.
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Western Diet Causes Prenatal Liver Damage
- A 2025 study shows that a Western diet during pregnancy causes liver scarring and bile acid imbalances in fetal livers.
- This initiates early fibrosis, which is the first step toward non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in children.
Mechanisms of Fetal Liver Injury
- Excess bile acids accumulate in fetal livers due to genetic disruption from the Western diet, causing inflammation and scar formation.
- Low oxygen levels worsen injury by stressing mitochondria, promoting fibrosis and excessive bile duct growth.
Dietary Advice for Pregnancy
- Eliminate industrial seed oils and limit linoleic acid intake to below 5 grams daily during pregnancy.
- Cook at home with ghee, grass-fed butter, or beef tallow and choose low LA animal proteins like grass-fed beef and lamb.