The Top Foods That Help and Harm The Liver with Kristin Kirkpatrick

Apr 21, 2025

Kristin Kirkpatrick, an expert in health and nutrition, discusses the often-overlooked importance of liver health. She reveals alarming statistics on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and its connection to rising obesity rates. The conversation debunks myths surrounding dietary fats, highlighting the risks of ultra-processed foods and the benefits of healthy fats. Kristin also shares how lifestyle choices, coffee, and physical activity can enhance liver function, alongside insights into GLP-1 medications and personalized dietary strategies to combat liver issues.

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INSIGHT

Fatty Liver Disease Risks

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects about one in four American adults, possibly more now.
Insulin resistance, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, tobacco use, and metabolic syndrome greatly increase risk.

INSIGHT

Lifestyle Trumps Age for Liver Health

Age alone does not cause fatty liver disease; lifestyle factors are critical determinants.
Populations with traditional lifestyles and good metabolic health have much lower fatty liver rates.

INSIGHT

Liver's Crucial Roles

The liver is key for nutrient absorption, hormone production, bile creation, iron storage, and cholesterol synthesis.
Liver dysfunction disrupts multiple metabolic and regulatory systems in the body.

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This episode is brought to you by Maui Nui, Levels, and Ollie.

When we think about chronic disease and vital organs, the liver isn’t always the first that comes to mind—but it should be. The liver plays a role in nearly every metabolic process in the body, from stabilizing blood sugar levels to converting amino acids into usable fuel. Today’s guest joins the podcast for a deep dive into how optimizing liver health is key to supporting overall health.

Today on The Dhru Purohit Show, Dhru sits down with Kristin Kirkpatrick to explore the liver’s vital role in detoxification, the rise of fatty liver disease, and how liver health impacts overall mortality. They break down the connection between diet and liver function, debunk myths about dietary fat, and examine the effects of ultra-processed foods and artificial sweeteners. Kristin shares the benefits of coffee, muscle mass, and blood sugar balance for metabolic health, along with key liver-supportive foods, lifestyle tips, and insights into GLP-1 medications for those with obesity and liver issues.

In this episode, Dhru and Kristin dive into:

The shocking rates of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (00:00)
Understanding fatty liver disease and its twelve major risk factors (2:51)
Why Americans are at greater risk (7:50)
The crucial role the liver plays in the body (13:28)
The phases of detoxification from environmental toxins (18:18)
Research linking fatty liver disease to increased mortality risk (22:28)
The earlier onset of fatty liver disease in today’s population (27:15)
Why carbohydrates may be more to blame than fat (27:54)
The impact of Diet Cola, artificial sweeteners, and foods to avoid (32:01)
Twelve liver-friendly foods to prioritize (48:31)
The importance of building and maintaining muscle mass (58:01)
Lifestyle recommendations for managing fatty liver disease (1:05:31)
The role of physical activity in liver health (1:08:31)
Understanding GLP-1 medications and their effects (1:11:53)
Final thoughts on liver health and nutrition (1:18:31)

Also mentioned in this episode:

For more on Kristin, follow her on Facebook, Instagram, X/Twitter, Pinterest, Youtube, LinkedIn, and her Website.

This episode is brought to you by Maui Nui, Levels, and Ollie.

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