I wonder how many times when eating a burger, pizza or other type of fast food, we consider the effect upon our internal organs. If you are like me the answer would be very seldom. In fact, unless one is in the medical profession or have a medical condition that means we have to regularly watch our diet; it is likely that the thought rarely crosses our mind as we enjoy these relatively inexpensive and convenient delights. After all, if one feels generally healthy, albeit with a few more pounds or kilo's than perhaps we would like attached to our bodies, why should we concern ourselves?

Perhaps recent research into the potential organ damage that excess fast food can cause, particularly to the liver, will make us sit up and take more notice. In 2007 results of a four week research project carried out by a Swedish university caused the person in charge, Dr Stergios Kechagias to conclude, There's strong evidence that a fast-food type of diet can cause significant damage to your liver. He also warned that potential extent of this damage can have severe health consequences.

The trial was conducted using 30 adults, 18 of whom were considered to be healthy. The medical condition of the participants was measured at the commencement of the trial, which included their liver enzyme, and then at its conclusion. During the course of the four week period these 18 of the volunteers ate two fast-food meals a day. At the conclusion of the trial the following results within this group were found.

1) On average weight increase from 67.6kg to 74kg

2) Waist circumference increased by 7cm

3) Serum ATL levels (a liver enzyme) increased from 22.1 to 69.3 units/L for 11 of the 18 volunteers

4) Fat content of the liver cells increased from 1.1% to 2.8%

Although, as the UK National Health Service commented when reporting these results, there is a need for more research to confirm these findings, they should nonetheless cause sufficient concern to make people take notice.

Furthermore, other research and statistics have reached similar conclusions. For example, another four week study conducted in the Saint Louis Liver Centre in the US, using mice, found that after four weeks, liver enzymes increase and there was evidence of the start of glucose intolerance, which has been linked with type 11 diabetes. Add to this the fact that the health service is reporting an alarming increase in cirrhosis in teenagers and children and it is apparent that the ingredients within fast food products can be injurious to the health of one's liver.

However, as the medical representatives have commented, it is not solely the fast-food that is causing these problems but more the quantity that people are eating. Consumed in moderation, for example as a treat once a week, and combined with regular exercise, fast food will not endanger the health of your liver. It is the eating of these foods in excess, for instance more regularly than once a week or once a day, where the problem lies.

Learn more about this author, Paul Lines.
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