Health

Keto diet linked to higher liver cancer risk

Eating a high-fat, low-carb diet could raise the risk of developing liver cancer within just twenty years, concerning new research has suggested.

Referred to as a ‘keto diet’, devotees claim that it can aid rapid weight loss without feelings of hunger—but experts now say fatty diets can fundamentally alter liver cells, increasing the risk of cancer.

US scientists found that when the liver is repeatedly exposed to a high-fat diet, its cells shift into a more primitive state.

Whilst this change helps cells withstand the stress caused by excess fat, it also makes them more vulnerable to disease.

‘If cells are forced to deal with a stressor such as a high fat diet over and over again, they will do things that will help them to survive, but at the risk of increased susceptibility to tumorigenesis [when normal cells mutate and become cancerous],’ Professor Alex Shalek, director of the Institute for Medical Engineering and Sciences, and study co-author, explained.

The team hopes that by targeting these changes early, doctors will be able to reduce the risk of tumour formation in people who are particularly vulnerable.

A keto diet involves almost entirely avoiding ingesting carbohydrates in order to trigger a state of ketosis, which is when the body burns stored fat for energy, which in turn helps people lose weight.

Carbohydrates are a macronutrient (along with fat and protein) and are found in everything from grains to starchy vegetables and fruits.

High-fat diets have long been linked to steatotic liver disease, whereby excess fat builds up inside the liver causing inflammation, liver failure and ultimately cancer.

In the study, published in the journal Cell, researchers fed mice a high-fat diet and used cell-sequencing to analyse how their livers responded.

Early on, liver cells called hepatocytes were shown to activate genes to help them survive- reducing the likelihood of cell death and promoting growth.

However, at the same time, genes essential for normal liver function were shut down.

‘This really looks like a trade-off, prioritising what’s good for the individual cell to stay alive in a stressful environment, at the expense of what the collective tissue should be doing,’ Constantine Tzouanas, Harvard-MIT graduate and study co-author said.

By the end of the study, nearly all mice fed a high-fat diet had developed liver cancer.

The researchers found that when liver cells adapt in this way, they are more likely to become cancerous if a damaging mutation later occurs.

Tzouanas said: ‘These cells have already turned on the same genes that they’re going to need to become cancerous.

‘Once a cell picks up the wrong mutation, then it’s really off to the races and they’ve already got a head start on some of those hallmarks of cancer.’

After uncovering these cellular changes in mice, the team turned their attention to people with various stages of liver disease.

They found that, over time, genes required for normal liver function deteriorated, while genes linked to cell survival thrived, allowing them to accurately predict patient survival outcomes.

‘Patients who had higher expression of these pro-cell-survival genes that are turned on with a high-fat diet survived for less time after tumours developed,’ Tzouanas explains.

‘And if a patient has lower expression of genes that support the functions that the liver normally performs, they also survive for less time.

The scientists highlighted that whilst most of the mice developed cancer within a year, this process is much slower in humans, unfolding over around 20 years.

But, they added, this time frame can vary based on lifestyle factors such as alcohol consumption, and overall health – with excessive drinking and viral infections both pushing liver cells toward an ‘immature’ state, increasing the risk of cancer.

This is because when liver cells exist in a less mature state, they are more likely to become cancerous if a damaging mutation occurs later.

The team will now investigate whether this damage can be reversed through a healthier diet, or using GLP-1 weight loss drugs such as Mounjaro.

Prof Shalek said: ‘We now have all these new molecular targets and a better understanding of what is underlying the biology, which could give us new angles to improve outcomes for patients.’

A keto diet often consists of 75 per cent fat, 20 per cent protein and only 5 per cent carbohydrates.

By contrast, the NHS’s healthy balanced diet advice advocates for 30 per cent fat, 15 per cent protein and over 50 per cent carbohydrates.

Despite multiple studies pointing to the potential dangers of a keto diet it has become increasingly popular. A number of celebrities such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Aniston, Halle Berry and Kourtney Kardashian have spoken about being on the low-carb diet in the past.

Where liver disease was once largely confined to the elderly and heavy drinkers, it is now rising rapidly among younger adults.

The British Liver Trust estimates the condition may now affect one in five people in the UK—though experts have warned the true figure could be as high as 40 per cent.

Worryingly, around 80 per cent of those affected remain undiagnosed, as the disease often has no obvious symptoms—or it has symptoms that are mistaken for less serious problems.

Around one in four patients will develop a more advanced form of the disease resulting in irreversible scarring of the liver, ultimately resulting in organ failure and cancer.

But experts are hopeful that weight loss jabs like Mounjaro will transform liver disease treatment, helping the liver burn excess fat that increases the risk of disease.

Daily Mail

Health

Safe Blood Donation Before, During, and After Ramadan – Medical Guidelines by Dr. Ganesh Dhanuka

By Dr. Ganesh Dhanuka
Specialist Internal Medicine and Nephrology
International Modern Hospital

Blood donation remains one of the most impactful humanitarian acts, capable of saving multiple lives with a single unit of blood. However, during the holy month of Ramadan, many individuals question whether it is safe to donate while fasting and how to properly prepare for donation.

From a medical standpoint, blood donation is generally safe for healthy individuals. Nevertheless, appropriate preparation — especially in the context of fasting — is essential to minimize risks such as dizziness, dehydration, or hypotension.

This article outlines evidence-based recommendations for blood donation before, during, and after Ramadan, along with its physiological, psychological, and societal benefits.

Preparing for Blood Donation Before Ramadan

Proper preparation significantly reduces the risk of adverse effects during donation. Individuals planning to donate should:

Nutritional Preparation

Consume a balanced meal rich in iron and protein approximately 2–3 hours before donating. Iron-rich foods such as lean red meat, spinach, lentils, beans, and fortified cereals help maintain adequate hemoglobin levels. Protein supports plasma volume and recovery.

Avoid donating on an empty stomach, as this increases the likelihood of lightheadedness and vasovagal reactions.

Hydration Status

Adequate hydration is critical. Donors should:

Increase water intake the day before donation.
Drink extra fluids on the day of donation.

Proper hydration helps maintain blood pressure and reduces the risk of fainting.

Sleep and Lifestyle Factors

Ensure 6–8 hours of quality sleep the night before.
Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours prior to donation.
Refrain from strenuous physical activity before donation.

Medical Disclosure

Bring valid identification and honestly disclose:

Any chronic medical conditions.
Current medications.
Recent illnesses or procedures.

Transparency ensures donor safety and protects recipients.

What to Expect During Blood Donation

The blood donation process is generally straightforward and takes about 10–15 minutes for the actual collection.

During donation:

Stay calm and breathe normally.
Avoid sudden movements.
Inform medical staff immediately if you experience dizziness, nausea, sweating, blurred vision, or weakness.
Follow all staff instructions carefully.

Most temporary reactions, when they occur, are mild and resolve quickly with rest and hydration.

Post-Donation Care and Recovery

The post-donation period is crucial for safe recovery.

Immediate Aftercare

Rest at the donation center for 10–15 minutes.
Accept fluids and light refreshments provided.
Avoid standing up abruptly.

The Next 24 Hours

Increase fluid intake significantly.
Consume iron-rich foods to replenish red blood cell production.
Avoid heavy lifting for 24 hours.
Avoid strenuous exercise on the same day.
Avoid alcohol for several hours after donation.

If dizziness occurs, lie down and elevate your legs until symptoms resolve.

Food

Foods That Look Healthy for Weight Loss (But Actually Aren’t)

By Dr. Yara Husein (Food and Nutrition Expert)

Companies often use specific buzzwords on food labels to market products as healthy and weight-loss friendly options. In reality, these options can sometimes have the opposite effect. Here are some common foods and drinks that might be holding you back:

Fat-free dairy products

Many think that fat-free dairy products are ideal for dieting and do not contribute to weight gain. However, in truth, these products can cause weight gain because fat-free products are less satiating than their full-fat counterparts; fat is a nutrient that supports feelings of fullness and makes food more enjoyable. Furthermore, food manufacturers often replace fat with sugar in low-fat and fat-free products to compensate for the lost flavour. Beyond that, skimmed dairy products provide the body with fewer nutrients than full-fat products, because vitamins such as A, D, E, and K are fat-soluble vitamins that require fat to enter the body, be absorbed, and be utilized.

Gluten-free foods

While it is essential for people with gluten-related disorders to avoid gluten, gluten-free foods are not necessarily healthier than foods containing gluten. Some processed gluten-free foods and desserts contain the same amount of calories and added sugar—if not more—as other snacks. Studies, including a study published in the journal PeerJ, indicate that gluten-free snack foods tend to be lower in protein, fiber, and certain vitamins and minerals compared to their gluten-containing counterparts. They are also generally more expensive.

Breakfast cereals

Many people think that breakfast cereals are an ideal and healthy breakfast to start their day, but in reality, many cereals are made from refined grains that lack nutrients like protein and fiber, and they can contain a high percentage of added sugar. For example, Honey Nut Cheerios, which are marketed as heart-healthy, contain 12 grams of added sugar per cup. Eating large quantities of these and other cereals high in added sugar may lead to an increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, high triglyceride levels, and weight gain.

Energy and sports drinks

Companies market sports and energy drinks as ways to boost energy and athletic performance, but these drinks can contain a massive amount of sugar. Consequently, they can contribute to weight gain for people who consume them without performing intense physical exercise. For instance, a popular energy drink like Monster (473 ml) contains 54 grams of added sugar—a quantity much higher than the amount recommended by the American Heart Association (25g for women and 36g for men). Research, including a study published in the journal Pediatric Obesity, has linked the consumption of sweetened beverages to health problems, including high blood pressure, fatty liver, and obesity in children and adolescents.

Diet soda

When following a diet, many people may turn to sugar-free or calorie-free drinks, thinking they contribute to weight loss. However, studies indicate that diet soda may contribute to certain health problems by altering brain responses to food and increasing the desire to eat high-calorie foods such as sweets and fast food. A study published in the journal Nutrients linked the consumption of these drinks to a higher risk of metabolic syndrome, which is a group of symptoms that include increased belly fat, blood sugar, blood pressure, and blood lipid levels.

Health

Excessive Screen Time in Children: Digital Eye Strain, Myopia Risk, and Long-Term Vision Health

By Dr. Tahere Rezaei
Ophthalmologist
International Modern Hospital Dubai

In today’s digital era, children are spending unprecedented hours on tablets, smartphones, and social media platforms. From a clinical perspective, the impact of excessive screen exposure on pediatric eye health is becoming increasingly evident.

Ophthalmology clinics are witnessing a clear rise in complaints linked directly to prolonged device use. Children often hold screens very close to their eyes and remain intensely focused for extended periods without taking breaks. This sustained near work places continuous strain on the visual system, particularly on the eye muscles responsible for focusing.

The most immediate and common consequence is digital eye strain. Symptoms typically include:

Headaches
Eye fatigue
Blurred vision
Burning sensation
Dryness due to reduced blinking

When children concentrate on screens, their blink rate significantly decreases. Reduced blinking leads to tear film instability, which contributes to dryness and irritation. Over time, persistent strain can affect visual comfort and academic performance.

Rising Concern: Childhood Myopia

Beyond temporary discomfort, there is a more serious long-term concern — the increasing prevalence of childhood myopia (short-sightedness).

Extended near work combined with limited outdoor exposure has been strongly associated with faster progression of myopia. Natural daylight and distance viewing play a protective role in visual development. When children spend most of their time indoors focusing on close objects, the eye adapts by elongating, leading to blurred distance vision.

Early-onset myopia is not simply about needing glasses. Higher degrees of myopia later in life increase the risk of:

Retinal detachment
Glaucoma
Myopic macular degeneration
Early cataracts

Preventing rapid myopia progression during childhood is therefore critical for long-term ocular health.

Screen Use and Sleep Disruption

Another clinically observed issue is the effect of screen exposure before bedtime. Blue light emitted from digital devices can suppress melatonin production, disrupting the natural sleep cycle. Poor sleep quality affects not only overall health but also visual comfort, concentration, and cognitive performance.

Children who use screens late at night frequently report:

Difficulty falling asleep
Morning eye discomfort
Increased fatigue during the day

Sleep plays a vital role in ocular surface recovery and overall neurological health.

Supporting Healthy Visual Development

For optimal eye development, children require balanced visual habits. Key preventive measures include:

Limiting continuous screen time
Encouraging daily outdoor activity
Maintaining proper room lighting
Ensuring appropriate screen distance
Practicing scheduled visual breaks (such as the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds)

Parents play a crucial role in modeling healthy screen behavior and establishing structured digital routines.

As Dr. Tahere Rezaei emphasizes, eye health in childhood directly influences long-term vision outcomes. Early awareness, prevention, and regular eye examinations are essential to protect children from avoidable visual complications in adulthood.

Healthy eyes today mean clearer vision for life.