Red wine isn't heart-healthy for everyone: Harvard-trained liver expert reveals how it can silently damage your liver

A long-held belief that a daily glass of red wine supports heart health is now being challenged by medical experts. Harvard-trained gastroenterologist and hepatologist Dr. Saurabh Sethi has warned that this common practice can be dangerous, particularly for those with Fatty Liver disease.

According to Dr. Sethi, alcohol even in small amounts can worsen liver inflammation and accelerate damage in people with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). He recently shared a case of a patient who developed severe liver complications after years of drinking red wine under this misconception. His message highlights how misinformation can quietly fuel life-threatening liver conditions, urging individuals to rethink daily alcohol consumption and prioritise genuine, evidence-based health advice.

Dr. Sethi recently shared a real-life case on Instagram that served as a wake-up call for many. He described a patient who developed severe liver complications after years of consuming red wine daily, believing it supported heart health. What started as a seemingly harmless habit eventually resulted in advanced liver fibrosis and progressed to cirrhosis, putting the patient on the path toward needing a liver transplant.

The case highlights how metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) previously known as fatty liver can worsen dramatically when combined with even moderate alcohol consumption. Instead of providing cardiovascular protection, the daily glass of red wine quietly accelerated liver damage.

According to Dr. Sethi, no level of alcohol is safe for people diagnosed with MASLD or any form of fatty liver disease.

Alcohol, regardless of type, contributes to inflammation, fat accumulation, and oxidative stress within the liver. Over time, this can lead to scarring, fibrosis, and ultimately cirrhosis.His message directly challenges the popular “red wine is good for the heart” narrative, which originated from studies suggesting that antioxidants like resveratrol in red wine may promote cardiovascular health. However, Dr.

Sethi clarified that these potential benefits are far outweighed by the toxic effects of alcohol especially in those with liver or metabolic conditions.“This video is not meant to scare you,” he stated in his post. “It’s to bust a myth that is quietly harming a lot of people.” He urged his followers to share this evidence-based information to increase awareness and prevent further liver damage among those unknowingly following this outdated health belief.

Based in California, Dr. Saurabh Sethi is a board-certified gastroenterologist and hepatologist trained at AIIMS (India), Harvard, and Stanford. With years of experience in managing liver and gastrointestinal disorders, he frequently uses his social media platforms to share scientifically backed insights on digestive health, nutrition, and preventive care.His mission is simple yet vital: to help people make informed choices about their health rather than relying on half-truths and myths circulating online.

His growing influence has made him a trusted voice in global discussions on liver and gut health.

Fatty liver disease, whether alcoholic or metabolic, is now recognised as a global health concern tied to poor diet, obesity, and sedentary lifestyles. Many people remain unaware of the condition until it reaches an advanced stage, earning it the reputation of a “silent epidemic.”Dr. Sethi’s warning reinforces a crucial truth: alcohol acts like fuel on a fire for those with fatty liver. Even moderate drinking can accelerate the disease’s progression from a reversible stage to life-threatening cirrhosis or liver failure.The safest amount of alcohol for someone with fatty liver is none. Not even the famed “heart-healthy” glass of red wine.Also Read | Are humans in danger? The Lancet report reveals how rising heat and pollution are killing millions worldwide