5 Ways Sugar May Be Wreaking Havoc on Your Mind and Body

It's not just alcohol that can damage your liver. People who consume excess amounts of high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS), which is often found in sodas, can develop non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The stress of metabolizing HFCS can cause the organ to develop fat, says Weinandy. Eventually, this damage can lead to cirrhosis. It's a rising problem, especially in children; up to 38 percent of obese children have NAFLD, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.