Fatty liver disease (steatosis) is a common condition caused by having too much fat build up in your liver. A healthy liver contains a small amount of fat. It becomes a problem when fat reaches 5% to 10% of your liver’s weight. In most cases, fatty liver disease does not cause any immediate problems or prevent your liver from functioning normally at the beginning. But for 7% to 30% of people with the condition, fatty liver disease gets worse over time. It progresses through three stages:
Your liver becomes inflamed (swollen), which damages its tissue. This stage is called steatohepatitis. Scar tissue forms where your liver is damaged. This process is called fibrosis. Extensive scar tissue replaces healthy tissue. At this point, you have cirrhosis of the liver.
There are two main forms of fatty liver disease:
• Alcohol-induced fatty liver disease: Alcohol-induced fatty liver disease is caused by heavy drinking. About 5% of people in the U.S. have this form of liver disease.
• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) occurs in people who are not heavy drinkers. Factors, such as obesity and diabetes, can increase your risk.
Ways to Reduce Fatty Liver Disease
Intermittent fasting: Studies in humans suggest that intermittent fasting (IF) in patients with NAFLD is safe and efficacious for weight loss and may improve NAFLD as assessed by non-invasive tests. IF may impact NAFLD through weight loss-independent mechanisms including shifting metabolic processes away from hepatic lipogenesis and improving insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome.
Exercise: Aiming for at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week may help reduce the risk of fatty liver disease. Calories reduction is the key to losing weight and managing this condition.
Vitamins: Vitamins regulate several enzymatic processes in the liver, and derangement in vitamin metabolism is believed to play a critical role in NAFLD progression. The anti-oxidant activities of vitamins C and E have been attributed to mitigate hepatocyte injury, and alterations in the serum levels of vitamin D, vitamin B12, and folate have shown a strong correlation with NAFLD severity.
Best Food to Prevent Fatty Liver Disease
Eating natural and unprocessed foods that contain complex carbohydrates, fiber, and protein is a good way to start. These provide sustained energy and make you feel full. Some people choose to follow a specific diet plan, such as Mediterranean diet which is a good choice for people with NAFLD because it minimizes processed foods, added sugar, and saturated fatty acids.
Examples of these foods are garlic, cruciferous vegetables, olive oil, onions, broccoli, walnuts, soy or whey protein, fish and sea foods, avocados, legumes, etc.
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The contents of this website are based upon the views of Dr. Walker and his experience. This product is not intended as medical advice nor to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The information is likewise not to replace the advice of a qualified health care provider. The information provided herein is intended as a sharing of general knowledge only and is not intended to be, nor is it, medical advice or a substitute for medical advice. That being said, please consult your healthcare provider before using supplements or providing supplements to children under the age of 18. If you have or suspect you have, a specific medical condition or disease, please consult your healthcare provider.
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