When there is excessive fat built around the liver cells and is more than 5 percent, it is considered as fatty liver. Although drinking alcohol causes fatty liver, plenty of fatty liver issues belong to the category of NAFLD (non-alcoholic liver disease). This is very common in western countries.
This disease usually has no symptoms but leads to inflammation and possible liver failure. Unfortunately, there are no meds that can treat fatty liver disease. So, people should try to prevent the development of this condition by proper diet.
Reasons Behind Fatty Liver Diseases
Obesity
Inflammation may cause building up of fat layers around the liver. Around 30-90 percent of obese adults suffer from this disease. Even children suffer more and more due to obesity.
Belly fat around the waist
People who are not obese, but have fat around their waist may develop the fatty liver condition.
Resistance to insulin
People with diabetes type to who are insulin resistant and have increased insulin levels can develop fatty liver disease.
High consumption of processed carbohydrates
Too much intake of processed carbohydrates causes a buildup of fats around the liver, especially among people who are obese or resistant to insulin.
Sugary drinks
Soda and energy drinks are beverages that contain plenty of sugar which causes liver fat in children and adults.
Damaged gut health. Studies have shown that bacteria imbalance, leaky gut, and other problems with the gut may lead to the fatty liver condition.
How to Prevent or Remove Fat from Liver
Get rid of high-fructose syrups, even salad dressings because a serving of tomato sauce may contain more fructose than a cookie. Also, you should avoid white refined flour since they increase the sugar in your blood.
This results in the development of triglycerides that cause fatty liver. Anyway, it is not enough just to eliminate the bad foods; you should add good ones too.
Consume fruits, veggies, seeds, nuts, chicken, fish, fish oil, olive oil, coconut oil, macadamia nut oil, avocados, and grass-fed butter. Eating these healthy foods will help you fight sugar damage.
As you know, exercising is essential for your overall health. In this case, exercising every day betters the resistance of insulin and lowers the fat around the liver. You may begin with 30 mins. walking. If you are experienced in training, you may involve intensive workouts and lift weights.
According to a licensed acupuncturist, Nicole Cutler, you should use milk thistle supplements. She says that in a study from 2006, lab rats who took these supplements had their cholesterol and triglycerides lowered.
Dr. Mark Hyman recommends lipoic acids and N-acetyl-cysteine which are strong antioxidants which improve the healing of your liver. Other good supplements are vitamins B and magnesium.
Detoxifying foods such as broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, collards arugula, kale, and watercress help you in treating fatty liver. You should consume at least 1-2 cups per day. Also, onions and garlic are rich in sulfur which improve detoxification in your body.
It is very important to fill your plate with proteins especially in the morning. Protein makes a balance in blood sugar and insulin, make you full, and your liver gets the essential nutrients for detoxification. As a suggestion, you can eat eggs for breakfast.
Likewise, it has been proved that omega-3 fatty acids help in improving the liver health. But, before making a decision of taking any of the supplements, you need to consult your doctor.
Sources: Live Strong, Health Line, Dryhman
