Foods for a Fatty Liver

A fatty liver occurs when excess fat accumulates in the liver. One of the main causes of a fatty liver is excess calorie consumption, according to the American Liver Foundation. Other risk factors for a fatty liver include diabetes, high cholesterol or triglycerides, alcohol abuse, gastric bypass surgery, certain medications and malnutrition. Overtime fatty liver can cause cirrhosis and liver failure. The Mayo Clinic says that weight loss, diet and exercise can help prevent fatty liver.

Fruits, Vegetables and Whole Grains

The Mayo Clinic encourages individuals with fatty liver to eat a diet high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains. These foods support weight maintenance and weight loss because they are naturally low in calories and fat but particularly high in fiber. Fiber prevents overeating and subsequent weight gain by inducing satiety and prolonging the feeling of fullness. According to the American Dietetic Association, fiber also helps prevent type 2 diabetes, a risk factor for fatty liver.

Protein and Dairy

Individuals trying to lose or maintain a healthy weight should consume lean proteins and low-fat dairy products like poultry, eggs, soy, lean meats, fish, seafood, beans, legumes and low-fat milk, yogurt and cheese. Reduce fat and calories by removing all visible fat and skin from meat and poultry and cooking with healthy methods like grilling, steaming, poaching, broiling and roasting.

Low-Cholesterol Foods

Cholesterol and triglycerides are types of fat. Excess consumption of fat contributes to obesity and a fatty liver. The Mayo Clinic points out that a low-cholesterol, plant-based diet can lower blood cholesterol and triglycerides. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, legumes, nuts and seeds are all cholesterol-free. Egg whites can be consumed instead of whole eggs on a low-cholesterol diet because all of the cholesterol in an egg is in the yolk.

Unsaturated Fats

The Mayo Clinic recommends eating healthy, unsaturated fats from olive and vegetable oils, nuts, avocado and fish. Consumption of saturated fats like butter, lard, shortening, cream and margarine increases blood fat and the risk of fatty liver and contributes to an unhealthy weight.

Non-alcoholic Beverages

According to the California Pacific Medical Center, as little as one glass of beer or wine a week can contribute to fatty liver. The Mayo Clinic and American Liver Foundation recommend avoiding alcoholic beverages in favor of water, juice, soda, tea, coffee, sports drinks and milk.