Fatty liver is the most common form of liver disease, according to the UT Southwestern Medical Center. The condition results from various causes, including alcohol abuse and diet. If left untreated, fatty liver can develop into scarring of the liver, called cirrhosis. Cirrhosis can severely impact the function of the liver. Fatty liver is a serious condition that should be treated only under the care of a licensed physician.
Low-carbohydrate Diet
People on low-carbohydrate diets tend to burn more fat from the liver than on other diets, according to the UT Southwestern Medical Center. Patients who suffer from diabetes, obesity and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease might benefit from this diet. Furthermore, when researchers compared low-carbohydrate and low-calorie dieters, the former lost more weight on average. The fat loss was not limited to the liver; fat burning increased throughout the entire body with the low-carbohydrate diet. Talk to a doctor to discuss how lowering carbohydrates might aid in treating a fatty liver.
Blueberry-rich Diet
Researchers at the University of Michigan say a diet that includes plenty of blueberries can help patients with fatty liver disease. Blueberries are rich in phytochemicals, which are antioxidants with protective properties against cardiovascular disease and obesity. In a study performed on obese rats, significant benefits were observed in rats fed blueberry powder. Effects observed include less abdominal fat, lower triglycerides and lower cholesterol. Better results were achieved in rats eating a low-fat diet in addition to the blueberries. The phytochemicals in blueberries affected genes related to fat-burning and glucose intake.
Fat-free Diet
A different study by the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center discovered that a fat-free diet can help treat a fatty liver. The mice in the study suffered from a condition where fat exclusively accumulated in the liver and not the rest of the body. They were fed a fat-free diet, and this reduced the triglyceride levels in the liver by approximately 50 percent. Results of the study suggest that simply reducing or eliminating fat from the diet can help treat a fatty liver. Before modifying your diet to treat a fatty liver, consult with your physician.
References
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center: Low-Carbohydrate Diet Burns More Excess Liver Fat than Low-Calorie Diet, Study Finds
- University of Michigan Health System: Blueberries Make Their Mark on Cardiovascular and Diabetes Risks, U-M Animal Study Finds
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center: Fat-free Diet Reduces Liver Fat in Fat-Free Mice, Researchers Report
