An excess of fat cells in the liver, referred to as fatty liver, can stem from a number of causes, including diabetes, obesity and high levels of triglycerides, a form of fat found in the blood. In most cases, fatty liver does not cause any complications, but in some people, it can lead to inflammation, which can then trigger more serious problems. No specific drugs or surgery treat this condition. No special diet exists to treat fatty liver, but making dietary changes forms a cornerstone of managing this condition and preventing it from progressing.
Importance of Weight Loss
In addition to following a certain type of diet, you must drop those extra pounds if you are overweight. The American College of Gastroenterology, which recommends reducing body weight by at least 10 percent, notes that studies indicate weight loss might induce regression of fat in the liver. Luckily, if you follow the general dietary recommendations for managing this condition, weight loss will probably naturally follow.
Lowering Triglycerides and Cholesterol
High levels of triglycerides and cholesterol represent a primary cause of this condition, according to the American College of Gastroenterology. You must reduce your intake of foods high in these substances. This means cutting down on foods rich in saturated fat, namely many types of meat and full-fat dairy products. Increase your consumption of non-animal proteins such as nuts, soy and beans and eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains as recommended by MayoClinic.com.
Choosing the Right Carbohydrates
You have heard a lot about "good" and "bad" carbohydrates. Good carbohydrates have a higher nutritional content and break down more slowly in the body, leading to less dramatic spikes in blood sugar. Examples include whole grains like brown rice and oatmeal and vegetables. Bad carbohydrates such as refined, white flour foods and sugary treats like cookies, cakes and candies get digested very quickly and trigger the release of large amounts of glucose. According to an article published on the U.S. News and World Report website, research indicates that a diet high in these "bad" carbohydrates might lead to excess accumulation of fat in the liver.
Other Dietary Considerations
If you have fatty liver disease, you should avoid alcohol consumption to avoid putting extra stress on your liver. If you have diabetes, one of the main causes of fatty liver, you must follow a diet that keeps your blood sugar under control.
Importance of Exercise
Diet and exercise go hand in hand for promoting good health. Maintaining an active lifestyle will particularly benefit fatty liver disease because it can help combat its primary causes. Regular exercise lowers cholesterol and triglyceride levels, reduces excess weight and helps keep blood sugar levels steady. MayoClinic.com recommends at least 30 minutes of activity several days of the week. You can work with your doctor to design a safe and effective regimen.
