According to the American Liver Foundation, fatty liver is a condition that occurs when at least 10 percent of the liver's weight comes from fat. Although there is no specific cure for fatty liver, exercise and diet may help prevent liver damage and may even reverse some damage in its early stages.
Causes of Fatty Liver
It is important to understand some of the causes of fatty liver because a diet to treat fatty liver aims to reduce the risk for further damage. While fatty liver may occur in people with no risk factors, usually it is associated with alcohol abuse, drug use, obesity, diabetes, high triglycerides, poor nutrition and losing weight too quickly.
A fatty liver diet may involve weight loss, but losing weight too quickly stresses the liver and could worsen the condition. Consult your health care professional before beginning a weight-loss program to treat fatty liver.
Alcohol-Related Fatty Liver Diet
To some extent, diet used to treat fatty liver disease depends on the reason for fat buildup in the liver. While the liver detoxifies alcohol, alcohol exposure may damage or kill liver cells. Alcohol abuse is the most common cause of fatty liver. The key dietary change for alcohol-related fatty liver is to suspend use of alcohol.
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Diet
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or steatosis is the name given to an accumulation of fat in the liver that is not caused by alcohol. A diet for NAFLD aims for controlled weight loss, if you are overweight; lowering cholesterol; lowering triglycerides; and limiting or avoiding alcohol.
Foods to Avoid
Avoid foods that are high in fats or starchy carbohydrates. Limit or eliminate alcohol. Examples of foods to avoid include potatoes, white bread, white rice, fried foods, breakfast cereals, sugary snacks and processed foods.
Foods to Eat
Liver health is supported by a balanced diet. The diet that works best for you will depend on your risk factors. Examples of foods commonly recommended to treat fatty liver are whole grains, legumes, lean meats, vegetables and fresh fruit, in moderation.
