Fatty liver, a condition where excess fat cells build up in the liver, can result from a number of causes. While typically asymptomatic, it can lead to inflammation and scarring of this important organ. No official treatment exists for this condition but making certain dietary changes can reduce fat build up.
Controlling Underlying Conditions
Many conditions influenced by diet appear to contribute to fatty liver disease such as high triglycerides and diabetes. Dr. Frank W. Jackson, writing for his website Gicare.com, notes that managing conditions that contribute to fatty liver form a cornerstone of management. While diet will play a role no matter what, it takes on particular importance if you suffer from one of these risk factors. Be sure to follow all recommendations set forth by your doctor regarding dietary suggestions for your particular condition.
Importance of Weight Loss
The American College of Gastroenterology explains you must lose excess weight to help this condition. It notes research has shown losing weight was associated with fat regression in the liver. No blanket suggestion exists for everyone as far as daily caloric intake, and your daily calorie needs will depend on weight loss goals, maintaining desired weight and other factors. Mayoclinic.com recommends a plan that will facilitate weight loss of about one to two pounds a week. Excess weight also will worsen other triggers of the condition, such as high triglycerides and diabetes.
Controlling Carbohydrate Intake
Whether you have diabetes or not, eating "bad" carbohydrates that quickly convert to glucose might contribute to fat deposits in the liver, notes a study published in the September 2007 edition of the "Journal of Obesity." It found that mice fed "quick-burning" carbohydrates had twice the normal level of fat throughout their body, including the liver, than mice fed carbohydrates that break down more slowly. This is particularly important if you have diabetes, since your body's capacity to normally control blood sugar is already compromised.
Problematic carbohydrates include refined, white flours and foods and drinks rich in white table sugar and high-fructose corn syrup. Better choices include fiber-rich whole grains. Other good choices include beans and vegetables of all kinds. Watch your intake of starchy carbohydrates as well, such as potatoes, yams and corn.
Carbohydrate intake also influences triglyceride levels, a main cause of fatty liver. Your body stores excess glucose as triglycerides.
Fat Intake
While the fat in foods does not directly influence the build up of fat in the liver, it contributes to the conditions that do cause fatty liver. Mayoclinic.com advises to cut back on saturated fats, found in abundance in full-fat dairy and products made with it and meats---particularly red meat such as beef and pork. If you already have risk factors for heart disease, reduce intake to no more than 7 percent of your daily calories. Otherwise, recommendations call for 10 percent.
Include more healthy fats in your diet, such as monounsaturated fats found in olive and canola oil, nuts and seeds. Fatty fish contain rich stores of omega-3 fatty acids, another beneficial fat.
Antioxidants
Mayoclinic.com notes that antioxidants---substances that protect cells from damage, can contribute to liver health. Supplementing with antioxidants for liver health has not shown positive results, explains the clinic. To obtain optimal benefit from antioxidants, eat a diet rich in a wide variety---the best way to accomplish this involves eating a wide range of fruits and vegetables of all different colors.
References
- Jackson Siegelbaum Gastorenterolgy Practice: Fatty Liver
- Mayoclinic.com: Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- American College of Gastroenterology: Fatty Liver Disease
- Sciencedaily.com: Quick-Burning Carbs May Cause Fatty Liver
- Clevelandclinic.org: How Food Affects Triglycerides
- Mayoclinic.com: Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Alternative Medicine
