A fatty liver, also known as fatty liver disease, describes a liver condition characterized by the unusual buildup of fat in the liver cells. Although usually mild, the condition can become severe. Eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains reduces the risk factors for developing a fatty liver, according to MayoClinic.com.
Risk Factors
Although the occurrence of a fatty liver, especially in the absence of excessive alcohol intake, usually fails to be due to one specific cause, several conditions and factors contribute to the onset. Eating an unbalanced and unhealthy diet full of saturated fats does not cause a fatty liver but does contribute to high cholesterol, high triglyceride levels and obesity, which all increase the risk for developing fatty liver disease. Other risk factors include type 2 diabetes -- which diet also influences -- and taking certain medications. Malnutrition, the failure to eat a healthy diet that provides the essential vitamins and nutrients to support life, also increases the risk for a fatty liver.
Symptoms
Among its many functions, the liver aids in the digestion of foods and the absorption of nutrients. When fat accumulates in the liver, it can interfere with the production of bile -- a substance consisting of salts, water and bile acids -- which helps break apart fat molecules for digestion. Without sufficient bile, the absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins is affected. This causes symptoms such as weight loss and fatigue. Eating a healthy diet not only helps to prevent a fatty liver, it also helps reduce the symptoms of a fatty liver by increasing the nutrients ingested.
Complications
Although excessive intake of alcohol remains one of the most common causes of a fatty liver, according to the Merck Manual, in the absence of alcohol the disease can still become serious. Many people suffer from mild fatty liver disease without ever realizing it. For some, however, the accumulation of fat in the liver damages the liver cells and causes scar tissue to form. The buildup of scar tissue over time leads to cirrhosis of the liver, a life-threatening condition that impairs the function of the liver. Controlling fat intake by eating a healthy diet can reduce the fat in the liver and prevent complications.
Fruits and Vegetables
Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables not only provides essential vitamins and minerals but also helps reduce the intake of saturated fats. Fruits and vegetables provide dietary fiber -- the portion of plants that the enzymes in the intestines cannot break down. Because the body digests high fiber foods more slowly, they help prolong the feeling of fullness, which decreases between-meal snacking on high-fat foods. Reducing saturated fats decreases both cholesterol and triglycerides, therefore reducing the risk of developing a fatty liver.
Whole Grains
Whole grains are the seeds of plants, such as oats, wheat, barley, rye and corn, which contain the germ, bran and endosperm intact. Whole grains serve as a rich source of dietary fiber and help promote weight loss. Patients who eat a healthy diet rich in whole grains often consume less saturated fat, reducing the risk factors for fatty liver disease.
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