Fatty liver disease -- in which your liver accumulates excessive deposits of fat -- may be reaching epidemic proportions, according to the Veterans Health Administration. As many as one in every five Americans, and a much higher percentage of diabetics, likely suffers from fatty liver disease, which often occurs with high cholesterol. However, it's possible to flush the extra fat from your liver, and to bring your cholesterol back under control at the same time. The key appears to be weight loss.
Significance
Fatty liver disease presents no symptoms, and its more serious complication, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, also doesn't cause symptoms until it's well advanced and your liver fails to function properly, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. However, your physician may pick it up with blood tests looking at the function of your liver.
Function
Losing just 10 percent or even 5 percent of your body weight can help you flush that excess fat from your liver, according to the University of Virginia Health System. Following a sensible diet that allows you to lose no more than about one-and-a-half pounds per week can bring both your liver blood tests and your cholesterol levels back to normal.
Types
There's no firm medical evidence showing that one diet -- for example, a low-carbohydrate diet -- is better than any other diet to accomplish this flush of fat from your liver, according to the University of Virginia Health System. The website MayoClinic.com recommends following a diet high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, low in saturated fat but with moderate amounts of healthy fats such as olive oil. This type of diet can help you lose weight and lower your cholesterol at the same time.
Theories/Speculation
However, medical research may eventually back diets low in certain carbohydrates to flush excess fat from your liver. According to "Diet Change Can Curb Fatty Liver Disease," published in U.S. News and World Report in September 2007, research in mice indicates that diets including carbohydrates that aren't absorbed by the body quickly, such as whole grains and beans, may help clear the fat from your liver more effectively than diets high in simple sugars.
Warning
Regardless of what approach you decide to take to flush fat from your liver, you should avoid diets and popular cleanses that cause very rapid weight loss. According to the University of Virginia Health System, weight loss of more than about two pounds a week could exacerbate your fatty liver disease and cause it to progress quickly, potentially worsening your cholesterol levels, as well.
References
- Department of Veterans Affairs: Fatty Liver Disease
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
- University of Virginia Health System: Nutritional Recommendations for Patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
- MayoClinic.com: Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- U.S. News and World Report: Diet Change Can Curb Fatty Liver Disease
