Fatty liver disease results from excessive accumulation of fat that forms inside the liver cells. This condition is grouped as either non-alcoholic fatty liver, NAFLD, because alcohol use is not the culprit in causing excess liver fat, or as alcoholic fatty liver, which is directly related to chronic use of alcohol. The American College of Gastroenterology indicates that NAFLD, is the most common form of the two, affecting up to 20 percent of adults and five percent of children. The causes of fatty liver include obesity, diabetes related metabolic syndrome and high blood lipids associated with cholesterol and triglycerides in the arteries.
Step 1
Start an exercise and healthy eating plan to lose extra weight. The American College of Gastroenterology explains that weight loss is linked to the regression of fat in the liver. Combine daily exercise with a restrictive eating plan to begin losing weight. Walk, jog or go to an aerobics class for at least 30 minutes a day to begin burning fat and calories. Decrease the amount of calories you eat by carefully planning your meals, cutting out high fat foods and controlling your meal portions. Consult a nutritionist and exercise trainer for support initially, to lose weight.
Step 2
Add detoxifying foods to your daily diet. Liver cleansing foods that promote detoxification include garlic, lemon and vegetables. According to Disabled World, garlic contains a sulphur-based compound called allicin. Allicin naturally cleanses the liver and occurs abundantly in garlic when it is chopped finely and minimally cooked. Add garlic to your favorite dishes for a daily liver cleanse. Squeeze one or two fresh lemons into a cup of hot water and drink this daily to increase bile acids, which absorb and move fat from the liver. Eat broccoli, brussel sprouts or artichoke with one meal a day to produce enzymes that detoxify the liver.
Step 3
Use herbal remedies to restore liver health. The American Liver Society indicates that the substance silymarin, found in the seed of the milk thistle plant, is effective in restoring a fatty liver. Choose a milk thistle herbal supplement that contains 70 to 210 mg of silymarin and take this three times a day. Other herbs to consider include licorice root and skullcap. Consult your physician prior to using herbs.
Step 4
Flavor your food with curry spice. Curry is a compound found in turmeric, or curcumin. The American Cancer Society notes that regular use of turmeric provides antioxidant compounds to protect the liver and this spice is also beneficial for reducing inflammation. Use curry to flavor your meats or on fresh apples. Turmeric is available in capsule form from natural food retailers.
Step 5
Avoid drinking alcohol. Alcohol consumption can progress fatty liver to hepatitis if you continue to drink in excess. In the case of alcoholic fatty liver disease, ceasing alcohol use in the early stage helps your liver regenerate and stop accumulating fat cells, notes the Hepatitis Foundation International. Combine a healthy diet, weight loss and alcohol cessation to maximize your liver cleansing potential.
Tips and Warnings
- Eat more fruits such as berries to protect your liver from further damage.
- Use of milk thistle herb can cause loose bowels, however, this is preventable with adequate fiber intake.
References
- Milton S. Hershey Medical Center: Fatty Liver
- Disabled World: Healthy Food for the Liver
- American Liver Society: Herbs to Consider for Liver Wellbeing
- American Cancer Society: Turmeric
- American College of Gastroenterology: Fatty Liver Disease
- Hepatitis Foundation International: Caring for Your Liver
