A fatty liver is also termed steatosis and occurs when there is an accumulation of fat around the cells of the liver. This is commonly thought to occur due to a poor diet and excess alcohol intake. In some cases other hereditary factors and certain medications can also cause a fatty liver. The Cleveland Clinic notes that a fatty liver can be prevented and treated by healthy eating, reducing weight and avoiding alcohol. Avoiding certain foods such as high cholesterol, processed and carbohydrate-rich foods can help to ease the burden on the function of the liver and decrease accumulated fat in and around the liver.
Fiber
The American Liver Foundation advises that eating a high fiber diet can help to heal a fatty liver. A diet rich in high plant fiber from foods such as whole wheat bread, grains, oatmeal, brown rice, broccoli, garlic, onions and cabbage is beneficial for the liver and digestive system of the body as well as overall good health. Fiber helps to reduce weight, provides bulky nutrients to improve bowel function, and removes toxins and other harmful substances from the colon to reduce the burden of detoxification from the liver. A fiber rich diet also helps to flush unhealthy cholesterol from the body and enhance the growth of good bacteria in the colon for improved metabolism.
Fresh Produce
Fresh fruits and vegetables that are yellow, green, orange and red contain nutrients such as vitamins A, B and C and antioxidant properties that help to reduce toxic chemicals from the body. The Mayo Clinic notes that this helps to decrease fat accumulation in the liver and aids in liver function. Blue berries, cherries, raspberries, cranberries, black berries and acai berries, dark green leafy vegetables like broccoli, spinach and kale, tomatoes, oranges, apple, apricots, papaya, beans and garlic are some of these nutrient-packed foods.
Unsaturated Fats
The American College of Gastroenterology recommends reducing overall body weight and saturated fats in the diet to help heal a fatty liver. Good unsaturated dietary fat sources include fatty fish, vegetable oils, nuts, seeds and avocados. These food sources of fats are rich in healthy, unsaturated fats and omega 3 fatty acids which promote liver function and help treat fatty liver.
Proteins
The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends consuming lower levels of dietary protein for individuals with fatty liver. This is because dietary protein is largely metabolized by the liver and excess protein can worsen fatty liver disorder. Eating one gram of protein per kilogram of body weight daily is recommended. Low-fat types of protein such as fish, lean meat, eggs, milk and chicken are also advised.
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