A fatty liver is characterized by a buildup of fat in the liver. If left untreated, it can lead to serious liver damage. Congestive heart failure means your heart cannot pump enough blood to meet your body's needs. Congestive heart failure can be managed but not cured. Diet plays an important role in managing both a fatty liver and congestive heart failure. Both require a healthy diet to promote a healthy weight. In addition, a low-sodium diet is recommended to help manage congestive heart failure.
The DASH Diet
The DASH diet is a low-sodium diet originally designed to help manage blood pressure. It can also help promote a healthy weight to help you manage a fatty liver and congestive heart failure. The diet encourages a high intake of fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables are naturally low in sodium and calories and high in fiber. Eating more fruits and vegetables can increase your satiety and help promote a healthy weight while helping you limit your daily sodium intake. In addition, the diet encourages you to choose more whole grains, lean sources of protein and low-fat or nonfat dairy products. Total sodium intake on the DASH diet is limited to 1,500 mg a day.
The American Heart Association Diet
The American Heart Association diet, or AHA, is designed to help decrease your risk of heart disease, but it, too, limits sodium intake and aims to promote a healthy weight. The AHA diet recommends that you eat at least 4 1/2 cups of fruits and vegetables, and at least three servings of whole grains each day. The diet also recommends you eat two servings of omega-3-rich fish a week such as salmon or tuna. Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids help lower blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels, according to MayoClinic.com. A lower blood pressure can help you better manage your congestive heart failure. Sweetened beverages, such as soda, are also discouraged on the AHA diet. High intakes of sugar can increase triglyceride levels and exacerbate a fatty liver. Total sodium intake on the AHA diet is limited to 1,500 mg a day.
2 Gram Sodium Diet
A 2 gram sodium diet is often the recommended diet for treating congestive heart failure, according to MayoClinic.com, and it can also help you manage your fatty liver. The 2 gram sodium diet encourages you to eat more fresh, natural foods and fewer processed foods. It is a well-balanced diet that contains a variety of food choices from each food group. Foods allowed on the 2 gram sodium diet include whole grain breads and bread products, rice, pasta, low-sodium crackers, all fruits, fresh and frozen vegetables, low-sodium canned vegetables, low-fat and nonfat milk products, fresh meats, salt free peanut butter, unsalted nuts, legumes and peas. Most importantly when following the 2 gram sodium diet is to eliminate all added salt to your meals at the table and during cooking.
