Your liver serves as the gat-keeper in preventing toxins from circulating throughout your body. Consumed foods and beverages, the air you breathe and different chemicals absorbed into your skin are all detoxified by the liver. Liver health is directly impacted by your diet. In the presence of liver damage, no matter the cause, changes to your diet are imperative to reduce further damage. Fatty liver disease is a specific form of liver damage that is reversible and has a positive prognosis if you take care by making lifestyle and dietary changes.
Fatty Liver Disease
Fatty liver is characterized by the accumulation of fat in your liver cells. Steatohepatitis associated with alcohol use, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and steatosis are the three forms of fatty liver. In both forms of steatohepatitis, liver inflammation and tissue scarring occurs. Steatosis is liver fat accumulation without inflammation. All three types of fatty liver are treatable, but in the absence of dietary changes, each form can progress to a more serious form of liver disease called cirrhosis. Variables causing fatty liver include obesity, alcoholism, a high-fat diet or poor nutrition habits, and other unmanaged health disorders. Identification and removal of the precipitator for fatty liver can reduce further liver fat accumulation. However, additional medical interventions like medications to lower cholesterol, weight reduction surgery or starting a diet and exercise program are warranted to decrease further liver damage.
Limit Protein and Fats
Your liver stores protein in the form of amino acids, releases some of the proteins for your body to use as energy, and the excess protein is converted into ammonia for your liver to further breakdown into urea for urine elimination. Damage to your liver prevents the proper conversion of ammonia to urea, resulting in a toxic build-up of ammonia released into the bloodstream. Fats are important for preserving protein for later use, but consuming unhealthy forms of fat like saturated and trans fats increases your risk of further accumulation in the liver. Limit the types of fats and proteins you consume by avoiding fatty red meat and opting for poultry or fish instead. Replace whole fat dairy with low to non-fat options. Bake, grill or broil lean meats instead of frying them.
Increase Fiber and Complex Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are a primary source of energy for your body. Your liver stores carbohydrates as glycogen and distributes broken down glycogen as needed for energy. Liver damage hinders the normal process of carbohydrate conversion to glycogen, creating a greater need for increased carbohydrate consumption. Complex carbohydrates provide a better source of natural sugar for long-term release in your body and complex carbohydrates are a high source of fiber. A fiber-rich diet helps reduce the amount of cholesterol accumulation in your blood stream and this also decreases fat accumulation in the liver. Whole grain breads and pastas, leafy green vegetables and beans are healthy fiber-rich complex carbohydrates. Fruit is also a good source of fiber and carbohydrates with natural sugar as opposed to refined, pre-packaged snack foods.
Additional Diet Suggestions
The foundation of your liver-friendly diet is based on 5 to 6 daily servings of vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Consume three solid meals with these elements and add a low-fat protein source from lean meat or dairy. Snack on vegetables or fruits instead of potato chips, cakes and candy. Limit your table salt intake and use garlic or herbs instead to flavor your meals. Abstain from alcohol use altogether and drink water or whole fruit juice over soda. In the event of fluid build-up in your abdomen, consult your physician for a daily fluid recommendation to prevent further swelling. Read nutrition labels to learn the fat servings and cholesterol in foods. Consult your physician on creating a diet plan best for your fatty liver condition.
