The liver is a large organ located in your abdomen and has multiple functions including aiding in digestion and clearing the body of toxins. Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, or NASH, is the clinical term for the buildup of fat in liver cells that causes liver inflammation. Over time, the inflammation can lead to cirrhosis, which is the transformation of liver cells into scar tissue. To treat or prevent non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, you should eat a healthy, well-balanced diet.
Vegetables and Fruits
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, in collaboration with the USDA, publishes guidelines for a healthy and well-balanced diet, which includes plenty of fruits and vegetables. They recommend that you eat 2.5 cups of vegetables and fruits each day. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables also helps achieve and/or maintain a healthy weight, which is important in preventing and treating non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.
Whole Grains
Whole grains are also a part of a healthy well-balanced diet and will aid in treating or preventing non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Whole grains differ from refined grains in that whole grains retain the bran and germ of the grain, which are rich in dietary fiber, iron and B vitamins. Of the 6 oz. of grains recommended per day as part of a healthy diet, at least 3 oz. should be whole grains.
Protein
A variety of foods rich in protein are also a part of a healthy, well-balanced diet. Ten to 35 percent of an adult's diet should come from protein. Examples of good sources of protein include fish, eggs, chicken, beef, beans, peas, and soy foods.
Choose the Right Fats
One cause of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis is consuming too much saturated fat. The fat you eat may cause a fatty liver directly, by accumulating in liver cells, or indirectly, by inducing the liver to synthesize fat. Replace saturated fats, like butter and shortening, in your diet with polyunsaturated fats like canola and sesame oil. Unlike saturated fats, polyunsaturated fats do not contribute to a fatty liver. Reducing the amount of saturated fats in your diet will also help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
Moderation in Carbohydrates
To treat or prevent non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, eat a moderate amount of carbohydrates. It is especially important to consult your doctor about the amount of carbohydrates you should eat because eating too much or too little can make non-alcoholic steatohepatitis worse. Foods that contain carbohydrates include fruits and vegetables, grains and sugar-containing foods.
Skip the Alcohol
The American Liver Foundation recommends avoiding alcohol when you have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which is a term that encompasses non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. The liver processes the alcohol you drink, which would stress a liver that is already compromised by non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.
