You can treat non-alcoholic fatty liver disease with diet and lifestyle changes, which can help you reach or maintain your goal weight, decrease your risk of developing type 2 diabetes and keep your cholesterol and triglyceride levels in check. By following a calorie-controlled, low-sugar diet, you can reverse fatty liver and reduce your chances of inflammation and scarring of the liver, which could ultimately lead to liver failure.
Fatty Liver Overview
Doctors aren't sure exactly what causes non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, but it is linked to many other health problems, including diabetes, obesity and elevated triglyceride levels -- all associated with a high sugar diet, according to MayoClinic.com. For most people, fatty liver disease has no symptoms and causes no problems. For a few, it can lead to inflammation and scarring, known as cirrhosis. In time, cirrhosis can lead to liver failure.
Carbohydrates
Fatty liver isn't caused by a high-fat diet, but by a diet high in sugar and other simple carbohydrates. Excess body fat, the result of eating too many calories and leading a sedentary lifestyle contribute to all the health problems associated with fatty liver disease. The most important dietary change you can make is to limit all added sugars, including beverages such as soda, coffee drinks and alcoholic beverages, especially cocktails with high-sugar mixers. You do not have to follow a low-carb diet, but you do need to choose high-fiber complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains, vegetables, fruits and beans, which can help you feel full with less food and provide essential nutrients rather than empty calories.
Fat and Protein
If you are overweight, reaching your goal weight will help reverse fatty liver disease. The USDA 2010 Dietary Guidelines recommend that you consume between 45 and 65 percent of your calories from complex carbohydrates, 10 to 35 percent of your calories from lean protein, including plant proteins such as nuts and soy, and 25 to 35 percent of your calories from healthy fats with no more than 7 percent coming from saturated fat and no more than 1 percent coming from trans fats.
Other Dietary Changes
Eating health foods is the first step, but it's important not to overeat. Even healthy foods can lead to weight gain. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests consuming 12 calories per pound of your ideal body weight. For example, if you'd like to weigh 130 lbs., consume between 1,500 and 1,600 calories daily. Regular exercise can help burn calories and increase muscle mass -- which will boost your metabolism, even at rest.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease -- Causes; February 2011
- Better Health Channel; Liver Disease -- Fatty Liver Disease; June 2011
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse; Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis; Anna Mae Diehl, M.D; November 2006
- "U.S. News Health"; Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: 5 Tips for Treatment, Prevention; January W. Payne; April 2009
