Fatty infiltration of your liver, more commonly called fatty liver, can be caused by drinking too much alcohol, although some people accumulate fat in their livers despite consuming little or no alcohol. Fatty liver may progress to hepatitis and cirrhosis in both alcoholics and nonalcoholics. Before using diet and nutrition to treat this condition, meet with your family physician to discuss the merits and drawbacks of this approach.
About Fatty Liver
Fatty liver is a common health problem in the United States. According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, 10 percent to 20 percent of Americans have fat in their liver. In most cases that do not involve alcohol, fatty liver does not cause inflammation, cell damage or even symptoms. But some people may experience fatigue, unexplained weight loss and pain or discomfort in the upper right quadrant of their abdomen.
Dietary Strategies
Dietary strategies in treating fatty liver differ depending on the cause of the condition. If fat accumulation in your liver is caused by excessive alcohol consumption, reducing your alcohol intake and taking a multivitamin -- to improve your nutritional status -- may be most helpful in resolving this health problem. Fatty liver that is not caused by excessive alcohol intake may respond to a diet that is loaded with fruits, vegetables, fish, olive oil, nuts, brown rice and whole-wheat breads, notes MayoClinic.com.
Role of Grapefruit
Foods that contain high quantities of folate and vitamin C, such as grapefruit, may be particularly helpful in treating your fatty liver, as these nutrients support your immune system and protect your liver from free-radical damage. Another important substance in grapefruit is naringenin, a type of flavonoid that possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immune-system-modulating qualities. This substance helps break down fatty acids in your liver and scavenge free radicals. Naringenin is found in significant quantities in grapefruits, tomatoes and oranges.
Considerations
Although fatty liver may not cause symptoms in some individuals, it can lead to progressive liver inflammation in others. With the proper care, this condition can be reversed. Speak with your doctor about all possible therapies for treating fatty liver, including nutritional therapy. Your doctor can counsel you on which foods to consume or avoid, as well as any side effects you might experience.
References
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism: Alcoholic and the Liver
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis
- MayoClinic.com: Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
- "The World's Healthiest Foods"; George Mateljan; 2007
