A fatty liver may be caused more by insulin resistance and a diet high in sugar than a high-fat diet. Fatty liver disease occurs when fat builds up in your liver, replacing healthy liver tissue. There are often no symptoms of fatty liver disease, and in most cases there is no harm. Rarely, fatty liver disease can progress to more serious liver problems, including scarring of the liver -- called cirrhosis. Most often, fatty liver can be treated with lifestyle and diet changes.
Steatohepatitis
Fatty liver disease can be caused by alcohol abuse or by diet and lifestyle choices -- and is commonly associated with metabolic syndrome and its symptoms -- obesity, high cholesterol and excess abdominal fat. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, as many as 20 percent of American adults may have excess fat accumulation in their liver, although only 2 to 5 percent of people are in danger of severe or permanent liver damage.
Diet
Currently, there is no single diet recommended for people with fatty liver disease. Reaching and maintaining your healthy goal weight will help reverse fatty liver, and MayoClinic.com recommends a diet rich in vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Avoid saturated fats and eat unsaturated fats, found in olive oil, nuts and fish. Limit added sugars. A plant-based diet that can work to lower cholesterol levels will also help fatty liver disease. Fad detox diets are not recommended; healthy sustainable lifestyle changes that produce long-term results are better.
Detoxification
Your liver is an organ of detoxification. It works with your kidneys to filter toxins from your body. Although a fad detox diet isn't helpful to treat fatty liver disease, protecting your liver by avoiding alcohol and certain medications will protect your liver from further damage. Remove as much stress from your liver as possible -- don't take unnecessary medications. According to Drugs.com, certain heart and cancer medicines and some antibiotics can cause fatty liver. Do not stop taking any of your current medications without talking to your doctor.
A Word About Detox Diets
Your body needs adequate nutrition to heal during illness and maintain optimum health. Detox diets are often too low in calories and lack essential vitamins and minerals. There is no medical evidence that proves detox diets are effective, according to Susan Moores, R.D., and you run the risk that the lack of nutrients can weaken your immune system -- leaving you more vulnerable to illness and infection. A lack of nutrients may cause muscle loss and upset the electrolyte and blood sugar balance in your body, as well. The best diet to reverse fatty liver disease is a healthy, balanced one that includes a variety of whole foods and does not eliminate any single food group.
References
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse; Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis; Anna Mae Diehl, M.D.; November 2006
- Better Health Channel; Liver Disease -- Fatty Liver Disease; June 2011
- MayoClinic.com; Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease -- Lifestyle and Home Remedies; February 2011
- Drugs.com: Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
- MSNBC; Experts Warn of Detox Diet Dangers; Susan Moores, R.D.; May 2007
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