A fatty liver has serious consequences; non-alcoholic fatty liver disease can lead to cirrhosis or even liver cancer. Just as regular exercise can reduce fat elsewhere in the body, an aerobic fitness routine can improve your liver health, reducing the chances of developing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or further complications. If you have reason for concern about your liver health, consult your doctor for medical screening and care.
Fatty Liver Disease
Regular exercise doesn't just trim fat deposits from around your belly or your thighs. Your liver can become excessively fatty, a condition known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The disease is the most common type of liver disease among Americans, according to "Medill Reports Chicago." It can affect children as well as adults. Regular exercise and weight loss are the best ways to avoid the disease, which is linked with obesity. If you already have the disease, aerobic exercise can slow its development. According to Cleveland Clinic's 2011 study of obese individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, regular aerobic exercise increases polyunsaturated lipid index, an indicator of liver health.
Diet
While regular exercise can contribute to improved liver function, taking a weekly walk alongside an unhealthy diet won't necessarily help. According to a study in the 1997 "Journal of Hepatology," patients with liver disease who exercised and followed a low-fat diet minimized the incidence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Gradual weight reduction, through both diet and exercise, is advised for any obese individuals with the disease.
Related Conditions
In addition to its effects on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, regular exercise can relieve physiological and psychological conditions commonly linked with liver disease. Crohn's Disease, a chronic inflammation of the digestive tract, is often associated with liver disease. Regular exercise has been cited as reducing stress and relieving symptoms associated with Crohn's Disease. However, patients must be certain to stay sufficiently hydrated and avoid any sudden changes in body temperature. Psychological and emotional tolls of liver disease may include fatigue, stress or depression; they often show signs of improvement through regular aerobic exercise.
Precautions
Before making any changes to your exercise routine, especially if you have liver disease, hepatitis or HIV, first consult with your primary health care provider. While moderate exercise often offers beneficial effects, an excessively strenuous exercise can worsen symptoms, particularly among individuals with advanced cirrhosis.
