Get rid of fatty liver disease through diet and lifestyle

The article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Nguyen Tung Hoanh - Department of Resuscitation - Emergency - Vinmec Nha Trang International General Hospital.

Although it is a dangerous disease that leaves many complications for people with fatty liver diseases, it can be completely treated through diet and lifestyle. So when diagnosing fatty liver disease, how should we maintain our lifestyle?

Although the Mediterranean diet does not help people with fatty liver disease, this eating style combined with foods will help reduce fat in the liver. Those foods include: Fish and seafood, fruits, grains, nuts, olive oil, vegetables, avocados and legumes.

Cells use glucose (which is a type of sugar) for energy. Insulin helps move glucose from digested food into cells. People with fatty liver disease often have a condition called insulin resistance. That means the body makes insulin but doesn't use it effectively. Glucose builds up in the blood and the liver turns into fat.
Certain fats in the diet can help the body use insulin better. That means the cells can absorb glucose and the liver doesn't need to make and store fat. These are fats like: Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish, fish oils, vegetable oils, nuts (especially walnuts), flaxseeds and flaxseed oils, and leafy vegetables. Monounsaturated fats in plant sources like olives, nuts, and avocados.

Saturated fat causes the body to accumulate fat in the liver. Saturated fats are found in poultry, except lean white meat, cheese, yogurt, baked goods and fried foods made with palm oil or coconut oil. Sugary items such as candy, regular soda, and other foods with added sugar including high-fructose corn syrup should also be avoided or limited in patients with fatty liver disease.

Cells are damaged when nutrients are not broken down properly. This can lead to the accumulation of fat in the liver. But compounds called antioxidants can help protect cells from this problem. Antioxidants can be found in foods like coffee, green tea, raw garlic, fruits, especially berries, vegetables, Vitamin E. Liquid plant-based oils with monounsaturated fats, like olive oil or canola oil.

Vitamin D should be a priority in the diet for people with fatty liver disease. In fact, your body makes vitamin D when we're out in the sun and it can also be found in some dairy products, so people with fatty liver disease can use dairy products, however. Choose low-fat milk because they are low in saturated fat.
Low potassium levels may be associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Potassium is commonly found in fish such as salmon and sardines. It's also found in vegetables including broccoli, peas, sweet potatoes, and fruits like bananas, kiwis, and apricots. Dairy foods, like milk and yogurt, are also high in potassium.

You should not drink alcohol if you have alcoholic fatty liver disease. In fact, drinking alcohol has a more serious effect on the liver. If you have NAFLD, you can take it once in a while, but not more than every month.

Losing just 5% of body weight can also reduce fat in the liver. Accordingly, a loss of 7% to 10% of body weight reduces inflammation and the rate of damage to liver cells. However, rapid weight loss can also affect health status or be a sign of another health problem. Therefore, if you want to lose weight, you need to consider and consult a doctor.

Aerobic exercise can cut the amount of fat in the liver. Heavy exercise can also reduce inflammation. Resistance or strength training exercises, like weight lifting, can also improve fatty liver disease. Aim for 30 to 60 minutes or more of moderate-to-high aerobic exercise at least 5 days a week and moderate to advanced strength training 3 days a week.

Keeps the liver healthy by keeping cholesterol and triglycerides (blood fats) at healthy levels. Maintain a healthy, plant-based diet, exercise regularly, and take medication if your doctor prescribes it. This can help control cholesterol and triglycerides for a healthier liver.
As people's lives improve, lifestyles and diets have changed, leading to a higher percentage of patients with fatty liver disease. The disease has many causes, but it is completely controllable from diet and lifestyle, maintaining an exercise regimen to improve resistance and increase metabolism of liver cells. Patients need to do reasonable exercise to keep their weight at a standard level. In addition, patients with fatty liver disease should go to the hospital for periodic health checks to promptly detect and treat liver diseases.
Currently, Vinmec International General Hospital is implementing a hepatobiliary screening package that includes all relevant tests, bringing peace of mind and accurate results to customers.

Reference source: webmd.com