Diet Plan For Fatty Liver
Fatty liver is a condition characterised by the excessive accumulation of fat in the liver, and if left untreated, it can lead to liver failure. However, adopting a healthy diet can help prevent or treat fatty liver. This may involve emphasising specific foods while avoiding others.
There are two main types of fatty liver disease: alcohol-induced and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD is often diagnosed in obese, sedentary individuals with a diet high in processed foods, where excess fat accumulates in the liver, impairing its function.
A key treatment for fatty liver disease involves dietary changes, emphasising a low-fat diet with sufficient carbohydrates, fibre, and protein to reduce liver fat.
There are two types of NAFLD:
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL): Fat accumulates in the liver without inflammation, potentially causing liver enlargement and pain.
- Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH): This condition involves liver inflammation and, if left untreated, can progress to cirrhosis and liver failure.
In a healthy body, the liver detoxifies and produces bile, a greenish-yellow fluid that aids in fat digestion. Fatty liver disease damages the liver, impeding its normal function. However, lifestyle changes can help prevent its worsening.
The primary treatment for overweight or obese individuals with NAFLD is gradual weight loss, achieved through a combination of reduced calorie intake, regular exercise, and a healthy diet.
In general, the diet for fatty liver disease includes:
- Consumption of fruits and vegetables.
- Incorporation of high-fibre foods like legumes and whole grains.
- Significant reduction in the intake of foods and drinks high in added sugar, salt, refined carbohydrates, and saturated fat.
- Complete avoidance of alcohol.
For individuals with NAFLD, a recommended diet consists of nutrient-dense, whole foods, featuring ample fibre, protein, and unsaturated fats.
Here are a few foods to include in your healthy liver diet:
1. Coffee
Coffee is a common morning habit for many individuals, but it may offer more than just an energy boost, especially for those with fatty liver disease.
Research from 2020, in a meta-analysis, showed that regular coffee consumption is linked to a reduced risk of developing liver fibrosis in people with NAFLD, a condition characterised by the excessive buildup of scar tissue in the liver due to prolonged injury or inflammation.
Furthermore, a review from 2021 also supported the idea that coffee consumption could have a positive impact on reducing the severity of liver fibrosis in individuals with NAFLD.