Yes, people with fatty liver disease (NAFLD/MASLD) can and should eat broccoli, as it's a non-starchy vegetable rich in antioxidants and beneficial compounds like sulforaphane that help reduce fat buildup, inflammation, and protect the liver, making it a great choice for liver health.
Broccoli can be part of this strategy. Some studies suggest this crunchy food can help protect you from metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) which is when fat builds up in your liver. (It used to be called nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)).
Focus on nonstarchy vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, carrots and spinach. Limit starchy vegetables such as potatoes. Fruits. Get at least two servings of fruit daily.
Here are five ways to reverse or reduce fatty liver disease:
Adopt a calorie-restricted diet – Reduce your intake of processed foods and focus on whole, nutrient-dense meals. Increase protein intake – Lean meats, fish, tofu, and legumes help maintain muscle mass while reducing fat. Incorporate physical activity – Regular workouts burn excess liver fat and improve metabolism.
Broccoli & Other Cruciferous Vegetables
However, they also contain chemical compounds called thiocyanates. “When consumed in very large amounts, thiocyanates can block or limit the body's ability to absorb iodine, a mineral found in some foods,” says Dr.
Too Much Alcohol
Alcoholic fatty liver, which causes liver inflammation (alcoholic hepatitis), eventual scarring (cirrhosis) and even liver cancer, is a process that begins on as little as four drinks a day for men and two for women. By the time you show symptoms, your liver may be damaged beyond repair.
Vitamin E. Vitamin E is an antioxidant, which means it's a nutrient that may help protect cells against damage. Research suggests that in people who have MASLD, vitamin E may boost the liver's natural antioxidants, help reduce liver inflammation and scarring, and help prevent fat buildup.
VITAMIN D AS A TREATMENT FOR NAFLD/NASH
In total, the evidence to date suggests that vitamin D may be beneficial in preventing the progression of NAFLD.
Key points
Use olive or canola oil for cooking and on salads. Limit butter and avoid trans fat. Exercise for at least 30 minutes per day.
Anything that damages the liver also can cause liver problems, including viruses, alcohol use and obesity. Over time, conditions that damage the liver can lead to scarring, called cirrhosis. Cirrhosis can lead to liver failure, a life-threatening condition. But early treatment may give the liver time to heal.
Symptoms of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Some people have symptoms including: feeling very tired. feeling generally unwell. liver pain or discomfort, which is felt in your tummy (abdomen) under the right side of your ribs.
Opt for whole grain breads and pastas, and unrefined grains such as brown rice and rolled oats which are higher in fibre. Fried and Processed Foods: These are high in unhealthy fats and calories, contributing to obesity and worsening fatty liver.
First, check the color of the florets. They should be a bright, uniform green. If they have any yellow or brown spots, that's a sign your broccoli is starting to spoil. If you notice fuzzy white or black patches growing on the florets or the stem, that tells you that mold is starting to form, and it's time to toss it.
May help keep your liver healthy
Broccoli truly shines when it comes to supporting your liver. It's loaded with powerful antioxidants, especially a sulfur-rich compound called sulforaphane.
In this article, we look at 19 of the healthiest vegetables and suggest ways to enjoy them as part of a balanced diet.
Aerobic exercise (such as brisk walking, cycling, swimming, jogging, dancing and team sports) is particularly beneficial for the management of fatty liver and also improves the health of your heart, blood vessels and your aerobic fitness.
Both NAFLD and alcoholic fatty liver disease are usually silent diseases with few or no symptoms. If you do have symptoms, you may feel tired or have discomfort in the upper right side of your abdomen.
Drugs. Medications commonly implicated in causing fatty liver include corticosteroids, antidepressant and antipsychotic medications and, most commonly, tamoxifen.
Cutting down or stopping drinking alcohol and reducing or cutting out saturated fats, refined sugars and processed food will help to keep your liver healthy. These diet and lifestyle changes may not be enough to reverse advanced fatty liver or cirrhosis, so it's important to also get medical advice.
The liver influences confidence and assertiveness, and the ability to make decisions and stick by them. The liver also has a lot to do with stress and anger. Physically, an imbalanced liver can create tight tendons, necks and shoulders, and emotionally it can lead to a tightness of the spirit.
Fatigue and Low Energy Levels:
One of the most common signs of a sluggish liver is persistent fatigue and low energy levels. When the liver is overwhelmed with toxins or it is struggling to process them efficiently, it can lead to feelings of tiredness and lethargy that stick around even after getting enough sleep.
Prevention and reversal of fatty liver disease
“Many people, and even some doctors, think fatty liver is just something you have to live with.” says Dr. Halegoua-DeMarzio, “But it's not. If ignored, it can lead to serious complications including cancer or liver transplant.”