To release fat from your liver, the most effective approach involves significant lifestyle changes, primarily gradual weight loss (5-10%), adopting a healthy diet (less sugar/processed foods, more whole foods, healthy fats, lean protein), and getting regular exercise (30+ mins, 5x/week), alongside managing underlying conditions like diabetes/high cholesterol, limiting/avoiding alcohol, and quitting smoking, as there isn't a specific cure but these habits reverse the condition.
We recommend patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease drink three cups of coffee per day, eat four tablespoons of olive oil a day and follow a Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes eating primarily plant-based foods and healthy fats.
How is fatty liver disease treated?
Turmeric Water
Turmeric is a commonly used supplement that may decrease inflammation and assist with liver repair, due to its ability to help flush out harmful toxins while decreasing fat buildup in the liver.
Some research suggests that omega-3 fatty acids may reduce liver fat and may slow or even reverse MASLD scarring. Other studies haven't found a strong connection between omega-3s and liver inflammation or scarring. Natural sources of omega-3 fatty acids are best.
Polyphenols. These plant compounds are found in black coffee, green tea and walnuts. They contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce liver fat.
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.
Lemon Juice: Lemon juice is a great way to detoxify your liver and improve its function. The citrus fruit is rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, both of which are essential for a healthy liver. Lemon juice also helps to promote digestion and reduce inflammation.
Drugs. Medications commonly implicated in causing fatty liver include corticosteroids, antidepressant and antipsychotic medications and, most commonly, tamoxifen.
The goal is to lose 7 to 10% of body weight per year and exercise more than 200 minutes per week. The good news is that NAFL and NASH are reversible. However, once fatty liver has progressed to cirrhosis or liver cancer, it is no longer reversible.
The three worst things for your liver are excessive alcohol, a diet high in added sugars, unhealthy fats, and salt (processed/fast foods), and overuse of certain medications (like acetaminophen/paracetamol), all leading to fat buildup (fatty liver), inflammation, and potential severe damage like cirrhosis, though lifestyle changes can often reverse early stages.
A liver detox, cleanse, or flush is a program that claims to take out toxins in your body, help you lose weight, or improve your health. You want to do everything you can to take an active role in your health. But if you think you need a liver detox, you should know that there isn't much it can do for you.
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.
Some studies have demonstrated the anti-inflammatory and insulin-sensitizing properties exerted by these vitamins in the hepatic cells. Based on these observations, several vitamins such as vitamins E, D, B9, B12, A and C represent potential therapeutic options for liver damage in NAFLD and NASH.
If you follow your provider's treatment plan, it's possible to reduce liver fat and inflammation. You can prevent the damage from worsening and, in some cases, reverse early liver damage.
Drinking fresh lemon water 2–3 times a day for a month or adding thinly sliced lemon to a water bottle for daily consumption can improve fatty liver. Apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is one of the best remedies for fatty liver disease.
Beets. Beets are a high-antioxidant vegetable that are also rich in nutrients. Beets contain betaine as well as a fiber called pectin that clears toxins that have been removed from the liver.
Refined Carbohydrates: White bread, pasta, and rice can spike blood sugar levels, leading to more liver fat. Opt for whole grain breads and pastas, and unrefined grains such as brown rice and rolled oats which are higher in fibre.
The fastest way to repair your liver involves immediate lifestyle changes: stop alcohol/smoking, adopt a healthy diet (whole foods, less sugar/fat/processed items), manage weight/exercise, and avoid liver-harming medications, all while consulting a doctor for personalized guidance, as severe damage needs medical intervention for reversal.
There are two phases of the liver detoxification process: Phase I: Enzymes in the liver convert toxins into substances less harmful to the body. Phase II: Any toxins that remain are further processed by the liver until they become water-soluble. Once this occurs, they are eliminated by body through urine or bile.
You see, beetroot is rich in glutathiones – a compound found in the phytonutrients betalains – which shines in detoxifying the liver. As far as reaping the liver-loving benefits go, the best way to get your beetroot fix is in a raw purple juice.
How you can treat non-alcoholic fatty liver disease yourself
Avoid sugary beverages like soda, juice, lemonade and sports drinks. Half of your plate should be fruits and vegetables. Aim for non starchy vegetables and whole fruits. Choose leaner proteins like fish, poultry, beans, and nuts.
Two medicines are available to treat people who have MASH with moderate to severe liver scarring. Resmetirom (Rezdiffra) and semaglutide can help reduce the amount of fat and scarring in the liver.