Soy or whey protein The results of one study in the review showed that liver fat decreased by 20% in women with obesity who ate 60 grams (g) of whey protein every day for 4 weeks. Soy protein contains antioxidants called isoflavones that help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce fat in the body.
Luckily for people who have or are at risk for NAFLD, there are also plenty of plant-based protein sources—including beans, peas, seeds, nuts, tofu and other soy products, and even some vegetables, like spinach and broccoli.
Getting enough protein is crucial for your liver, and lean chicken, turkey, fish and beef are good options. Try to have them instead of processed foods such as hot dogs, bologna and salami, which can contain a lot of fat and salt. For plant proteins, some good choices are nuts, lentils, edamame, tofu or peas.
It emphasizes eating fruits, veggies, whole grains, beans, nuts, legumes, olive oil, and flavorful herbs and spices; fish and seafood at least a couple of times a week; and poultry, eggs, cheese and yogurt in moderation, while saving sweets and red meat for special occasions.
A strict 900kcals diet that is low in dietary carbohydrate and fat will encourage your body to use up glycogen (carbohydrate that is stored in the liver) and fat stores, thus helping to shrink the size of the liver. A very low calorie diet (VLCD) is designed to completely replace usual food intake.
Many don't know that eggs are a food that's good for fatty liver. This is because eggs are rich in choline, which plays a role in transporting and lowering LDL or “bad” cholesterol.
Sweetened breakfast cereals. Look for more grain based cereals or those sweetened with added fruit. Good examples include Weet Bix™, All Bran™, All Bran with Fruit™, Sultana Bran™ , traditional oats and other similar cereals.
Eat foods rich in fiber, which helps your liver work at an optimal level. Fruits, vegetables, whole grain breads, brown rice and cereals can take care of your body's fiber needs. Drink plenty of water, which prevents dehydration and helps your liver to function better.
Look for “whole grain,” “whole wheat,” “sprouted grain,” and “high fiber” on package labels. Choose foods with at least three grams of dietary fiber and fewer than eight grams of sugar per serving.
Avocado: Healthy fats in avocado are great for both weight loss and fatty liver disease. It is also filled with anti-inflammatory nutrients and soluble fibre that can help in reducing oxidative stress in the body and also reduce blood sugar.
Fatty Liver Foods to Avoid
Steer clear of saturated fats, which lead to more fatty deposits in your liver. This includes: Poultry, except for lean white meat. Full-fat cheese.
Currently, it is recommended to limit the consumption of dairy products due to high levels of saturated fat and cholesterol, in order for reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Processed cheese is bad for your liver as it comes under the category of processed foods and has high sodium content and saturated fats. Excess consumption can lead to fatty liver diseases, plus obesity.
Regular consumption of yogurt is beneficial for your liver for the following reasons: It helps reduce weight, body mass index, and serum levels of fasting insulin. These are some of the main risk factors of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). It reduces cholesterol and sugar levels in your body.
Due to its high content of antioxidants and vitamins, peanut butter can improve antioxidant activity in the liver and promote its health. Peanut butter is a balanced source of protein that serves especially important to liver patients, as they have many dietary restrictions.
Blueberries: If you have a fatty liver, blueberries are a must-addition to your everyday diet. Blueberries are rich in antioxidants and can help you overcome liver problems, particularly fatty liver disease.
Furthermore, tomato prevents alcoholic diet-promoted pre-neoplastic liver lesion development and decreases the presence of alcoholic diet-induced hepatic injury.
Chicken is a good option for a fatty liver diet as long as it's cooked with minimal fat. Always aim to incorporate healthier cooking methods like grilling, roasting, boiling, poaching or steaming chicken. Talk to a nutritionist to learn how much chicken you should eat based on your needs.
A 2019 review article notes that saturated fat intake increases the amount of fat around organs, including the liver. Beef, pork, and deli meats are all high in saturated fats. The AGA suggests that a person with fatty liver disease try to avoid these foods as much as possible.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Incredible detoxification actions of ACV work to flush out the harmful toxins from the liver that hinders its normal functions. Studies discloses that regular intake of ACV promotes weight loss, diminishes cholesterol levels, lessen inflammation, and uplift the overall health of the liver.
If you have fatty liver disease, the damage may be reversed if you abstain from alcohol for a period of time (this could be months or years). After this point, it's usually safe to start drinking again if you stick to the NHS guidelines on alcohol units. However, it's important to check with your doctor first.
Lemon Water
Many citrus fruits, including lemon, can be added to water to help stimulate and flush out the liver. To help improve liver function, enjoy 4-6 tablespoons of lemon juice mixed with water each day.
Beans are a great source of protein and fiber. Some studies suggest that beans preserve liver health by preventing fat from accumulating in the liver, reducing the risk of a fatty liver.