For fatty liver, avoid sugary drinks, refined carbs (white bread, pasta, rice), fried/processed foods, saturated/trans fats (fatty meats, butter, fast food), and alcohol, as these worsen fat buildup; instead, focus on whole foods, fiber, and lean proteins to support liver health. Limiting added salt and focusing on water as your main drink is also crucial for managing fatty liver disease.
Which foods should I avoid?
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.
Foods that are good for the liver include whole foods, like fruit, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein and healthy fats. 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.
Eating excess calories causes fat to build up in the liver. When the liver does not process and break down fats as it normally should, too much fat will accumulate. People tend to develop fatty liver if they have certain other conditions, such as obesity, diabetes or high triglycerides.
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.
Fatty liver disease is more common than you might think. Many people have this condition and don't even know it because it usually doesn't cause pain or obvious symptoms at first. If left untreated, it can lead to serious health problems and may even shorten your life.
Citrus fruits: Lemons, orange , grapefruit , amla which has high vitamin C and antioxidants, citrus fruits like grapefruits, oranges, limes and lemons support the natural cleansing abilities of the liver.
Breakfast options
Chemicals that are especially toxic for the liver include:
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.
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.
Avoid sugar-sweetened beverages. The sugar in these beverages are converted to fat once reaching the liver and can worsen NAFLD. Avoid alcohol. It can do further damage to your liver.
4.1 High-Sugar Fruits (e.g., Mangoes, Grapes, Bananas). While delicious, these fruits have a high glycemic index and fructose content. They can spike blood sugar, forcing the liver to convert excess sugar into fat.
Wise Choices
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.
To reduce liver fat, it's recommended that people with fatty liver disease do 150 to 240 minutes per week of at least moderate intensity aerobic exercise. But even as little as 135 minutes per week of moderate intensity exercise (e.g. a 45 minute walk on three days per week) has been shown to be beneficial.
Apples. Studies have shown that fruits high in fiber, like apples, may help people who have fatty liver disease, especially those who are obese. Make sure you leave the skin on. That's where most of the fiber is.
Depending on the severity of your condition, it's possible to get rid of SLD and even some scarring. Your liver has an amazing ability to repair itself. If you follow your provider's treatment plan, it's possible to reduce liver fat and inflammation.
The two exceptions to the lack of harm to the liver by higher doses of vitamins are vitamin A and niacin, both of which can cause distinctive forms of liver injury when taken in high doses.
To manage fatty liver, avoid sugary foods/drinks, refined carbs (white bread, pasta, rice), saturated/trans fats (fatty meats, butter, fried foods, pastries, processed snacks), and alcohol, while limiting salt, as these contribute to fat buildup and liver damage; focus instead on whole grains, fruits, veggies, lean proteins, and healthy fats like olive oil.
Lifestyle changes such as choosing healthy foods, exercise, and weight loss are the most effective treatment for NAFLD. For overweight individuals, losing 10% of body weight has been shown to reduce the amount of fat in the liver and to reduce inflammation.
Pain relievers such as acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve) can damage the liver. Taking them often or with alcohol can cause more damage. Prescription medicines.
Resmetirom (Rezdiffra) and semaglutide can help reduce the amount of fat and scarring in the liver. These medicines are not recommended for people with cirrhosis. People who have cirrhosis due to MASH may need a liver transplant.