The organ uses one type of sugar, called fructose, to make fat. Too much refined sugar and high-fructose corn syrup causes a fatty buildup that can lead to liver disease.
Historically thought to result from overnutrition and sedentary lifestyle, recent evidence suggests that diets high in sugar (from sucrose and/or high fructose corn syrup (HFCS)) not only increases the risk for NAFLD, but also, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).
Added sugars in diet can cause fat accumulation in liver.
Children with fatty liver disease sharply reduced the amount of fat and inflammation in their livers by cutting soft drinks, fruit juices and foods with added sugars.
Glycogen is a form of glucose, a main source of energy that your body stores primarily in your liver and muscles.
Expert opinion: Natural sweeteners have not been associated directly with NAFLD, and on the contrary, some, such as stevia, and trehalose, may have a protective effect. Rare sugars and polyols can be used safely and have significant benefits that include anti-oxidant effect and optimal glycemic control.
It has recently been used as a dietary supplement and treatment for a number of hepatic diseases, such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, acute liver failure, non-alcoholic liver fatty disease, alcoholic liver disease, fibrosis, steatosis, hepatoma, and inflammation of the hepatic portal.
Although there aren't any medications to treat NAFLD, a good diet and regular exercise can reverse it. Losing 10% of your current weight can dramatically decrease the amount of fat in the liver as well as reduce inflammation.
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.
If you can drink coffee without any problems, skip the cream and sugar. Since people with fatty liver disease often have problems like diabetes and obesity, it's especially important not to add extra fat and sugar to your coffee. “Black coffee is best,” Dr. Wakim-Fleming says.
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.
The ginger supplement may be used as a complementary therapy along with existing therapies to reduce insulin resistance, liver enzymes and inflammation in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver.
Experts recommend these foods in particular for a healthy liver: Almond milk or low-fat dairy: Dr. Delgado-Borrego says adults and children with fatty liver disease need to pay attention to calcium consumption.
Potential Liver Benefits manuka honey has been associated with improved liver health and a reduced risk of liver disease. In certain individuals, honey may help promote better blood sugar control – which is desirable for those in danger of fatty liver disease.
Thankfully, in most cases, by making a few changes to our lifestyle we can repair and reverse any damage done to our liver by eating too much sugar. By eating lots of fruit and vegetables, and exercising regularly, the liver will gradually regenerate.
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.
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.
CITRUS FRUITS – Lemons and limes contain citric acid, potassium, vitamin C, and bioflavonoids. These nutrients help improve energy levels, enhance liver detoxification, and reduce inflammation. Grapefruit has high levels of vitamin C, folic acid, phenolic acid, potassium, calcium, iron, and antioxidants.
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.
Peanut butter can enhance antioxidant activity in the liver and support liver function because of its high level of vitamins and antioxidants. Given that liver patients must adhere to several dietary limitations, peanut butter is a well-balanced source of protein.
Whole Grains
Foods that are high in fibre can protect your liver from inflammation, as well as lower your risk of obesity, diabetes and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Examples of whole grains include: Whole oats.