23 Juli 2013

Fatty Liver Diet

Liver is one of the critical organs that performs a number of important functions in the body, such as metabolism, detoxification, and producing required chemicals for digestion. Thus, any injury to the liver or dysfunction of the liver causes serious health problems. As mentioned earlier, fatty liver is a condition that affects the liver health, where excess of fat get stored in the liver cells with the percentage of fat in the organ reaches 10 percent of its complete weight. The liver is unable to break down the fats at the rate at which it usually does, and hence fats get accumulated. There is no severe damage due to it, but if the amount of fat increases, it leads to inflammation of the liver referred to as steatohepatitis -- a fatal condition. If left untreated, this inflamed liver gets pitted. It gradually hardens and may cause liver failure, cirrhosis. Maximum cases are observed in adults above 30 years of age. However, in the recent past, pediatric cases have also come to the fore.

Causes

The primary symptoms of fatty liver may not be observed easily; however, it is through the conduction of a medical examination that the condition maybe diagnosed. A fatty liver may be caused due to excess alcohol consumption; drug abuse; obesity; and health disorders, like diabetes, high levels of cholesterol, metabolic disorder, and malnutrition. Sometimes, surgeries to bring about a drastic reduction in weight, for instance gastric bypass surgery may also be considered a causative factor. However, the most prominent cause is alcoholism. Alcohol, literally, is known to drink down the liver cells, thereby causing irreversible damage. When caused due to non-consumption of alcohol, it is called Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). This condition may be diagnosed by way of a routine checkup and conduction of liver biopsy.

Considerations
Control Diabetes
A person suffering from diabetes should follow the diet that will help to control diabetes. It is a bit difficult for diabetic patients to reduce fatty liver. They should consume food that has low sugar level, and maintain a proper level of insulin in the body. When the blood sugar level reduces, it leads to less accumulation of fats in the liver. It is recommended that diabetic patients with this condition should consult a physician and a dietitian before making any changes in the diet.

Stop Drinking Alcohol
If alcohol is the reason for fatty liver, one should stop drinking alcohol at once. Alcohol is high on calories and should be forbidden forever. It leads to dysfunction of the liver, and hence liver cannot metabolize other nutrients properly leading to fat accumulation.

Reduce Weight
One should start reducing their weight gradually, if obesity is the reason for fatty lever. It should not be rapid in any way. The weight loss should be not more than one or two pounds a week and should be accompanied with exercises. Keep a check on the daily consumption of calories. A safe weight loss with the help of diet and exercise can help reduce fatty liver.

Control Carbohydrate Intake
There is nothing wrong in consuming carbs. However, the incorrectness lies in the type of carb being ingested, along with portion selection. Carbohydrates with low glycemic index have a positive effect on your weight.

Increase the Intake of Fiber
Including fiber in your diet is very important. Besides its major role in regulating your bowel movements, a diet rich in fiber keeps a tab on your blood sugar, also maintaining optimum cholesterol levels.

Consume Good Fats
Know that all fats are not equal, and all do not contribute to the expansion and contraction of your waistline. Saturated and trans fats are major culprits of clogged arteries, leading to medical reports confirming high cholesterol, which if not controlled, may lead to cardiac crises. Besides, a high level of cholesterol is a cause of fatty liver. Monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats do a good turn to your health. They help you manage weight, and they are good to your cholesterol levels, too.

Diet to Avoid
Liver-damaging Foods

  • White bread
  • White rice
  • Candy, doughnuts
  • Fast-fat foods
  • Chicken with skin
  • Full-fat dairy productsIce cream
  • Carbonated drinks
  • Processed meats
  • Fried foods
  • Red meats


Diet to Accept
Liver-friendly Foods

  • Legumes
  • Garlic
  • Tomatoes
  • Beets
  • Cabbage
  • Broccoli
  • Beans
  • Vitamin E- and vitamin C-enriched fruitsWhole grain breads
  • Brown rice
  • Lean white meats
  • Nuts (almonds, cashews, walnuts)
  • Soy milk
  • Tofu
  • Salmons/Sardines


Protein intake in an appropriate amount is very essential for the condition to improve. Make sure that the amount of protein you consume is not in excess as it becomes difficult for the liver to break down excess protein. It would be advisable for you to consult the practitioner with regard to restricting your dietary protein intake. Vitamins, especially vitamins A and D should be controlled. Vitamin A in excess could prove harmful to the liver. The liver is put through a stressful condition whilst processing excess amounts of vitamin A and D. Garner expert advice to monitor the daily intake of vitamins. Nail in mind that red meat, pork, processed foods, potato wafers, french fries, and the likes should be completely avoided. Thus, reduction in weight, reduced alcohol consumption, a healthy diet to control the condition and exercise are sure ways to help you control the condition.

Disclaimer: The article published herein, is meant to accomplish pedagogical purposes only. The recommendations mentioned hereby may not be generically applicable. The information, by no means, intends to supplant the diagnosis and advice imparted by the medical practitioner.

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