Have you recently been diagnosed with fatty liver and looking for how to reduce it in a natural way? If so, look no further, for you've come to the right place!
Fatty liver is one of the most commonly occurring diseases worldwide, affecting up to 29.5% of the global population. In this condition, fat gets accumulated in the liver and if left untreated, it can develop into conditions like liver cirrhosis and liver failure. The situation is eerily similar to ingesting slow poison. It is an easily avoidable, lifestyle disease that can develop into the most chronic of ailments and organ failure.
Obesity, insulin resistance, and high blood pressure are amongst the most common causes of developing a fatty liver. Consuming too much alcohol is also a significant cause for the condition. The former is known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), while the latter is known as alcoholic fatty liver.
In this blog post, we will discuss the 5 best foods that help cure fatty liver disease.
- Leafy greens
Leafy greens have shown the potential to help with fatty liver in several studies. Spinach, in particular, is fantastic for dealing with NAFLD. When consumed raw, the nitrate and polyphenol content is highly beneficial for fighting off NAFLD and even goes as far as reversing some of the damage done.
- Coffee
Yes, you read that right. Your daily dose of coffee might be your ally in fighting off the fatty liver. Drinking coffee daily can help get rid of enzymes that are harming the liver cells. It is especially beneficial for patients with alcoholic fatty liver disease. Consuming coffee can reduce the fat absorption property of the gut and reduce the speed at which fatty liver progresses. In this case, it’s highly suggested to drink black coffee, without any added sugars or creamers.
- Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids play a central role in helping with a fatty liver condition. In general, it is known to improve the liver but it can also be your ally fighting fatty liver specifically. Including omega-3 in your diet can help break down the fat accumulation in the liver and reduce inflammation. It also helps in the growth of HDL Cholesterol in patients with NAFLD. Flax, chia seeds, and walnuts are all great vegetarian sources of omega-3 fatty acids.
- Garlic
Garlic is known for its versatility but in this case, let’s focus on its antioxidant properties. This staple ingredient has been shown to benefit patients with fatty liver by fighting free radicals and detoxifying the body. The enzymes in garlic help flush out toxins in the liver, including fat buildup.
- Beans, legumes, and soy
Convenient and inexpensive, beans, legumes, and Soy can significantly help improve the liver. Studies have shown that including these alternative foods in your diet can help reduce the fat buildup in the liver. Legumes are even known to lower blood sugar levels, which can significantly help with insulin resistance and fatty liver disease.
Final thoughts
Fatty liver is not a condition that should be underestimated. The situation can be detrimental if not cared for. And if it wasn’t obvious before, we’ll say it now: alcohol needs to cut down as much as possible to reduce the progression of the disease. The initial subtle symptoms include indigestion and discomfort, followed by fatigue and pain in the upper right abdominal area. If you feel like you are showing any of these symptoms, we suggest you visit a doctor.
Fatty liver is a condition that can be diagnosed until things get significantly out of hand, so it’s crucial to stay on top of it. We urge you to eat foods good for liver repair and get regular health check-ups and follow-ups with your doctor.