|  | Conditions Treatments | Medical Conditions

Diet for Patients With a Fatty Liver

Fatty liver disease, or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is a commonly occurring condition in overweight individuals past the age of 30. This disease affects roughly 15 to 20 percent of the population, with a much higher incidence rate among those who are already overweight. If you are struggling with a fatty liver, know that help is possible, but the problem cannot be solved with conventional medications or treatment.

  1. About NAFLD

    • NAFLD develops when the fat-regulating capacity of a healthy liver becomes impaired. In a healthy liver, fat is either used as energy or pumped out of the liver through the bile. In an individual with NAFLD, the liver is storing fat instead of processing it, which leads to buildup over time. This can lead to difficulties losing weight, the development of Type 2 diabetes, elevated cholesterol and abdominal obesity.

    Curing NAFLD

    • There are no drug therapies of "quick fixes" for a fatty liver. The only real solution is gradual and sustained weight loss through alteration of an unhealthy lifestyle. While dieting methodology was formerly left up to the patient, new research has indicated that a low-carb diet may encourage additional fat-burning in the liver, thus leading to better results for individuals suffering from NAFLD than simply a low-calorie diet.

    Low-Carb Recommendations

    • You need not adopt a radically low-carb plan in order to see benefits. Instead of dieting by using traditional carb-ceilings (counting daily carbs), use a carb-restrictive approach. In other words, only consume carbs from certain sources--fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables are full of required vitamins and nutrients and are capable of providing all the carbs your body needs to run effectively.

    Rounding Out the Diet

    • For the remainder of your diet, consume plenty of lean protein, such as meat, chicken, fish, eggs and turkey. Additionally, make sure that you are eating at least 30 percent of your daily calories from a mix of the different types of fats. Do this by dividing your fat intake among animal fats, natural fats (such as the fat found in eggs and coconuts), and oils (with fish and olive oil being two good choices). If you manage to eat a protein source, a fruit and a vegetable, and some healthy fat with every meal, you will likely lose weight and manage your fatty liver disease.

    Considerations

    • Remember that gradual weight loss is best. You did not become overweight overnight, and as much as you want to achieve your goals today, take a more farsighted approach. Aim to lose 1 to 2 lbs. per week. Monitor this by keeping a food log (containing foods and total daily calories) and weighing yourself at the close of every week. If you are losing weight on track, keep calories constant. If not, increase or decrease calories by 200 daily, then re-evaluate as needed.

Medical Conditions - Related Articles