Diet & Nutrition for Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis is fatty liver disease not caused by alcohol. This disease can be brought on by eating fatty foods for long periods of time. In most cases the condition can be reversed as a person loses weight from eating a healthy diet. Most people with this condition are obese or severely overweight. Many foods can help a person heal from nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.

Raw Foods

• Eat five to eight servings of raw fruits and vegetables daily. According to the Mayo Clinic, eating the right foods can help a person with fatty liver lose weight. As people gain weight, fat accumulates around the liver. This fat can go away only as a person loses weight all over his body.

  Eating raw fruits and vegetables like carrots, broccoli and apples are a common-sense approach to weight loss. If you eat a diet low in fat and high in vegetables and fruit you will lose weight over time. Very few people gain weight eating even huge portions of vegetables, because they are low in calories and high in nutrients. Raw foods also contain enzymes that are beneficial for weight loss. Hydration is also essential. Drink eight to 10 glasses of purified water each day.

Healthy Fats and Oils

• Consume healthy fats and oils each day. Not all fat is bad even for people with fatty liver disease. The right kind of fat in the diet can reduce inflammation, which is helpful for a person with a fatty liver. Many people with fatty livers have enlarged, inflamed livers. Good fats like omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation along with improving heart, skin and eye health. Healthy fats and oils are found in salmon, almonds and eggs.

  Avoid bad fats found in fast food and processed foods. Cut your intake of sugary foods and drinks. Sugar can contribute to weight gain because it causes cravings to spike, which results in overeating. Avoid sodas, candy and other food that is devoid of nutrition. Eat grains in moderation. Too much bread and starch in the diet can cause weight gain.

Lean Meats and Protein

• Eat one serving of lean meat per day. Meat is not bad for someone with fatty liver if the right types of meat are consumed. Pork and beef are very high in fat. Pork is the worst, but beef comes second on the list. If you like beef eat it only in moderation or substitute beef for elk or buffalo. Eat lean meats like chicken and turkey. Fish is also very lean and good for you. Salmon is a great choice because it contains omega-3 fatty acids. Avoid toxic fish such as sharks or catfish. If you are not able to eat meat or are a vegetarian, get plenty of healthy vegetable protein like beans and tofu in your diet. Another great source of vegetarian protein is spirulina. Sprirulina is a blue-green sea algae that is loaded with nutrients. This sea vegetable is also a great source of protein.