Jul 293 min read

Fatty liver- Types and dietary protocol

Liver is the largest organ inside a human body. It helps body digest food, store energy, and in the detoxification process. Fatty liver disease is a condition in which fat builds up in your liver.

There are two main types:

1.Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)

2.Alcoholic fatty liver disease, also called alcoholic steatohepatitis

What is nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)?

NAFLD is a type of fatty liver disease that is not related to heavy alcohol use. There are two kinds:

Simple fatty liver, in which you have fat in your liver but little or no inflammation or liver cell damage. Simple fatty liver typically does not get bad enough to cause liver damage or complications.

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), in which you have inflammation and liver cell damage, as well as fat in your liver. Inflammation and liver cell damage can cause fibrosis, or scarring, of the liver. NASH may lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer.

What is alcoholic fatty liver disease?

Alcoholic fatty liver disease is due to heavy alcohol use. Your liver breaks down most of the alcohol you drink, so it can be removed from your body. But the process of breaking it down can generate harmful substances. These substances can damage liver cells, promote inflammation, and weaken your body's natural defenses. The more alcohol that you drink, the more you damage your liver. Alcoholic fatty liver disease is the earliest stage of alcohol-related liver disease. The next stages are alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis.

Who is at risk for fatty liver disease?

The cause of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is unknown. Researchers do know that it is more common in people who:

Have type 2 diabetes and prediabetes

Have obesity

Are middle aged or older (although children can also get it)

Have high levels of fats in the blood, such as cholesterol and triglycerides

Have high blood pressure

Take certain drugs, such as corticosteroids and some cancer drugs

Have certain metabolic disorders, including metabolic syndrome

Have rapid weight loss

Have certain infections, such as hepatitis C

Have been exposed to some toxins

NAFLD affects about 25% of people in the world.

Alcoholic fatty liver disease only happens in people who are heavy drinkers, especially those who have been drinking for a long period of time. The risk is higher for heavy drinkers who are women, have obesity, or have certain genetic mutations.

Fatty liver disease usually doesn’t cause symptoms. People who have symptoms may:

feel tired or generally unwell
have pain in the upper right part of their abdomen
lose weight

Signs that you may have more serious fatty liver disease include:

yellow eyes and skin (jaundice)
bruising
dark urine
swollen tummy
vomiting blood
black stools
itchy skin

See your doctor if you have any of these symptoms.

TREATMENT FOR FATTY LIVER

Weight loss

Weight loss is the most important change you can make to reduce fat in the liver
A 500 calorie deficit/day is recommended or a total weight loss of 7-10% of your body weight
A healthy rate of weight loss is 1-2 pounds/week

Change your eating habits

Avoid sugar and limit starchy foods (bread, pasta, rice, potatoes)
Reduce your intake of saturated and trans fats
Avoid high fructose corn syrup containing foods and beverages
Avoid alcohol
Increase your dietary fiber intake

Exercise more

Moderate aerobic exercise for at least 20-30 minutes/day (i.e. brisk walking or stationary bike)
Resistance or strength training at least 2-3 days/week

Diet Basics:

· Eat 3-4 times daily. Do not go more than 3-4 hours without eating.

· Consume whole foods: meat, vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, legumes, and whole grains.

· Avoid sugar-sweetened beverages, added sugars, processed meats, refined grains, hydrogenated oils, and other highly processed foods.

· Never eat carbohydrate foods alone.

· Include a balance of healthy fat, protein, and carbohydrate each time you eat