Fatty Liver Diet: What Foods to Eat and What Foods to Avoid

Max Lab

Sep 28, 2022

Liver Function Test (LFT)

₹ 800

Fatty liver is also known by the name hepatic steatosis. It is a condition that happens when fat builds up in the liver. The small amount of fat that is present in the liver is considered normal but too much accumulation can be concerning and become a health problem. Too much fat in the liver can lead to liver inflammation, which can damage the liver and create scarring. In very severe cases, this scarring can also lead to liver failure. Non-alcoholic fatty liver is a type of fatty liver disease which is not associated with heavy alcohol use. Malnutrition and a low protein diet can be the cause of fatty liver. The liver is the largest organ of the human body and helps in digesting food.

What is Fatty Liver?

Fatty liver is a condition in which the liver contains too much fat. It can be caused by drinking too much alcohol, being overweight, or having diabetes. Fatty liver can lead to cirrhosis, a serious condition in which the liver is damaged and cannot work properly. Treatment for fatty liver includes losing weight, eating a healthy diet, and avoiding alcohol.

What is a Fatty Liver Diet?

A fatty liver diet is a diet that helps to promote the health of the liver and reduce the amount of fat stored in the liver. There are a number of different foods that can be included in a fatty liver diet, and it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new diet. Some of the foods that may be included in a fatty liver diet include:

sources of lean protein include fish, chicken, tofu, and lentils
healthy fats such as olive oil, avocados, and nuts
plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables
whole grains
water

Including these types of foods in your diet can help to improve the overall health of your liver and reduce the amount of fat stored in the liver. It is important to speak with your healthcare professional before starting any new diet, especially if you have any medical conditions or allergies.

When is a Fatty Liver Diet Recommended?

When it comes to fatty liver, diet is key. While there is no one-size-fits-all diet for fatty liver, there are some general dietary guidelines that can help.

First and foremost, it’s important to limit your intake of sugar and refined carbohydrates. Sugar promotes fat accumulation in the liver, so it’s best to avoid sugary foods and drinks as much as possible. Instead, concentrate on consuming a lot of fresh fruits & vegetables, whole grains & lean protein.

It’s also important to limit your alcohol intake if you have fatty liver. Alcohol consumption can worsen liver damage, so it’s best to stay away from alcohol or drink in moderation if you have this condition.

Finally, make sure you’re getting enough exercise. Exercise helps to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce fat accumulation in the liver. So aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.

What foods to Eat for Fatty Liver

Apart from changing lifestyle habits, it is necessary to bring some changes to the diet to get rid of fatty liver. When someone experiences symptoms of fatty liver, a particular diet plan for staying healthy must be followed. To begin with, it is important to reduce refined carbs and sugar with more complex carbs in your diet such as oats, rice, quinoa etc. Let’s have a look at the list of foods to be included in the diet for liver patients: -

Coffee

Including a daily cup of coffee in your diet can be a cure for fatty liver. Individuals diagnosed with fatty liver who drink coffee are likely to experience minor liver damage than those who do not consume coffee. Drinking one cup per day is a good way to support your liver health.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a must to be included in the diet for reducing a fatty liver. It is a great, low-fat breakfast option which contains fibre and complex carbohydrates and also promotes weight loss in the person suffering from a fatty liver problem. To top your oatmeal, you can add a spoon of peanuts or sliced fruits that would provide an additional source of energy along with your breakfast.

Tofu

The soy-protein present in tofu helps to reduce the fat built in the liver. Tofu is one of the best foods for fatty liver. It is an essential source of protein to be included in your diet. Tofu is low in sugar and fat so this is an added advantage.

Nuts

A diet rich in nuts helps to reduce inflammation and lowers the risk of having fatty liver disease. In the list of foods for fatty liver, nuts are a must include as they have numerous benefits. It is often referred to as good fat because of its benefits to the body. It is also beneficial to reverse fatty liver disease.

Besides, these four mentioned foods; there are a lot of other foods that are good for fatty liver. But, there are certain foods to avoid for fatty liver such as alcohol, sugar, refined carbs, saturated fats, fried and oily food etc. One should ask their healthcare provider for a specific diet for controlling their fatty liver disease.

Foods to Avoid In Fatty Liver

When it comes to fatty liver, there are certain foods that you should avoid in order to keep your liver healthy. These include:

Sugary drinks: Soda, energy drinks, and even some fruit juices can contain high amounts of sugar which can contribute to fatty liver.
Processed foods: Foods that are high in unhealthy fats, chemicals, and preservatives can make the liver work harder and can contribute to fat buildup.
Alcohol: Drinking alcohol is one of the most common causes of fatty liver. If you drink alcohol, Limit yourself to no more than 1-2 drinks per day.
High protein foods: While protein is important for a healthy diet, too much protein can be hard on the liver. Choose lean proteins such as fish or chicken instead of red meat.

Lifestyle changes for Fatty Liver

If you have fatty liver, the first step is to cut back on sugar and alcohol. Sugar is turned into fat in your liver, so reducing your intake can help reduce liver fat. Alcohol is also metabolized in the liver, so excessive drinking can lead to an accumulation of fat in the liver.

In addition to cutting back on sugar and alcohol, you should also try to lose weight if you are overweight or obese. Fatty liver is often associated with obesity, so losing weight can help reduce the amount of fat in your liver. Try to eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly.

If you have diabetes, it is important to control your blood sugar levels. Diabetes can contribute to fatty liver disease, so keeping your blood sugar under control can help reduce the amount of fat in your liver.

If you have any other medical conditions that could be contributing to fatty liver disease, such as hepatitis C or steatohepatitis, it is important to treat those conditions as well. Treating the underlying condition can help reduce the amount of fat in your liver.

Additional ways to Treat Fatty Liver Disease

There are a few other things you can do to help treat fatty liver disease, in addition to lifestyle changes.

To help you manage your condition, your doctor can suggest taking medication. Surgery might be required in some circumstances to remove a portion of the liver.

You may also need to take measures to protect your liver from further damage. This can include avoiding alcohol and certain medications, as well as getting vaccinated against hepatitis A and B.

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