How to Cure Fatty Liver Disease?
Introduction
The largest internal organ in the human body is the liver, which is situated in the upper-right section of the belly. The liver’s primary jobs include processing food nutrients and eliminating poisons. Before going anywhere else in the body, blood from the digestive system passes through the liver for filtering.
The accumulation of extra fat in the liver cells is known as fatty liver disease (steatosis), and it is a prevalent liver ailment in Western nations. About 10% of persons are impacted. Although some fat in the liver is acceptable, if the fat makes up more than 10% of the liver’s weight, you have a fatty liver and run the risk of developing more serious issues.
Although a fatty liver may not be harmful, too much fat can occasionally induce liver inflammation. Steatohepatitis is a disorder that does harm the liver. Alcohol misuse is occasionally associated with inflammation caused by a fatty liver. Alcoholic steatohepatitis is the term for this condition. Otherwise, the illness is known as NASH or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.
Over time, an irritated liver may harden and become scarred. Cirrhosis is a dangerous illness that frequently results in liver failure. Among the top three causes of cirrhosis is NASH.
Fatty liver disease: what is it?
An excess of fat in the liver is known as fatty liver. It is prevalent, especially in overweight and diabetic individuals. It may not show any symptoms, yet it might create serious health issues. The key to preventing and improving the illness is altering your lifestyle.
The primary organ in the body for breaking down food and waste is the liver.
There is extremely little or no fat in a healthy liver. When you consume excessive amounts of food or alcohol, your body converts part of the additional calories into fat. After that, the fat is stored in the liver cells.
A fatty liver occurs when the weight of the liver is greater than 5–10% fat.
As people consume more added carbohydrates and fats, fatty liver is becoming increasingly prevalent. In Australia, nearly one in three people suffer from fatty liver disease.
What signs of fatty liver disease are present?

Usually, fatty liver disease has no symptoms. Symptomatic individuals may:
- Feel worn out or ill in general.
- Lose weight and have pain in the upper right portion of their abdomen.
The following are indicators that you might have more severe fatty liver disease:
Jaundice, or yellow eyes and skin, and bruises
- black urine and stomach swelling
- spitting up blood, having black stools, and having itchy skin
Fatty liver disease is caused by what?
Usually, several variables combined over time cause fatty liver.
Fatty liver is most often caused by:
- Obesity or excess weight, particularly in the abdominal region
- Insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes mellitus
- having elevated triglycerides or blood cholesterol
- excessive alcohol consumption
Less frequent causes include:
An underactive thyroid, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and specific medications Some people may also develop fatty liver as a result of late-stage pregnancy issues.
Two primary forms are:
- Fatty liver disease linked to metabolism
- Fatty liver disease associated with alcohol use
- The causes of these are varied.
Fatty liver disease related to metabolism
The most prevalent kind of fatty liver disease is metabolically related fatty liver disease. Other names for this include:
- A fatty liver condition that is not alcoholic
- Non-alcoholic steatosis of the liver
- Fatty liver disease of this kind is brought on by:
Being obese or overweight
Insufficient physical activity Alcohol-related fatty liver disease
Long-term excessive alcohol use is the cause of alcohol-related fatty liver disease.
Alcohol-related fatty liver disease is a possibility if you:
Consume over ten standard drinks every week or over four standard drinks in a single day.
How is the diagnosis of fatty liver disease made?
After speaking with you and doing an examination, your doctor will determine that you have a fatty liver.
You can be requested to undergo a liver function test, which is a blood test. This will assess your liver’s condition. Additionally, you can be requested to get a scan like:
- An MRI scan with an ultrasound
You might require more testing to examine your health further if the results indicate that you have a fatty liver.
Your doctor can recommend that you consult a gastroenterologist (specialist physician) based on the test results. In extreme situations, a physician could arrange for a liver biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. This will also assist them in determining the severity of the illness.
How fat accumulates in the liver
How a liver gets fatty is unknown. Your liver may absorb more fat from your intestines, or the fat may originate from other areas of your body. The loss of the liver’s capacity to convert fat into an excretable state is another explanation. But eating fatty foods doesn’t cause a fatty liver on its own.
What is the treatment for fatty liver disease?
Fatty liver disease cannot be treated with medication.
Managing entails altering your way of life. This has the potential to reverse the condition or possibly improve it.
If you have fatty liver disease linked to metabolism, you will likely be told to:
- Eat a balanced diet and stay away from sugar.
- Reduce weight by exercising frequently.
- Manage your blood sugar levels.
- If you have high cholesterol, take care of it.
- Steer clear of medications that can harm your liver.
- Give up smoking and consume very little or no alcohol.
The most crucial thing to do if alcohol is the cause of your fatty liver is to stop drinking. By doing this, you can avoid getting a more serious illness.
For more information, your doctor could recommend that you see a nutritionist, drug and alcohol counselor, or specialist.
Is it possible to avoid fatty liver disease?
The same lifestyle recommendations made for those who already have metabolic-related fatty liver disease can be used to avoid it. These include:
- consuming a diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and good fats
- keeping a healthy weight
- consuming extremely little or no alcohol
- spending the most of the week engaged in physical activity
- If you haven’t been exercising consistently, consult your physician first.
The consequences of fatty liver disease
For many people, having a fatty liver doesn’t initially create many issues.
Over time, it may gradually get worse. Liver fibrosis, or scarring, is the outcome of inflammation caused by excess liver fat. More severe chronic liver diseases like cirrhosis or liver cancer may also result from it.
Some people who develop severe liver cirrhosis require a liver transplant.
Heart attacks and strokes are more likely to occur in those with fatty livers.
Fatty liver disease and metabolic syndrome
Numerous scientists now think that the development of fatty liver is significantly influenced by metabolic syndrome, a group of conditions that raise the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
The following are indicators and symptoms of metabolic syndrome:
- Obesity, especially abdominal obesity around the waist
- One or more abnormal cholesterol levels, such as low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, the “good” cholesterol, or high levels of triglycerides, a type of blood fat, can indicate high blood pressure (hypertension) or resistance to insulin, a hormone that helps control blood sugar levels.
Among these, insulin resistance might be the most significant NASH trigger. Researchers have suggested that a “second hit” to the liver, such as a bacterial infection or hormonal aberration, may result in cirrhosis because the condition might remain stable for many years with no consequence.
- Fatty liver disease prevention and reversal
- Although fatty liver cannot be treated medically or surgically, some methods can help stop or perhaps reverse some of the damage.
If you have fatty liver in general, and NASH in particular, you should:
- Safely reduce weight. This typically entails avoiding alcohol, lowering your triglycerides with medication, diet, or both, and losing no more than half to one kilogram (one to two pounds) per week.
- If you have diabetes, manage it by eating a healthy, balanced diet.
- Get more exercise.
Routine examinations by a physician with expertise in liver care.
Fatty liver disease treatment
Research on fatty liver is currently quite active. Researchers are looking into whether many drugs, including novel diabetes drugs that might benefit people without diabetes, can lessen liver inflammation. These consist of betaine, rosiglitazone, pioglitazone, and metformin.
Orlistat (Xenical), a prescription that prevents some fat from being absorbed from food, is another treatment under investigation. According to preliminary findings, orlistat may lower liver fat levels.
What to eat if your liver is fatty
Drinks and foods that promote liver healing
An excellent place to start is by eating natural, unprocessed foods that are high in protein, fiber, and complex carbs. These can provide long-lasting energy and a sense of fullness.
Some people decide to stick to particular food regimens, like the Mediterranean diet. Because it reduces processed foods, added sugar, and saturated fats, this diet is especially beneficial for those with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
A nutritionist can assist in developing a personalized food plan that is appropriate for a person’s preferences, symptoms, and current state of health, depending on the type of fatty liver disease they have.
For those suffering from fatty liver disease, the following foods may be particularly beneficial:
Garlic

A common ingredient in many diets, garlic may help those who suffer from fatty liver disease. Garlic supplements improve the metabolic profile of individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), according to a 2022 review .
Learn more about garlic’s therapeutic uses here.
Fatty acids with omega-3

According to a 2020 review of recent studies, individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) may benefit from eating omega-3 fatty acids in terms of their BMI, liver fat, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels.
Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids include the following:
- Walnuts, sardines, and salmon
Coffee with flaxseed

For many people, having coffee in the morning is a ritual. For those with fatty liver disease, it might offer advantages beyond a quick energy boost.
According to a 2020 meta-analysis, individuals with NAFLD who regularly drink coffee had a considerably lower chance of developing liver fibrosis.
When large amounts of scar tissue accumulate in the liver as a result of chronic or recurrent inflammation or damage, liver fibrosis develops.
One more review coffee drinking may also have a positive impact on the degree of liver fibrosis in NAFLD patients, according to a 2021 study.
A person with fatty liver disease should think about including broccoli in their diet. Eating a range of whole vegetables is beneficial for those with fatty liver disease.
Broccoli helped the liver in mice with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) break down fats more quickly, which decreased their accumulation, according to a 2022 animal study published in The Journal of Functional Foods.
There is still a need for more human subjects research. Nonetheless, preliminary findings regarding the impact of broccoli consumption on the onset of fatty liver disease appear encouraging.
Green tea

The use of tea for therapeutic purposes dates back thousands of years.
Catechin is one of the several antioxidants found in green tea. These antioxidants may help alleviate the symptoms of fatty liver disease, according to research.
Walnuts

Walnuts are particularly rich in omega-3 fatty acids and may help those with fatty liver disease, but all tree nuts are a fantastic complement to any diet.
A 2023 review published in the journal Nutrients revealed a strong correlation between nut intake and a lower incidence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), but more study is required.
Whey or soy protein

According to a 2019 review published in the journal Nutrients, soy and whey protein decreased hepatic fat accumulation.
According to one study in the review, obese women who consumed 60 grams (g) of whey protein daily for four weeks saw a 20% reduction in liver fat.
Antioxidants called isoflavones, which are found in soy protein, help lower body fat and increase insulin sensitivity.
Avoiding certain foods and beverages
One strategy for managing fatty liver disease is to increase the intake of nutritious foods. But limiting or avoiding some other foods is also vital for those who have this illness.
Manufacturers frequently add sugar to candy, ice cream, and sweetened beverages like soda and fruit drinks; added sugars are also found in packaged foods, baked goods, and even store-bought coffee and tea. Steer clear of additional sweets like fructose and corn syrup to reduce liver fat. According to the AGA’s Clinical Practice Update, people with fatty liver disease, in particular NAFLD, should avoid or limit added sugars as they may raise blood sugar levels and increase liver fat.
Alcohol
One of the main avoidable causes of death in the US is excessive alcohol usage. Alcohol has an impact on the liver and can lead to cirrhosis and fatty liver disease.
Alcohol should be cut out of a person’s diet or consumed in moderation if they have fatty liver disease.
Find out more about alcohol’s immediate and long-term consequences here.
Grain refinement
White rice, white pasta, and white bread are all processed and refined grains. These highly processed grains are stripped of their fiber, which can cause blood sugar levels to rise when the body breaks them down.
A 2022 review included a study of seventy-three NAFLD adults. According to the study’s findings, people who ate fewer refined grains were less likely to develop metabolic syndrome, a collection of risk factors that raise the possibility of several illnesses.
Whole wheat and whole grain substitutes, potatoes, and legumes can all be used in place of refined grains.
Fried, salty, or fatty meals
Consuming excessive amounts of fatty, fried, or salty food can raise caloric intake and contribute to obesity, which is a prevalent cause of fatty liver disease.
One of the best ways to flavor food without adding salt is to add additional herbs and spices. Foods can also typically be baked or steamed rather than fried.
Meat Consuming saturated fat raises the amount of fat surrounding organs, particularly the liver, according to a 2019 review paper.
Meats high in saturated fats include beef, pork, and deli meats. For someone with fatty liver disease, the American Gastroenterological Association advises avoiding these foods as much as possible.
Tofu, tempeh, fish, or lean meats are good alternatives. However, since it also contains omega-3 fatty acids, wild, oily fish might be the best option.
Changes in lifestyle
People with fatty liver disease can lessen and control their symptoms by changing their lifestyle.
Some examples of beneficial modifications are:
Changing the number of calories consumed
Losing weight is the most crucial tactic for those with NAFLD. The amount of fat in a person’s liver can be reduced by 5% in body weight.
The AGA states that to achieve benefits, a person with NAFLD often has to either eat 1,200–1,500 calories per day or cut back on their daily intake by 500–1000 calories. The mass of the individual will determine this.
According to research, individuals with ARLD should consume approximately 2,000 calories per day, which includes 1.2 to 1.5 g of protein per kilogram of body weight, as malnutrition is a worry for those with this condition.
Food absorption can be enhanced by eating smaller meals more frequently and with shorter breaks between them.
FAQs
How can fatty liver be reduced quickly?
Fatty liver disease prevention and reversal
safely reduces weight. … reduce your triglycerides by taking medicine, eating less, or both.
Steer clear of booze.
If you have diabetes, manage it.
Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet.
Get more exercise.
See a physician who specializes in liver care for routine examinations.
Which beverage is ideal for people with fatty livers?
Coffee has several liver-protective properties, according to a study. It specifically produces more liver enzymes, which are thought to combat inflammation. Regular coffee drinking lowers total liver damage in NAFLD patients, according to the same study.
Can fatty liver be eliminated with lemon?
Although there isn’t a cure-all for fatty liver, adding hot lemon water to your routine could be beneficial. Although studies are still being conducted, certain possible advantages imply that it may help maintain the health of your liver. It does not, however, take the place of medical care or lifestyle modifications that your physician has prescribed.
Can fatty liver benefit from curd?
Can fatty liver benefit from curd? Since low-fat yogurt or curd contains bacteria and protein that support digestive health, it’s a great addition to a fatty liver-friendly diet. Moderation is key to avoiding consuming too many calories and fat.
How can a fatty liver be reduced the quickest?
Eat in moderation and make an effort to maintain a healthy weight.
Try to reduce weight gradually if you are overweight.
Don’t eat too much fat. …
Increase your intake of whole grains, fruits, and veggies.
Steer clear of beverages and meals high in sugar, particularly fructose. …
Steer clear of excessive alcohol consumption. …
Give up smoking.
How can I get rid of liver fat?
Reduce your weight. By reducing your daily calorie intake and increasing your physical activity, you can gradually lose weight if you are overweight or obese. Decide on a nutritious diet.
Be more active and engage in exercise.
Control your blood pressure and cholesterol, protect your liver, and manage your diabetes.
Stage 1 fatty liver: what is it?
The hallmark of grade 1 fatty liver is the buildup of fat in the liver cells. With early intervention and lifestyle modifications, it is usually reversible. Alcohol usage, insulin resistance, poor diet, and obesity are among the factors.
Reference
- Healthdirect Australia. (2023, July 11). Fatty liver. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/fatty-liver#what-is
- Department of Health & Human Services. (n.d.). Liver – fatty liver disease. Better Health Channel. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/liver-fatty-liver-disease
- Johnson, J. (2023, September 7). What to eat for a fatty liver. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320082#fa-qs