Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is becoming increasingly more common, especially in western countries. An accumulation of fat in the liver is the culprit behind the disease. It’s normal for a healthy liver to contain some fat, however if the level exceeds 10%, the liver is considered fatty. Learn how to reverse fatty liver disease naturally.
There are two types of fatty liver disease – alcoholic and non-alcoholic. The obvious cause of alcoholic fatty liver is excessive alcohol consumption. Alcohol damages the liver, reduces function, and impairs the break down of fat. Virtually 90-100% of alcoholics have a fatty liver, which is possible to resolve if alcohol consumption ceases. If a person with fatty liver disease continues to drink, it can lead to cirrhosis, or scarring of the liver.
Table of Contents
Fatty Liver Disease Types
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), on the other hand, is not alcohol related, and is a chronic form of liver disease that affects millions of people in every age group. People over 40 are at higher risk as are those with heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. Fatty liver is commonly a manifestation of metabolic syndrome.
There are two types of NAFLD, hepatic steatosis and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Steatosis is characterized by fat deposition, whereas NASH is more severe, and is characterized by, not only an accumulation of fat, but inflammation, as well. The resulting liver cell damage that incurs may eventually progress to cirrhosis. This can lead to liver cancer and liver failure.
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What Causes A Fatty Liver?
Glucose and fructose are the two main sugars in our food supply. Each are metabolized differently. All cells in the body can utilize glucose for energy. Fructose, however, is a major player in fatty liver, because liver cells are responsible for metabolizing it. Too much fructose damages, not only the liver, but also the circulatory system.
High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is consumed today at a rate of five times what it used to be. It’s highly refined and is used prolifically in low-quality, processed foods. HFCS turns on lipogenesis, or fat production, in the liver. Adding insult to injury, HFCS also contains toxic chemicals and is genetically modified. Stay away from it. It has the potential to significantly damage your health. Remember this rule of thumb: fructose consumption should not exceed 15 grams per day, and should be eaten in the form of fruits and vegetables.
Soft drinks, consumed in massive amounts, are also full of HFCS. Processed foods, sedentary lifestyles, and environmental toxins, including GMOs, plastics, pollution, chemicals, and preservatives, all promote fatty liver. Is sugar just as bad as alcohol? Some studies are now showing it may be. Fat deposits in the liver imbalance blood-sugar, increase inflammation, and lead to insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, obesity, and eventually, diabetes. Tissues can become inflamed and metabolically active, releasing hormones into the blood, and causing insulin resistance within the liver itself.
Metabolic syndrome is characterized by a group of risk factors that include high-blood pressure, high-blood sugar, elevated cholesterol and triglycerides, and fat accumulation in the abdomen. To complicate matters, if the liver isn’t functioning properly, the blood becomes toxic. As this toxic blood travels throughout the body, it produces symptoms of toxic overload.
Other Causes Of Liver Disease
Obesity is a risk factor for fatty liver, which is more prevalent in those that are overweight or obese. Prescription medications are filtered through the liver placing an additional burden on this already overtasked organ. Acetaminophen, in over-the-counter painkillers like Tylenol, are particularly hard on the liver, especially when combined with alcohol. If you must take acetaminophen, always use within the recommended guidelines.
Hypothyroidism is another risk factor for fatty liver disease because thyroid hormones are critical for regulating body weight and lipids. Imbalances in thyroid hormone can alter the metabolism of glucose, which promotes insulin resistance. Hypopituitarism, a condition of sluggish pituitary function, increases disease risk. Interestingly, acute fatty liver can occur in the third trimester of pregnancy. Symptoms include vomiting, nausea, and jaundice.
[Read More: 5 Tips To Reduce Alcohol Induced Liver Damage]
Fatty Liver Disease Diagnoses
Seek a diagnoses if signs and symptoms become chronic. The liver is responsible for so many functions in the body that keeping it healthy should always be top priority. Because the symptoms of fatty liver are so varied, and because it can be implicated in other conditions, including obesity and diabetes, it’s often misdiagnosed. Find a doctor who will take your symptoms seriously, and not just hand you a prescription, which will likely exacerbate the problem.
A thorough medical history, along with a physical examination, are both important diagnostic tools. Elevated lipids and triglycerides, high-blood sugar, high-blood pressure, and a high BMI, are all potential markers for fatty liver disease. Elevated liver enzymes – AST and ALT – which can be accessed on a routine blood chemistry panel, are also cause for concern, especially if hepatitis is ruled out. Click the links below for direct-to-consumer online lab testing:
AST and ALT
Blood chemistry panel
Certain genetic markers can point to an increased risk for the disease. The snp (single-nucleotide polymorphism) associated with fatty liver is MTHFD1. Contact 23andMe for more information regarding genetic testing and analysis. Beneficial insights can be gleaned from the test, and all that’s needed is a simple saliva swab.
Symptoms Of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Symptoms are not always present, especially in the beginning stages of the disease. They include:
- Physical fatigue and weakness
- Mental fatigue and confusion
- Bloating and constipation
- Poor appetite and digestive disturbances
- Inflammation and joint pain
- Sleep apnea and insomnia
- Blurry vision and sensitivity to light
- Jaundiced eyes or skin
- Weight-loss resistance
How To Reverse Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver
A healthy lifestyle can prevent fatty liver. Strategies include:
1. Maintain a healthy weight by eating nutrient-dense, low-glycemic, and fiber-rich foods.
2. Track and keep your blood sugar within a healthy range. Aim for levels below 100 and ideally below 90.
3. Exercise consistently and find ways to manage your stress.
4. Reduce exposure to environmental toxins.
5. Detoxify your liver by using targeted supplements and detoxification strategies.
[Read More: Burn Fat By Activating These Hormones ]
Natural Remedies
The following herbs and supplements support liver health:
- Milk Thistle – is liver protective and contains the powerful antioxidant flavonoid, silymarin
- Dandelion Root – is rich in antioxidants, is anti-inflammatory, and promotes healthy blood sugar
- Chanca Piedra – cleanses, detoxifies, and protects the liver
- Schizandra – protects the liver and may prevent fatty liver disease
- Probiotics – prevents fat accumulation in the liver by supporting the health of the GI tract
- Antioxidants – decreases damage caused by free radicals and promotes detoxification
- Omega 3 fatty acids – polyunsaturated fats decrease fat in the liver and lower triglycerides
- Dessicated Liver Pills – stimulates the liver to detoxify and contains beneficial B vitamins
Key Points
Fatty liver is a common condition that can be reversed with targeted changes in lifestyle. If allowed to progress, it can lead to cirrhosis, liver cancer, and even liver failure. If you have any of the symptoms above, and suspect you may have a fatty liver, please begin implementing these strategies to regain your health, vitality, and stamina.
Do you or someone you love have fatty liver disease? Let me know in the comments:)
References:
(1) Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
(2) Fatty Liver (Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver) Symptoms, Causes, and Complication
(3) MedicineNet: What Is Metabolic Syndrome?
(4) Health USA: Hepatic Steatosis Definition Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
(5) Rense.com: The Harmful Effects Of Sugar On Mind And Body
(6) NCBI: Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acid in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Meta-Analysis
(7) US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health: Study of Insulin Resistance in Subclinical Hypothyroidism
(8) NCBI: Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver
(9) US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: An expanded review
(10) NCBI: Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis
(11) PubMed.gov – National Library of Medicine: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
(12) Fattyliverinfo.com: How I overcame my fatty liver disease in three steps
Disclaimer: This article is strictly for informational purposes only and is not intended to be medical advice.
Honestly I did not know that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease was becoming more common in countries especially in the west. Nice to know that this disease can be reversed, and it’s all about moderation when you think about it. You provided some great background information on hepatic steatosis and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.
Knowledge is key when it comes to this stuff. Your natural remedies are really fascinating. I’ve been meaning to try milk thistle so I’ll definitely save this post, thank you!
Yes, fatty liver disease is on the rise and is in direct proportion to poor eating habits, obesity, and lack of movement. It’s good news that it can be reversed.
Knowledge will always be key when it comes to health and aren’t we lucky that natural remedies are so readily available to use? Give milk thistle a try. Your liver will love it!
Very interesting article on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. My father liked to drink but didn’t drink very often. However, he was very overweight and didn’t exercise all at and also loved his junk and fatty food. He was never diagnosed with fatty liver, but I know for sure he had it.
Last year he was diagnosed with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (cancer of the bile duct). He was stage 1 at diagnosis when he first got jaundice and within two months it had already advanced to stage 4. He passed away 3 months after he was diagnosed.
People don’t realize how serious liver disease is and how important it is to take care of your liver. It’s a well-known fact that it is one organ that can repair itself, however, once serious damage is done, next to brain and pancreatic cancer, liver cancer is one of the fastest progressing with the lowest survival rate. Take care of your liver people! Cheers :)
Thank you Nicki. I’m sorry to hear about your dad. You’re right that people don’t realize how important it is to take care of your liver and how serious the repercussions are when you don’t. The liver can heal and repair when given tender loving care. That’s the good news!
Thanks so much for reading and commenting!
I find this review very interesting despite being the first time I’ve read about this type of topic. It is so surprising to know that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease can do so much damage even without alcohol consumption. Most of the food we eat can be toxic so what we put in our mouths needs to be monitored.
I stopped eating sugar and sugary soft drinks because of their negative impact on me, and that’s before I knew their impact on my liver. I need further clarification, can fructose and alcohol, which both contain carbohydrates, be stored as fat in the body, putting more pressure on the liver?
Thank you. Many people associate fatty liver disease with alcohol, but it can also be caused from insulin resistance, obesity and metabolic syndrome. Toxic food and too much of it compounds the problem.
Good for you for cutting out sugar and soft drinks. High fructose corn syrup is particularly bad for the liver and can contribute to a fatty liver as of course can alcohol.
Thanks so much for reading!