Fatty liver diet, what to eat and what foods to avoid

The liver is the second largest organ of the body. It plays an important rule in carbohydrate, fat,
and protein metabolism. The functions of the liver are most varied and extensive and any
change in the normal

function can affect the nutritional status of an individual. The liver is considered one of

the most important organs involved in the metabolism of each and every nutrients. Damage
caused to the liver can impair these and many vital processes in the body. Fatty liver is the
condition when excessive fat buildup in the liver. It is two types- alcoholic and nonalcoholic
fatty liver. Sometimes pregnancy also causes fatty liver disease. This liver disease damages the
liver, preventing it from removing toxins and producing bile for the digestive system. When the
liver cannot perform these tasks effectively, it puts a person at risk of developing other
problems throughout their body. Dietary changes and regular exercise are key ways to manage
the fatty liver disease.

In this article, we will discuss dietic management of fatty live disease including what foods to
eat and what foods to avoid.

A high carbohydrate, moderate protein, and low- fat diet is advised

to a patient with fatty liver along with vitamin and mineral supplementation.

The diet needs progression from liquid, soft to normal diet depending on the stage and
recovery

Judicious use of spices and condiments to

stimulate appetite is needed. High calorie and protein beverages are useful in between

meals. In case of complications of encephalopathy low protein diet needs to be given. Fat also
needs to be less and gradually increased as the subject improves. Nutrition

care should maintain or improve nutritional status. individualized diets must be

given depending on the degree of malnutrition and tolerance level of the patient.

Counselling the patient on diet and food choices is helpful.

Basically, diets of fatty liver disease include

Lots of fruits and vegetables

high-fibre plants like legumes and whole grains

Minimum salt intake

Consumption of sugar, refined carbohydrate, trans fat, and saturated fat should be minimum.

Alcohol should be avoided.

10 drink and foods

that should be eat in fatty liver

1. Coffee

Drinking coffee can slow the progression of liver disease. Caffeine seems to lower the number
of abnormal liver enzymes of people at risk for liver diseases. Those who drank 4 or more cups
per day felt the strongest effect.

2. Fish

Fish such as Mackerel, salmon, seabass, oysters, sardines, trout, etc are high in omega-3 fatty
acids.

Omega-3 fatty acids help in lowering the fat as well as reduced liver inflammation .

3. Leafy greens

Leafy greens like broccoli, spinach, kale, collards are loaded with antioxidants that protect the
liver by acting against free radical molecules.

Broccoli also prevents the accumulation of excessive fat in the liver.

4. Soy protein

It significantly reduced fat accumulation and triglycerides in the liver .

Soy protein contains antioxidants called isoflavones that help improve insulin sensitivity and
reduce the levels of fats in our body. Best soy protein food for liver- Tofu.

5. Green tea
Helps in reduced fat absorption in the liver. Green tea is an excellent detoxification drink.
Helpful for controlling obesity problem and thus improved fatty liver condition.

6. Oatmeal

They're a gluten-free whole grain and a great source of important vitamins, minerals, fibre,
carbohydrate and antioxidants. Oatmeal provides essential body energy and also can help you
to maintain your weight.

7.Low-fat dairy product

Low-fat dairy products including milk contain whey protein which may protect the liver from
further damage.

8. Garlic

In addition to adds, flavour to foods studies also shows that garlic powder may help reduce
body weight and fat in people with fatty liver disease.
9. Walnuts

Walnuts are high in omega-3 fatty acids which prevent the accumulation of fats in the liver and
improve liver function test.

10.Sunflower seeds

High in antioxidant and Vit-E that may protect the liver from further damage.

5 foods to avoid for fatty liver

1. Sugar

Added sugar can increase fat in the liver. So stay away from sugary foods such as candy,
cookies, sodas, and fruit juices.

2. Alcohol
One of the major culprit of fatty liver and all other liver diseases. Alcohol should be excluded
from your diet menu if you are suffering from any kind of liver diseases.

3.Red meat

Red meat like beef, pork contain saturated fatty acid and are harmful to liver diseases.

4. Salt

Too much fried or salty food is likely to increase calorie intake and the risk of weight gain.
Obesity is a common cause of fatty liver disease.

5.Refined grains

White bread, rice, and pasta. White usually means the flour is highly processed, which can raise
your blood sugar more than whole grains due to a lack of fibre.

Additional suggestion
Physical activity-

Along with dietary modification physical activity is important for fighting against fatty liver
diseases. It decreases body fats, increases HDL cholesterol.

You are already aware that exercise plays an important role in initiating and sustaining

weight loss along with dietary and lifestyle modifications. Exercise promotes a sense

of well being and increases bone density, as well as, cardiovascular strength. It helps

in increasing the lean body mass in proportion to fat. Exercise burns glycogen stores

paving the way for fat to be used as fuel.

It is recommended that 30 minutes or more of moderate-intensity

physical activity, even if accumulated in intermittent short spells al least five days a

week (preferably every day) should form a daily routine of all adults.

A single 30-minute stretch may have the first 5 minutes for warming up, 20 minutes of
moderate-

intensity exercise and 5 minutes of cooling down to prevent muscle injury. In any

exercise programme, intensity should be increased only gradually with professional

advice, especially for those who are above40 years of age or have any health problems.