What to eat with mild fatty liver?

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor I Vo Thi Thuy Trang - Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Da Nang International General Hospital
Fatty liver disease affects nearly one-third of American adults and is one of the leading causes of liver failure. The good news is that we can completely improve the fatty liver condition through changing our eating habits and daily activities. So what should a mild fatty liver eat?

1. What is fatty liver?

Fatty liver is the term used to describe the excessive accumulation of fat in the liver, accounting for more than 5% of the liver's weight. There are two main types of fatty liver disease - alcoholic fatty liver disease and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is often diagnosed in people who are obese and sedentary.
Depending on the content of fat in the liver, fatty liver is divided into three types:
Mild fatty liver: Fat accounts for 5-10% of the weight of the liver; Moderate fatty liver: Fat accounts for 10-25% of liver weight; Severe fatty liver: Fat accounts for >= 30% of liver weight.

Gan nhiễm mỡ không do rượu thường xảy ra ở người bị béo phì
Gan nhiễm mỡ không do rượu thường xảy ra ở người bị béo phì

2. Causes of fatty liver


The most common cause of fatty liver is alcohol. Besides, there are still patients with fatty liver that do not belong to the group of heavy drinkers:
Obesity ; High cholesterol ; Diabetes ; Hereditary genes; Losing weight too quickly; Side effects of certain medications such as Aspirin, Steroids, Tamoxifen or Tetracycline.

3. Mild fatty liver should eat what?


One of the main ways to treat mild fatty liver disease is diet. As the name suggests, fatty liver means you have too much fat in your liver. In the body, the liver helps to remove toxins and produce bile, a digestive protein. Fatty liver disease damages the liver and prevents it from working as well as it should.
Diet for mild fatty liver disease includes: lots of fruits and vegetables, high fiber plants like legumes and whole grains, very low in sugar, salt, trans fats, refined carbohydrates and fats saturated, alcohol-free. A low-fat, reduced-calorie diet can help you lose weight and reduce your risk of fatty liver disease.

Thay đổi chế độ ăn uống là một trong những cách chính để điều trị gan nhiễm mỡ nhẹ
Thay đổi chế độ ăn uống là một trong những cách chính để điều trị gan nhiễm mỡ nhẹ

Here are a few foods to include in a healthy diet for your liver:
Coffee helps lower liver enzymes: Studies have shown that coffee drinkers with fatty liver disease have less liver damage than those who did not drink this caffeinated beverage. Caffeine seems to lower abnormal levels of liver enzymes in people at risk for liver disease. Green vegetables help prevent fat accumulation: Broccoli has been shown to help prevent fat accumulation in the liver in rats. Eating more green vegetables, like spinach, Brussels sprouts, and kale, can also help with overall weight loss. Tofu: A University of Illinois study on rats found that soy protein, found in foods like tofu, can reduce fat accumulation in the liver. Plus, tofu is low in fat and high in protein. Fish: Fatty fish like salmon, sardines, tuna, and trout are high in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids may help improve fat levels in the liver and reduce inflammation. Oatmeal: Carbohydrates from whole grains like oatmeal provide your body with energy. Their fiber content helps you feel full, which can help you maintain your weight. Walnuts: These nuts are high in omega-3 fatty acids. Research suggests that people with fatty liver disease who eat walnuts have improved liver function tests. Avocados are high in healthy fats, and research shows they contain substances that may slow liver damage. They are also rich in fiber that helps in weight control. Low-fat milk helps protect liver from damage Sunflower seeds: These seeds are high in vitamin E, an antioxidant that may protect the liver from further damage. Olive oil for weight management: This healthy oil contains high levels of omega 3 fatty acids, making it better for cooking than margarine and other fats.

Dầu oliu dùng để chế biến nấu ăn tốt hơn so với các loại dầu mỡ khác
Dầu oliu dùng để chế biến nấu ăn tốt hơn so với các loại dầu mỡ khác

Garlic: Not only does this herb add flavor to foods, but experimental studies also show that garlic supplements help reduce fat levels in people with fatty liver disease. Green Tea: Much literature suggests that green tea may help interfere with fat absorption, but results are inconclusive. Researchers are studying whether green tea can reduce fat storage in the liver and improve liver function. But green tea also has many benefits, from lowering cholesterol to aiding sleep.

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Reference source: healthline.com
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