Fatty liver is defined as having extra fat in the liver. Over a certain period of time too much consumption of alcohol can lead to the accumulation of fat in the liver cells. This makes it difficult for liver to function.
NAFLD is non alcoholic fatty liver disease. It is defined as there is accumulation of fat in the liver but does not have any inflammation in liver or damage to liver cells .mostly people having this condition have simple fatty liver
With some common signs and symptoms, we can come to know about the fatty liver disease. Some of them are: –
1. Red palms
2. Weakness
3. Yellow eyes
4. Abdominal pain
5. Enlarged blood vessels
6. Larger breast in men
7. Frequent weight loss
With the help of certain lifestyle management and eating patterns, definitely the condition of this co-morbidity can be decreased. As we say health and nutrition plays a key role in the betterment of any clinical condition, the fatty liver disease can also be recovered with proper lifestyle management and proper nutrition. Some of the nutritional guidelines that can be followed are:-
Hydration is important as it helps to function the liver properly
Increase the fiber intake from green leafy vegetables and fruits as it helps the liver to work at better level
Eat complex carbohydrates like whole grains- barley, quinoa, oats, ragi etc over refined carbohydrates
Choose the right fats coming from omega 3 fatty acids like walnuts, flax seeds, and monounsaturated fats like olives, nuts and avocados.
Eat optimal amount of protein from milk and milk products, paneer, tofu, chicken, fish, eggs etc
Low level of vitamin D is associated with fatty liver disease. So make sure to get enough vitamin D from the sun and from dairy products. Opt for low fat dairy as it contains less saturated fat.
Go for potassium rich foods as low level of potassium can also worsen the condition. Choose food sources like broccoli, peas, sweet potato and fruits like kiwi, banana, apricots and milk and milk products.
Vitamin E works as an antioxidant as it protects the fatty liver from the damage. Consume Vitamin E rich food sources like green leafy vegetables like spinach, broccoli, seeds like sunflower seeds and nuts like walnuts, almonds, peanuts etc
Fatty liver is also associated with iron deficiency. This can lead to anemia and other conditions. So garden cress seeds, broccoli, spinach, eggs, pulses like chickpea, rajma etc, apricots, asparagus, oysters, mushrooms, etc should be consumed.
Vitamin B12 can be stored in the liver and it helps to regulate proper liver function. Choose food sources like meat, fish, eggs, milk and chicken breast as they are rich in Vitamin B12
Avoid alcohol consumption as it can worsen the condition.
In addition to following these nutritional guidelines, certain lifestyle changes can also overall improve the liver health.