If you are reading this article to know how you can remove fatty liver, it means you are having this condition. Removing fatty liver is not easy and takes time. It requires lifestyle and diet changes, along with medications. Let’s understand first what it is and why it happens.
What is Fatty Liver?
This is a condition where too much fat builds up in the liver cells. Usually, a healthy liver has little or no fat. So, when fat makes up more than 5-10% of the liver’s weight, it’s called fatty liver disease or it is said you have fatty liver.
Understand Fatty Liver with Some Examples:
Imagine your liver is like a sponge. A healthy sponge (liver) absorbs water (nutrients) well and is easy to squeeze.
Now, imagine the sponge is soaked with oil which is fat. It becomes heavy, doesn’t absorb water properly, and is harder to squeeze. This is similar to what happens when fat builds up in your liver.
Or think of your liver as a storage room that is overloaded. Picture your liver as a storage room. When you consume too much fatty food or sugar, it’s like overstuffing the room with boxes (fat). Eventually, there’s no space left to store anything else properly, making it hard for the liver to function normally.
So, can fatty liver disease be cured?
Yes, the condition can be managed to a certain extent and in many cases, the individal can completely cure fatty liver. But it needs medical intervention compulsorily. Always get in touch with a medical expert if you are thinking about removing fatty liver.
Let’s see some things that you can do.
A healthy diet is crucial for managing and reversing fatty liver. Here’s a simple guide on what foods to avoid, what to eat, and some sample meal plans to help you get started.
Foods to Avoid for Fatty Liver
Sugary Foods and Drinks:
Example: Avoid soda, candies, and desserts like cakes and cookies.
Why: These foods have high sugar content, which can turn into fat in your liver.
Fried Foods:
Example: Say no to fried chicken, French fries, and potato chips.
Why: These foods are high in unhealthy fats that contribute to liver fat accumulation.
Refined Carbs:
Example: Cut down on white bread, white rice, and pastries.
Why: These carbs can spike your blood sugar and increase fat storage in your liver.
Example: Limit or avoid beer, wine, and liquor.
Why: Alcohol is a major cause of fatty liver, especially in alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD).
Can Lifestyle changes help in reversing fatty liver?
Lifestyle changes can play a significant role in managing and potentially reversing fatty liver disease.
Here are some key lifestyle changes that can help:
Healthy Diet: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can aid in weight loss and reduce fat accumulation in the liver. Avoiding high-fat, high-sugar, and processed foods is a must if you wish to stay healthy.
You have to manage your weight: If you’re overweight or obese, losing weight gradually through a combination of diet and exercise can reduce fat buildup in the liver.
You have to stay fit & exercise: Regular physical activity, such as aerobic exercise (e.g., walking, swimming, cycling), helps improve insulin sensitivity, promotes weight loss, and reduces liver fat.
Read: Can you lose weight by eating less and no exercises?
Alcohol Consumption should be limited: Excessive alcohol intake can worsen fatty liver disease. If you have fatty liver, it’s crucial to limit or eliminate alcohol consumption altogether.
You Have to Avoid Certain Medications: Some medications can exacerbate fatty liver disease. Consult your healthcare provider about the medications you’re taking and whether any adjustments are necessary.
Need to Manage Certain Medical Conditions: Conditions like diabetes, high cholesterol, and hypertension can contribute to fatty liver disease. Proper management of these conditions through medication, diet, and lifestyle changes can help improve liver health.
Keep Drinking Water Throughout the Day: Drinking plenty of water can help flush toxins from the liver and improve overall liver function.
Read: How to get rid of constipation immediately
Avoid Rapid Weight Loss Diets: Rapid weight loss can lead to a release of fatty acids from fat tissues, which can worsen fatty liver disease. It’s essential to focus on gradual, sustainable weight loss.
If You Smoke, You Have to Quit: Smoking is associated with a higher risk of fatty liver disease progression. Quitting smoking can improve liver health and overall well-being.
Regular Visits to Healthcare Must: Regular visits to your healthcare provider can help monitor your liver health and make adjustments to your treatment plan as needed.
Get in touch with your doctor if you have fatty liver problem and make certain changes in your lifestyle.