containers
Fatty liver disease is a condition usually associated with alcoholism. But what’s getting attention now is nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). As the name suggests, NAFLD is when fat accumulates in the liver for reasons other than alcohol abuse. And it’s a growing condition: an estimated one-third of American adults have it. (For perspective, that’s nearly triple the number of those with type 2 diabetes.) Most people show no symptoms at all, which is why it’s called a “silent” disease. And, as many as 1 in 5 cases progress to a more aggressive form of liver inflammation, called nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer. Don’t Miss: Veggie-Packed Soups What Causes Fatty Liver Disease and What Are the Risk Factors? Experts aren’t sure of the cause, but hold off on hitting the panic button-most people with NAFLD don’t develop further complications. And there are clear risk factors for NAFLD: ObesityHigh cholesterolHigh triglyceridesHigh blood pressureExcess belly fat The go-to screening is to check liver enzymes with a blood test. If they’re abnormal, noninvasive ultrasound or MRI scans can reveal if there is further damage. Lose Weight for Fatty Liver Disease Diet and exercise are proving to be effective solutions. Losing 5 to 10 percent of your total body weight can reduce liver inflammation and fat buildup in the organ. But keep the shedding gradual-a pound or two a week. Dropping too much weight too fast may worsen the disease. Don’t Miss: Weight-Loss Meal Plans What to Eat for Fatty Liver chicken Recipes: Healthy Mediterranean Diet Recipes As far as what to eat, think along the lines of the Mediterranean diet: diets higher in olive oil and omega-3s, lower in saturated fats, and including plenty of fruits and vegetables. When in doubt, steer away from the hallmarks of a Western diet-processed meats, full-fat dairy and refined carbs. Eat More: containers * Whole grains Blueberry Almond Chia Pudding * Fruits vegetables * Vegetables Toaster-Oven Tostadas * Beans and legumes Lemon-Herb Salmon with Caponata & Farro * Fish * Fiber * Healthy fats like olive oil and nuts Eat Less: Processed meatsRefined carbohydrates like white breadCakes and baked goodsSoft drinksAdded sugarsSaturated fats The Truth About NAFLD Claims fruit bowl Eat Up: Healthy Sweet Treats with No Added Sugar Of course, when poking around on the internet turns up so-called health claims with no science to back them up, things sound scary. One popular claim is that high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is public enemy No. 1 when it comes to the liver. No, HFCS alone isn’t likely to be a major cause of NAFLD, but research does support cutting back on sodas and added sugars for liver health. Some other touted recommendations-turmeric, milk thistle, coffee, garlic, green tea, ginger, dark chocolate-may reduce inflammation, but the evidence is weak that any of them improve NAFLD. Bottom Line Experts are concerned about the rise of NAFLD because most cases go undiagnosed, and if NAFLD progresses, the complications can be serious. If you’re at risk, talk to your doctor so you can take steps to protect your liver if necessary. Foods to Lose Belly FatThe Truth About Sugar10 Ways to Reduce Inflammation Watch: What a No-Added-Sugar Day Looks Like
containers
containers
containers
Fatty liver disease is a condition usually associated with alcoholism. But what’s getting attention now is nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). As the name suggests, NAFLD is when fat accumulates in the liver for reasons other than alcohol abuse.
And it’s a growing condition: an estimated one-third of American adults have it. (For perspective, that’s nearly triple the number of those with type 2 diabetes.) Most people show no symptoms at all, which is why it’s called a “silent” disease. And, as many as 1 in 5 cases progress to a more aggressive form of liver inflammation, called nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Don’t Miss: Veggie-Packed Soups
What Causes Fatty Liver Disease and What Are the Risk Factors?
Experts aren’t sure of the cause, but hold off on hitting the panic button-most people with NAFLD don’t develop further complications.
And there are clear risk factors for NAFLD:
ObesityHigh cholesterolHigh triglyceridesHigh blood pressureExcess belly fat
The go-to screening is to check liver enzymes with a blood test. If they’re abnormal, noninvasive ultrasound or MRI scans can reveal if there is further damage.
Lose Weight for Fatty Liver Disease
Diet and exercise are proving to be effective solutions. Losing 5 to 10 percent of your total body weight can reduce liver inflammation and fat buildup in the organ. But keep the shedding gradual-a pound or two a week. Dropping too much weight too fast may worsen the disease.
Don’t Miss: Weight-Loss Meal Plans
What to Eat for Fatty Liver
chicken
Recipes: Healthy Mediterranean Diet Recipes
As far as what to eat, think along the lines of the Mediterranean diet: diets higher in olive oil and omega-3s, lower in saturated fats, and including plenty of fruits and vegetables. When in doubt, steer away from the hallmarks of a Western diet-processed meats, full-fat dairy and refined carbs.
Eat More:
Whole grains
Blueberry Almond Chia Pudding
Fruits
vegetables
Vegetables
Toaster-Oven Tostadas
Beans and legumes
Lemon-Herb Salmon with Caponata & Farro
Fish
Fiber
Healthy fats like olive oil and nuts
Eat Less:
Processed meatsRefined carbohydrates like white breadCakes and baked goodsSoft drinksAdded sugarsSaturated fats
The Truth About NAFLD Claims
fruit bowl
Eat Up: Healthy Sweet Treats with No Added Sugar
Of course, when poking around on the internet turns up so-called health claims with no science to back them up, things sound scary. One popular claim is that high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is public enemy No. 1 when it comes to the liver. No, HFCS alone isn’t likely to be a major cause of NAFLD, but research does support cutting back on sodas and added sugars for liver health. Some other touted recommendations-turmeric, milk thistle, coffee, garlic, green tea, ginger, dark chocolate-may reduce inflammation, but the evidence is weak that any of them improve NAFLD.
Bottom Line
Experts are concerned about the rise of NAFLD because most cases go undiagnosed, and if NAFLD progresses, the complications can be serious. If you’re at risk, talk to your doctor so you can take steps to protect your liver if necessary.
Foods to Lose Belly FatThe Truth About Sugar10 Ways to Reduce Inflammation
Watch: What a No-Added-Sugar Day Looks Like
chicken
chicken
Blueberry Almond Chia Pudding
Blueberry Almond Chia Pudding
vegetables
vegetables
Toaster-Oven Tostadas
Toaster-Oven Tostadas
Lemon-Herb Salmon with Caponata & Farro
Lemon-Herb Salmon with Caponata & Farro
fruit bowl
fruit bowl
