Background: White rice and its unrefined form, brown rice, contain numerous compounds that are beneficial to human health. However, the starch content of rice can contribute to obesity, a main risk factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Brown rice is rich in anthocyanins and tocopherols and thus has plenty of antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. It also contains a high amount of insoluble fiber and B-complex vitamins. In a mice study***, dewaxed brown rice was even reported to have improved fatty liver in obese and diabetic mice.
Cooked rice may prevent HF-induced fat accumulation by regulating lipid metabolism-related gene expression, and it may be a useful carbohydrate source for preventing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
Foods high in fiber, like this breakfast favorite, can help protect your liver from inflammation. They also may help keep your blood sugar and electrolytes in line. Other good sources of high-fiber whole grains include: Brown rice.
For example, a test-tube study found that the antioxidants present in potatoes may suppress the growth of liver and colon cancer cells ( 6 ). Studies have also found that colored potatoes like purple potatoes can have three to four times more antioxidants than white potatoes.
Examples of high-glycemic carbohydrates include white bread, many commercial breakfast cereals, and white rice. Complex carbohydrates that may protect against fatty liver disease include whole-grain breads and brown rice.
Restrict refined grains
These foods spike glucose and insulin levels and may contribute to a fatty liver. Choose fibre-rich whole grains such as brown rice, quinoa, whole wheat pasta, 100-per-cent whole grain breads and oatmeal, foods that raise blood glucose gradually, not quickly.
Choose lower-fat cheese such as cottage cheese, mozzarella or feta rather than cream cheese or cheddar as this will help reduce your saturated fat intake.
Animal studies have suggested that mushroom intake can alleviate non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Vegetables: Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower contain glucosinolate, which helps the liver to produce detoxifying enzymes. They also contain sulfur compounds that aid with liver health. Leafy vegetables are high in chlorophyll, which leaches toxins out of the blood stream.
Processed cheese is bad for your liver as it comes under the category of processed foods and has high sodium content and saturated fats. Excess consumption can lead to fatty liver diseases, plus obesity.
If you love broccoli, you're in luck. This cruciferous vegetable — along with cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and mustard greens — are good for your liver. They are a source of fiber, which supports liver health. Plus, they contain antioxidants and phytochemicals that may help prevent liver cancer.
Limited research suggests that consumption of sweet potatoes may have beneficial effects on some biomarkers of metabolic health. Because nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is considered the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome, the consumption of sweet potatoes may be associated with a lower risk of NAFLD.
Pastas, white bread, burger buns etc are all made with processed grains and must be avoided if you have fatty liver.
Chicken is a good source of lean protein and can be a healthy addition to your diet if you have fatty liver. Chicken, particularly without the skin, is an excellent way to get the protein you need without worrying about saturated fats, which can be hard on the liver.
A 2015 study of 73 adults with NAFLD found that those who consumed fewer refined grains had a lower risk of metabolic syndrome, a group of risk factors that increase the likelihood of various health issues. People can replace refined grains with potatoes, legumes, or whole wheat and whole grain alternatives.
Fill your fruit basket with apples, grapes and citrus fruits like oranges and lemons, which are proven to be liver-friendly fruits. Consume grapes as it is, in the form of a grape juice or supplement your diet with grape seed extracts to increase antioxidant levels in your body and protect your liver from toxins.
Milk, yogurt and cheese can help metabolic syndrome almost immediately, a study found. Dairy intake will help lower systemic inflammation and liver enzymes in those who have metabolic syndrome and typically do not consume dairy, according to a recent study.
Fatty liver disease rarely causes any symptoms, but it's an important warning sign that you're drinking at a harmful level. Fatty liver disease is reversible. If you stop drinking alcohol for some time (months or years), your liver should return to normal.