In conclusion, high sodium intake seems to be related to increased NAFLD risk. Further well‐designed studies are needed to clarify this association and shed light on the underlying mechanisms.
Although clinical evidence suggests that high salt intake is associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, which is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, it remains elusive whether salt-induced hepatic damage leads to the development of cardiovascular diseases.
Among other functions, the sodium ions from the savory mineral help regulate water movement within the body and conduct nerve impulses. But most Americans eat too much salt. Some research indicates that in addition to high blood pressure, overconsumption of sodium can damage the liver.
It emphasizes eating fruits, veggies, whole grains, beans, nuts, legumes, olive oil, and flavorful herbs and spices; fish and seafood at least a couple of times a week; and poultry, eggs, cheese and yogurt in moderation, while saving sweets and red meat for special occasions.
Limit your sodium intake to no more than 2,000 mg (milligrams) per day.
Too much sodium in food can cause liver dysfunction resulting in water retention, swelling, and inflammation. This is why those with liver disease are often advised to have a low sodium diet.
Fresh, plain, frozen or well-drained canned vegetables. Fruit. Fresh, cooked and plain potatoes, pasta and rice. Reduced-sodium processed foods, such as reduced-sodium soup, tuna and tomato sauce.
The most effective treatment for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is weight loss, which has been shown to decrease the amount of fat in the liver and the inflammation caused by the fat.
A strict 900kcals diet that is low in dietary carbohydrate and fat will encourage your body to use up glycogen (carbohydrate that is stored in the liver) and fat stores, thus helping to shrink the size of the liver. A very low calorie diet (VLCD) is designed to completely replace usual food intake.
Although there aren't any medications to treat NAFLD, a good diet and regular exercise can reverse it. Losing 10% of your current weight can dramatically decrease the amount of fat in the liver as well as reduce inflammation.
French fries, wafers, burgers, and pizzas do no good to your liver. These food items are high in saturated fat or trans-fat content and are difficult to digest. In other words, your liver needs to work hard to process these food items.
Many don't know that eggs are a food that's good for fatty liver. This is because eggs are rich in choline, which plays a role in transporting and lowering LDL or “bad” cholesterol.
Limit animal-based proteins: Dairy, cheese, butter, eggs, beef and pork all contain high amounts of saturated fat, which has been linked to high cholesterol, heart disease and fatty liver disease. Red meat, particularly cooked at high temperatures (such as when grilled), is associated with a fatty liver.
The study found that eating at least 20% of total daily calories from fast food can increase the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, a potentially life-threatening condition where fat builds up in the liver. The disease can lead to cirrhosis and its complications, including liver failure and liver cancer.
Due to its high content of antioxidants and vitamins, peanut butter can improve antioxidant activity in the liver and promote its health. Peanut butter is a balanced source of protein that serves especially important to liver patients, as they have many dietary restrictions.
If you have fatty liver disease, the damage may be reversed if you abstain from alcohol for a period of time (this could be months or years). After this point, it's usually safe to start drinking again if you stick to the NHS guidelines on alcohol units. However, it's important to check with your doctor first.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Incredible detoxification actions of ACV work to flush out the harmful toxins from the liver that hinders its normal functions. Studies discloses that regular intake of ACV promotes weight loss, diminishes cholesterol levels, lessen inflammation, and uplift the overall health of the liver.
Lemon Water
Many citrus fruits, including lemon, can be added to water to help stimulate and flush out the liver. To help improve liver function, enjoy 4-6 tablespoons of lemon juice mixed with water each day.
Regular consumption of yogurt is beneficial for your liver for the following reasons: It helps reduce weight, body mass index, and serum levels of fasting insulin. These are some of the main risk factors of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). It reduces cholesterol and sugar levels in your body.
Therefore, based on the results of this study, consumption of appropriate amounts of milk, especially low-fat types (at least one unit of milk more than 5–6 times a week) can play a positive role in preventing NAFLD.
Saturated fats: Processed and packaged foods are likely to contain high amounts of saturated fats that can worsen fatty liver. Red meats are also high in saturated fats and should be avoided by people with fatty liver. Lean meats like chicken, fish, tofu, etc should be the preferred options for them.