Who gets fatty liver? Simply put, fatty liver disease means the accumulation of fat cells in the liver. The liver is the largest organ in the human body and its main function is to digest food, store energy, regulate blood sugar and cholesterol levels, filter toxins from the body, and fight disease and infection. It is normal to have some fat in the liver, but when there is more than 5 to 10% fat, it can be considered a fatty liver disease. Fatty liver is the result of excessive consumption of fatty foods. Increased fat in the liver causes more damage, resulting in inflammation and ulcers.
Who gets fatty liver?
There are two types of fatty liver disease: alcoholic and non-alcoholic.
The main cause of alcoholic fatty liver is excessive alcohol consumption. Several of your liver cells die each time they excrete alcohol. The liver is a rigid organ that is able to regenerate. But long-term alcohol abuse reduces the ability of the liver to regenerate and causes serious and permanent damage to the liver.
In non-alcoholic fatty liver, fat in the liver is caused by non-alcoholic causes. Some of these factors are overweight. medicines; Having diabetes, middle age, high blood pressure, metabolic disorders; Rapid weight loss; High levels of fat in the blood; Excess toxins, specific infections such as hepatitis C; Or genetic disorders are the cause of this type of fatty liver.
Common symptoms of fatty liver
People with fatty liver disease are generally asymptomatic at first. However, some people may experience abdominal discomfort, fatigue, loss of appetite, general discomfort, and vague discomfort.
Other symptoms include yellowing of the eyes and skin, swelling in the ankles and stomach, drowsiness or dizziness, vomiting of blood or bloody stools. That is why it is important to make a diagnosis right before starting treatment.
There is currently no effective treatment for fatty liver. However, this is a reversible condition and is usually treated with simple lifestyle and nutritional changes.
For people with alcoholic fatty liver disease, even avoiding alcohol for two weeks helps the liver to significantly improve its recovery.
The most important treatment for fatty liver disease is to eliminate pathogens. The most important principles of fatty liver treatment include proper nutrition and diet, control of diabetes, weight loss in obese people, reduction of blood lipids, quitting alcohol, and changing lifestyle. . In general, treatment of fatty liver can prevent liver damage. With a healthy lifestyle, body weight remains at an optimal level and weight gain, which is an important factor in the development of fatty liver disease, can be prevented.
Important conditions to prevent fatty liver
To prevent fatty liver, important points can be observed, which include the following:
- Choosing a healthy lifestyle and the right way of life
- Reduce the consumption of sugar and fried foods
- Eat a balanced diet rich in fiber with less saturated fat
- Do not consume alcohol
- Follow a gradual and continuous program to lose weight if necessary
- Exercise such as stretching, walking and swimming at least 4 days a week
Herbal and home remedies for fatty liver control
1. Apple cider vinegar
Add a tablespoon of uncooked apple cider vinegar to a glass of warm water.
If desired, add a little raw honey.
Drink this drink twice a day, before your meals.
Follow this treatment for a few months.
Warning:
Apple cider vinegar is acidic, so dilute it before using it as instructed above. Start with a small volume (1 teaspoon) of apple cider vinegar and if you do not have a problem, increase it to 2 tablespoons.
A 2005 study in the Academic Journal of Nutrition and Dietetics found that apple cider vinegar can cause esophageal irritation in some people who drink it. It may also interact with other prescription drugs. Vinegar can damage tooth enamel. Therefore, it is good to rinse your mouth after drinking.
2. Lemon
Lemon helps reduce inflammation of the liver.
Lemon also alkalizes the body when exposed to harmful acids.
. Take lemon juice and drink it 2 or 3 times a week, especially in the morning.
You can also add chopped lemon to a cup of water. Let the lemon soak for a few minutes. Drink this water at regular intervals throughout the day.
3. Dandelion
Dandelion leaf extract is helpful in the prevention and treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease associated with obesity.
Add 1 teaspoon of dandelion root to a cup of warm water and wait for 5 to 10 minutes. Add a little honey to it. Drink three cups of this herbal tea daily for several weeks. Dandelion can be added to other teas such as green tea. You can also add fresh dandelion leaves to salads, or eat cooked dandelion leaves as a side dish. You can also add liver fortifying herbs such as poppy and artichoke.
Talk to your doctor about taking the right dose.
tip:
If you are allergic to dandelion, do not use it, as well as other plants such as sunflower, chamomile, etc., which belong to the family Compositae. If you have diabetes, use it with caution, because it lowers blood sugar.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, reduce your intake and avoid tinctures because they contain large amounts of alcohol.
4. Green tea
Drinking 3 to 4 cups of organic green tea, hot or cold, every day is helpful in helping with fatty liver disease and protecting the liver.
Mix green tea (you can also use green tea powder) with chocolate and fruit juice.
Green tea supplements are also available as extracts in liquid and capsules. Consult your doctor before taking the supplement.
5. Turmeric
چ Mix a teaspoon of turmeric powder in 1 to 2 glasses of water and bring it to a boil. Drink this drink twice a week.
Turmeric is difficult to absorb by the body. You can consume it after mixing it with milk. You can pour 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder into a glass of warm milk and eat it once a day or more.
Turmeric supplement is available as capsules and tinctures. Talk to your doctor to determine the right dose for your condition. In case of problems such as loose stools, stomach pain or excessive gas, stop taking it.
6. Mustard milk
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), mustard milk has anti-inflammatory properties and protects liver cells from toxins. Mustard milk is good for fatty liver, especially when it is due to excessive alcohol consumption or diabetes.
Mustard milk capsules (150 mg) can be taken one to three times a day. At this dose, mustard milk can act as a powerful “detoxifier”.
For continuous use, take 50 to 150 mg of this capsule daily. This will be even more effective when combined with other herbs to detoxify the liver and body, as well as choosing healthy foods. Needless to say, regular exercise is essential.
7. Licorice
According to a 2012 study published in the Journal of Phytotherapy Research, licorice root extract reduces the transaminase activities of liver enzymes ALT (alanine aminotransferase) and AST (aspartate aminotransferase) in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. It also prevents liver damage due to heavy metals and toxins.
Another study in 2016 showed that licorice can stop the progression of liver damage due to alcohol through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms.
چ Add a teaspoon of licorice root to a cup of warm water. After 10 minutes, add a little raw honey and drink this tea twice a day.
another way :
Mix 1 tablespoon of licorice powder and 2 teaspoons of honey and use this mixture once a day for several weeks.
Another option is to consume one tablespoon of licorice root powder daily.
Licorice is also available in liquid and capsule form. Typically, the pill form of herbal supplements is not effective.
If you are taking licorice supplements, consult your doctor first as it may interfere with medications for high blood pressure, diabetes, and corticosteroids.
Caution:
If you are pregnant or have high blood pressure, diabetes or heart disease, kidney disease, hormone-sensitive conditions, etc., consult your doctor before taking it.
8. Papaya
Papaya and its seeds are an effective treatment for fatty liver disease. Papaya is a powerful source of nutrients. This fruit is rich in B vitamins (pantothenic acid, folate, nicotinic acid) and antioxidant vitamins such as A, C, and E. It also contains minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and fiber. Papaya has a protective effect against heart disease, heart attacks and strokes . In addition, papaya is a strong fat burner.
Prepare 5 to 6 papaya seeds and mix its powder with 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Take this combination twice a day for 1 month.
Also include raw papaya soup and salads in your diet.
9. Indian Grapes (Amla)
You can eat 3 or 4 raw grape seeds daily or use them in your food.
Also, mix 1 teaspoon of Amla powder in a glass of warm water and drink it twice a day or add it to supplements, drinks, or foods.
10. Dietary changes
Dietary changes help prevent and control metabolic disorders such as NAFLD. Among the several dietary recommendations for NAFLD patients, the Mediterranean diet is recommended, which has several benefits. Grain foods, nuts, fresh fruits, and vegetables make up the Mediterranean diet.
- Avoid high fructose syrups
- Avoid white flour or processed foods.
- Eat foods rich in omega -3 fatty acids such as flaxseed, chia seeds, walnuts and tofu
- Eat detoxifying foods including broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, lemons, beets, lilies, and brussels sprouts. When cooking. Eat your vegetables slowly to maintain their nutritional value.
- Eat more fiber: Eat fiber-rich fruits such as apples, guava, raspberries and more. Insoluble fiber such as barley and quinoa. More fiber can eliminate toxins and improve liver function.
- Avoid spicy and fried foods and fatty meats
- Drink enough water: Ensure proper water intake of about 1 ½ to 3 liters per day based on current body weight or body weight (pounds) per ounce.
- Do not drink caffeinated beverages .
- Daily Exercise: Exercise at least 30 minutes each day. If you are new to exercise, start with a short exercise regimen. It is best to start the exercises under the supervision of a specialist.
- Walking, running and aerobics, HIIT (High Intensity Exercise) which includes fast workouts that are good for your liver. Swimming, cycling and other recreational sports are also helpful.
Additional tips
1. If you are overweight, take the necessary steps to lose weight gradually and steadily. Rapid weight loss (losing 4 pounds or more per week) can damage the liver.
2. Eat a balanced low-fat, high-fiber diet
3. If you can not eat or travel, balance nutrient deficiencies with multivitamin supplements.
4. Digestive functions are better to work together as the liver and intestines. Consider good probiotics like yogurt or a probiotic supplement to help with both.
5. Prioritize adequate and adequate sleep to revitalize the liver and the whole body.
6. Reduce sugar and overeat fruits and reduce the consumption of fried foods.
7. Stop drinking alcohol.
8. If you have diabetes, try to find the best way to control your blood sugar levels.
9. Take all the necessary steps to keep your cholesterol and triglycerides at a healthy level.
Useful foods to cleanse the liver
Grapes:
Drink a glass of fresh grape juice or enjoy a whole bunch of grapes with breakfast.
tip:
If you are being treated, consult your doctor before taking it, as it may interfere with some medications.
Garlic:
Garlic is great for cleansing the liver. Garlic helps activate enzymes that clear the liver of toxins. It also contains two natural compounds called allicin and selenium, which help cleanse the liver and protect the liver from toxin damage.
In addition, garlic lowers cholesterol and triglycerides, which are like a heavy burden on the liver and prevent the liver from functioning properly.
To improve liver health, use fresh garlic instead of processed, minced garlic or garlic powder.
Eat 2 to 3 cloves of fresh garlic every day and use it in cooking.
You can even use garlic supplements after consulting your doctor.
Beets:
Beetroot is another useful food to cleanse and improve liver function.
Because it is rich in plant flavonoids and beta-carotene, it stimulates and improves overall liver function.
In addition, beets are a natural blood purifier.
Easily use fresh beets or beet juice in your daily diet.
Prepare a strong salad to cleanse the liver using 1 cup of chopped or grated beets, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and the juice of half a lemon.
Mix all the ingredients and eat two tablespoons of this salad every day, every two hours, for a week.
Lemon:
Make lemonade at home by adding the juice of one lemon to a pitcher of water.
You can even add chopped lemon to it.
Drink this juice regularly.
If desired, you can add some honey to it.
Avocado :
Avocados contain effective chemicals that can reduce liver damage.
This fruit is rich in glutathione, a compound that the liver needs to clear harmful toxins.
Eat 1 or 2 avocados a week for a few months to help heal liver damage.
Apple:
Eating an apple a day is the secret to liver health. Apples are rich in pectin, a soluble fiber, and can reduce gastrointestinal toxins and blood cholesterol. It also prevents the liver from overworking.
Walnut:
Chew a handful of walnuts every day as a snack.
You can also add walnuts to salads, side dishes, soups, or any baked goods.
broccoli:
The high fiber in broccoli also improves digestion. In addition, broccoli contains soluble and fatty vitamins such as vitamin E, which is an important antioxidant for liver function.
Eat a cup of broccoli three times a week to keep your liver healthy.
Does juice have the same properties as fruit?
Unfortunately, juices do not have all the properties and benefits of the whole fruit. But the truth is that most of the benefits of eating whole fruit disappear in the juice.
Pulp (part of the fruit in which all the fruit fiber is stored) The fruit is not present in industrial juices, and by drinking this type of juice, a lot of sugar is consumed. If you are looking for variety, eat a delicious smoothie because the pulp in the fruit is preserved, the smoothie is healthy and useful, and it is as if you are eating the fruit itself.
