Our body is constantly bombarded with toxins, these are everywhere in the air we breathe and in the food we eat. Whether we are aware of it or not, this situation puts additional stress on our body. It is therefore up to the liver to cleanse the body and purify it, but when it is difficult to follow, it can lead to major problems such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Here's all you need to know about this disease as well as home remedies to treat it!
We often hear about alcoholic fatty liver disease, as its name suggests it is a disease caused by excessive alcohol consumption. However, there is another type of this disease that is mainly due to excessive accumulation of fat in liver cells in people who drink little or no alcohol.
What are the causes of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease?
Foie gras, or non-alcoholic fatty liver, is a term that describes the accumulation of fat in the liver. It is normal for your liver to contain small amounts of fat, but too much can become a health problem.
The early stage of fatty liver is diagnosed when the proportion of liver cells containing fat is greater than 5%. This is often diagnosed by looking at small samples taken in the liver under a microscope.
The causes of fatty liver in people who drink little alcohol are not very clear. However, a higher body weight, a diet high in processed sugar, high levels of triglycerides, diabetes, reduced physical activity and genetics all play a role in this disease.
Symptoms of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Research has shown that about 20% of people with fatty liver inflammation are getting worse. If this happens, you may experience fatigue, poor appetite, weight loss or abdominal discomfort. Your liver may become slightly enlarged, something your doctor may be able to detect during a physical exam.
If non-alcoholic fatty liver disease progresses to cirrhosis and liver failure, symptoms may include: an enlarged abdomen filled with fluid, jaundice of the skin and eyes, confusion or abnormal bleeding.
How fatty liver is treated?
Most cases of fatty liver do not progress to other forms of liver disease. The liver can repair itself. Therefore, if you take the necessary steps to treat high cholesterol, diabetes, and if you eliminate unhealthy diet and fight against obesity, you can reverse the function of the liver.
The first line of treatment is to follow the recommendations to reduce risk factors. These recommendations generally include the following:
- Limit or avoid alcoholic beverages
- Manage cholesterol and reduce the consumption of sugars and saturated fats
- Losing weight
- Check the blood glucose.
- Natural remedies for treating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
There is an effective diet for the liver, it is a low glycemic Mediterranean diet. Research has shown that it reduces fat in the liver of people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. So, how can you implement this diet in your life?
- Eat more fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains.
- Eat more fish and less red meat.
- Drink plenty of water and herbal teas during the day (organic black tea is recommended).
- Limit salt intake
- Avoid using butter and use olive oil instead.
- Take moderate amounts of dairy products.
Some bitter plants are also effective at cleansing the body, detoxifying and metabolizing the accumulated fats in the liver including dandelion, milk thistle and artichoke.
Licorice root significantly reduces liver enzymes in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. But if you have high blood pressure, you should avoid this plant.
Discuss with your doctor before opting for the hypoglycemic diet or consume any of the plants listed above.
