Fatty liver disease is one of the main contributing factors to liver failure, and affects nearly a third of American adults, says Nada Zuhair Al-Adeeb, director of the Department of Community Nutrition at Tawam Hospital, and Secretary-General of the Emirates Nutrition Association, that there are two main types of fatty liver disease: The first is caused by Drinking alcohol, and the second is more commonly diagnosed in people who are obese or inactive, and who follow a poor diet.
Regardless of the type, one of the main ways to treat fatty liver disease is to follow a diet. Al-Adeeb explains: “As the name suggests, fatty liver disease means that a person has a lot of fat in the liver, which damages this important organ in the human body and prevents it from working properly.”
Regarding the diet of a fatty liver patient, Al-Adeeb says that it should include:
• Lots of fruits and vegetables.
• Plants rich in fiber, such as: legumes, and whole grains.
Very little added sugar, salt, trans fats, carbohydrates, and saturated fats.
“A diet low in fat and calories may help you lose weight and reduce your risk of fatty liver disease,” says the director of the Community Nutrition Department. And about the foods that should be included in a healthy diet for the liver, the writer mentioned them:
coffee
Studies have shown that coffee drinkers with fatty liver disease experience less liver damage than those who do not drink this caffeinated beverage, and caffeine appears to reduce the amount of abnormal liver enzymes for people at risk for liver disease.
vegetables
It has been proven that broccoli helps prevent the accumulation of fat in the liver, and eating more vegetables, such as: spinach and kale, helps in losing weight in general.
“tofu”
A study conducted by the University of Illinois found that soy protein, which is found in foods such as tofu, may reduce the accumulation of fat in the liver, in addition to that “tofu” contains a lot of protein, and little fat.
fatty fish
Fatty fish, such as: salmon, sardines, tuna, grouper, taqwa, and supreme, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which may help improve liver fat levels and reduce inflammation.
oatmeal
Carbohydrates from whole grains, such as oatmeal, provide the body with energy, and their fiber content gives a feeling of satiety, which helps in maintaining weight.
nuts
Nuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and research has found that people with fatty liver disease who eat walnuts have improved liver function tests.
avocado
Research suggests that avocados contain chemicals that may slow liver damage, and they are also rich in fiber that may aid weight management.
Dairy products
Dairy products are high in whey protein, which protects the liver from further damage, according to a 2011 study.
Sunflower seeds
These great-tasting seeds are high in vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects the liver from further damage.
olive oil
Research has found that olive oil helps reduce levels of liver enzymes, control weight, and is rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
the Garlic
Not only does this herb add flavor to food, but experimental studies have shown that garlic powder supplements may help reduce body weight and fat in people with fatty liver disease.