Fatty liver disease occurs when there is excessive fat accumulation in the liver. Today, it is also known as Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD).
This condition comes in two types. First is Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (AFLD), which happens because of consuming a lot of alcohol. The second type is called Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). It occurs among individuals who do not consume any alcohol or drink very little alcohol.
Any person can get it, but it is much more prevalent in people with conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure.
If you are suffering from NAFLD, you should be careful with your trendy diet and over-the-counter medications. Not all supplements are safe for your liver. Some may even damage your liver cells and worsen your health conditions.
So, can you reverse fatty liver disease? And what should you do according to modern medicine science to cure it?
Is it Possible to Reverse it?
Yes. Modern medical science has conclusively demonstrated that fatty liver, particularly in its initial stages, is quite reversible. It has been found that the liver’s performance improves significantly when the fat in the liver is reduced by just 5-10%.
Fatty liver occurs in different phases, which include:
- Simple fatty liver disease: This is the first stage and is reversible.
- NASH: It is still reversible, but it causes inflammation and requires more targeted care.
- Fibrosis: In this stage, scarring begins, and it can be partially slowed down.
- Cirrhosis: It is a dangerous stage and no longer reverse the disease but manage it.
If you’re at the start of simple steatosis, no major damage or scarring present, recovery is possible. Your liver can heal fully under the right care. This completely depends on your diet and lifestyle choices.
How to Cure Fatty Liver Disease?
Before taking any medication, the first thing that needs to be done is determining the actual cause behind your fatty liver disease. Its treatment is not universal. Using inappropriate treatment techniques will prolong your cure period
1. Lose Weight
One of the key steps in dealing with fatty liver disease is the slow and gradual reduction of weight.
If you reduce body weight by 5-10%, it can do a lot for your fatty liver disease. This is because the liver is often one of the first places where fat decreases, even before you see visible weight loss..
It is crucial to pay special attention to visceral fat since it affects the liver the most. You should choose a gentle weight loss strategy; intermittent fasting and dieting are rarely sustainable and may hurt your liver in the process.
2. The Mediterranean Diet Protocol
The Mediterranean Diet is a dietary plan that uses traditional foods from countries such as Greece and Italy. The foods used in this are whole and natural foods that are believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and enhance liver health.
This diet is rich in monounsaturated fats, such as olive oil, which have been scientifically proven to have the effect of decreasing liver fat and enhancing cholesterol metabolism.
Scientists have proven that there was a significant lowering of liver fat in individuals who follow the Mediterranean diet.
It is important to stop the intake of high-fructose corn syrups contained in sodas and other prepared foods since they are processed in the liver and converted to fat deposits.
Eat more healthy fats such as:
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pistachios
- Chia seeds
- Flaxseedss
- Sunflower seeds
- Avocados
Eat more vegetables and fruits in this diet, mainly:
- Leafy greens
- Broccoli, cauliflower
- Tomatoes
- Cucumbers
- carrots
- Zucchini
- Eggplant
- Bell peppers
- Strawberries
- Apples
- Oranges
- Bananas
- Pomegranates
- Grapes
- Dates
Also, some of the best whole grains for lowering blood sugar are:
- Brown rice
- Oats
- Quinoa
- Whole wheat bread or pasta
You are encouraged to include more lean protein and meat. Fish is especially important due to omega-3 fats:
- Fish such as salmon, sardines, or tuna
- Chicken
- Eggs
- Legumes like lentils, chickpeas, or beans
3. Drinking More Black Coffee
There are numerous scientific studies regarding coffee in hepatology. In case you suffer from fatty liver disease, black coffee can be considered your real remedy. According to numerous meta-analyses, people who consume coffee regularly face a significantly lower risk of developing liver fibrosis or cirrhosis.
The unique antioxidants present in coffee, such as chlorogenic acid, can prevent fibrosis in the liver. In order to see any benefits, you have to drink about three to four cups per day. Stick strictly to black coffee, no milk, no sugar. That extra sweetness pushes harm back into your system instead of helping it recover.
You will see the benefits with regular and consistent intake.
4. Medications for Insulin Resistance
Right now, there is no single medication that cures fatty liver on its own. But some medicines could work to reduce the inflammation in the liver.
Since fatty liver is associated with metabolic disorders, the medical treatment will first focus on the management of insulin resistance in your body. The pioglitazone, such as thiazolidinediones, has been used off-label to treat people with NASH.
If your fatty liver is linked with type 2 Diabetes and high cholesterol, then your doctor might prescribe you some medicines such as Pioglitazone or statins, respectively.
5. Vitamin E As Antioxidant Therapy
The role of Vitamin E in fatty liver disease is that it is an antioxidant that prevents the deterioration of liver cells due to oxidative stress.
Doctors only advise on this type of treatment for biopsy-confirmed cases of NASH that are negative for any previous diagnosis of diabetes or heart disease. Because high doses of Vitamin E can carry a slight risk of prostate cancer in men and cardiovascular complications.
It may not be good for people with certain health conditions and those at risk of bleeding.
It is best to consult with your doctor first to know if it is right for you or not.
6. GLP-1 Receptor
If you have changed your diet and are exercising, but you are struggling to lose that crucial 7% to 10% of body weight, your doctor might prescribe a GLP-1 to help break through that plateau.
GLP-1 receptor agonists refer to drugs used initially for Type 2 Diabetes and weight loss. Some of its common medications include semaglutide, Tirzepatide, or liraglutide.
It is recommended by your doctor, especially if your main causes are obesity and insulin resistance.
Research has shown that more than 70% of individuals who were treated using GLP-1 found improvement in liver inflammation without any added scar formation.
It is a prescription medication that is generally administered once a week or once daily via injection. The use of GLP-1 is associated with various side effects, including nausea and loss of appetite.
Help Your Liver Heal Today
Right now, the absolute best way to reverse your fatty liver is by following healthy habits and a targeted diet plan. But lifestyle changes are simply not enough on their own.
You must actively monitor your progress to ensure your liver is actually healing. This means using specific medical tools, like routine liver blood tests, an ultrasound, or a fibrosis assessment.
During recovery, you must avoid alcohol completely and review your medications with your provider.
At Kairos Integrative Care in Texas, Lola, one of the nurse practitioners, helps identify metabolic dysfunction before it causes any irreversible damage and gives you the right treatment plan and healthy strategies that help you reverse your liver health.
We accept most major insurance plans to ensure you can easily get the routine blood panels and physical exams needed to protect your liver.
Book your appointment today!
