The normal treatment for fatty liver disease, whether it's alcohol-related or not, is to reach a healthy weight through diet and exercise. So what should you eat?
In general, foods that fight cell damage, make it easier for your body to use insulin, or lower inflammation can help reverse the condition.
Since every person is different, you should work with your doctor to come up with an eating plan that's right for you.
Foods That Help Fatty Liver Disease
Give the Mediterranean
diet a try. Although it wasn't created for people with fatty liver disease, this style of eating combines the kinds of foods that help reduce fat in your liver: healthy fats, antioxidants, and complex carbohydrates.
Things you’ll see on the table that you should reach for include:
- Fish and seafood
- Fruits
- Whole grains
- Nuts
- Olive oil
- Vegetables
- Avocados
- Legumes
Choose the Right Fats
Your cells use glucose, a kind of sugar, for energy. The hormone insulin helps get the glucose from digested food into your cells.
People with fatty liver disease often have a condition called insulin resistance. That means your body makes insulin but can’t use it well. Glucose builds up in your blood, and your liver turns it into fat.
Certain fats in your diet can help your body use insulin better. That means your cells can take in glucose and your liver doesn't need to make and store fat.
Get more of these:
Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish, fish oil, vegetable oils, nuts (especially walnuts), flaxseeds and flaxseed oil, and leafy veggies
Monounsaturated fats in plant sources like olives, nuts, and avocados
Fatty Liver Foods to Avoid
Steer clear of saturated fats, which lead to more fatty deposits in your liver.