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Wednesday, 2 May 2018

Fatty Liver Disease


Liver disease can be life threatening. But on the other side, if it is detected during its early stages, it can be prevented. One such liver issues is the fatty liver. When fat cells accumulate inside your liver, this condition called as fatty liver disease occurs. When fat cells dominate the liver tissues, your liver fails to function well. In fact, the liver swells when this condition occurs. Normally, this might occur in obese people but there are so many cases where even slim people developed this condition. Those who are obese and those who suffer diabetes are prone to this condition more. Basically, diabetes, obesity, poor diet and even alcoholism can cause fatty liver.

Even certain medications and metabolic issues may also cause this condition. If you let the fat accumulation go on and on, it could be life-threatening. But if you start trying some remedies, things may get better. The problem with this condition is that you may not even be aware of it unless it reaches serious stages. But when you go for a blood test or a scan, the doctor can detect whether there are elevated liver enzymes. How to cure fatty liver? Well, consulting a doctor is important if you are diagnosed with this condition. But, let us discuss about some Indian home remedies for fatty liver in this post.

There are two types of fatty liver disease: alcohol-induced and nonalcoholic. The main cause behind alcohol-induced fatty liver is excessive alcohol consumption. In nonalcoholic fatty liver, fat builds up in the liver for reasons unrelated to alcohol.

Apart from excessive alcohol consumption, risk factors for fatty liver disease include high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, Type 2 diabetes, viral hepatitis, rapid weight loss and malnutrition.

In general, people with fatty liver disease have no symptoms, especially in the beginning. However, some people may experience abdominal discomfort, fatigue, loss of appetite, a general feeling of being unwell and vague discomfort. This is why proper diagnosis is important before starting any treatment.

Currently, there is no effective treatment for fatty liver disease. However, it is a reversible condition and can usually be treated with simple lifestyle changes, dietary changes and easy–to-follow home remedies.

Lemon
Lemon contains high amounts of vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps the liver produce enzymes called glutathione. Glutathione neutralizes toxins, thus lemon helps the liver with detoxification.

Also, a 2014 study published in the journal Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology and Physiology found that a compound present in lemons called naringenin helps ease liver inflammation.

Dandelion
The herb dandelion works as a powerful liver tonic, hence it can be used to treat fatty liver disease. It helps detoxify and metabolize fat accumulated in the liver and promotes proper liver function.

Also, a 2013 study published in the journal Food and Chemical Toxicology found that dandelion leaf extract helps in the prevention and treatment of obesity-related nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

  •  Add 1 teaspoon of dried dandelion root to a cup of hot water. Cover and steep for 5 to 10 minutes. Strain, add a little honey for taste and drink it. Drink 3 cups of this herbal tea daily for a few weeks.
  •  You can also add fresh tender dandelion leaves to salads, or eat cooked dandelion leaves as a side dish.
Note: Do not use this herb if you are diabetic or pregnant.

Licorice

You can also use licorice to cure liver problems like nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

According to a 2012 study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research, licorice root extract helps decrease transaminase activities of enzymes called ALT (alanine aminotransferase) and AST (aspartate aminotransferase) in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. It also prevents liver damage due to heavy metals and toxins.

  • Add ½ teaspoon of licorice root to a cup of hot water. Cover and allow it to steep for 5 to 10 minutes. Strain, add a little honey and drink this tea 2 times a day.
  • Alternatively, mix together 1 tablespoon of licorice powder and 2 teaspoons of honey and have this once daily for several weeks.
  • If taking licorice supplements, consult your doctor first as they may interfere with certain blood pressure, diabetes and corticosteroid medications.

Green Tea
According to a 2013 study published in the International Journal of Molecular Medicine, green tea with high-density catechins improves liver function and fat infiltration in patients suffering from nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Green tea helps block the amount of fat stored in the liver and improves liver function. Moreover, regular intake of green tea reduces body weight and fat percentage.
  •  Drink 3 to 4 cups of green tea every day to get rid of fatty liver disease and protect your liver.
  • Green tea is also available as an extract in liquid and capsules. Consult your doctor before taking supplements.

Turmeric
Packed with valuable antioxidants, turmeric is another effective home remedy for fatty liver disease. According to a 2008 study published in the journal China Pharmaceuticals, turmeric can help prevent fatty liver disease. However, more research is still needed.

Turmeric improves the body’s ability to digest fats so they do not accumulate in the liver. It also aids the liver detoxification process.

  • Mix ¼ teaspoon of turmeric powder in 1 to 2 glasses of water and boil it. Drink it twice daily for a couple of weeks.
  • You can also mix ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder in a glass of warm milk and drink it once daily.
  • Turmeric supplements are available as capsules and tinctures. Talk to your doctor to determine the proper dosage for your condition.

Home Remedies For Liver Disease
Vinegar+Water
Take a cup of warm water and mix a few drops of apple cider vinegar and drink it daily for a couple of months before your meals. This is one of the best cures for liver disease as the fat in your liver can be eliminated with this remedy.

Lemon+Water
Drink lemon water daily for a month. The vitamin C in it helps detoxify your liver. Also Your liver function gets better gradually if you try this remedy.

Amla Juice
The vitamin C content of amla helps your liver clear the toxins. Consume a teaspoon of amla juice every morning for 25 days to try this remedy.

Exercise
Apart from minor diet inclusions, you can heal a fatty liver with the help of exercise. Being inactive for long periods of time can lead to a diminished body function. Begin your exercise regime using a low-impact exercise and gradually increase the pace of the routine. This will help in improving your general health status and also in reversing fatty liver.

Lipotropics
These are compounds that stimulate interaction with fat metabolism inside the body. Lipotropics enhance liver function and promote detoxification reactions. Some lipotropic nutrients include methionine, choline and betaine, all of which help in mobilizing flow of fats away from the liver and out through the large intestine. This, thereby, reduces the risk of fatty deposits. Lipotropics can be useful in the treatment of gallbladder problems, premenstrual ailments, fibrocystic breast disease and fatty liver. The compounds additionally contain vitamin B-6, B-12 and folic acid that help the liver to detoxify.

Milk Thistle
Milk thistle is a plant that can be abundantly found in the native Mediterranean. The seeds of this plant have been used to prepare medicinal formulations. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that milk thistle has a history of medicinal use in the treatment of liver and gallbladder problems. Some of the common conditions that milk thistle can treat include hepatitis, gallstones, cirrhosis and most importantly, fatty liver. Milk thistle is especially useful in the treatment of fatty liver that results from excessive consumption of alcohol or diabetes.

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common liver diseases in the world. If you have been diagnosed with NAFLD, there are few things you need to take control over. There is no specific medication for the disease. But adopting a healthy lifestyle is one of the most recommended ways to tackle a fatty liver.

In fact, NAFLD treatment is largely about weight reduction and dietary changes. Your weight, cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure levels need to be prioritized since they could be possible causes of NAFLD.

Lifestyle Changes To Make
Remember, it takes years for a simple fatty liver to advance to the next stages (inflammation, fibrosis, and finally cirrhosis). The faster you make cautious decisions, the healthier (and happier) your liver will feel.
 
Focus On Losing Weight
Obesity is one of the main causes of NAFLD. If you are overweight, you need to lose 5-10% of your weight to reduce the fat accumulation in the liver and more than 10% if you have an inflamed one. So, watch your meals and reduce the calories you eat a day.

Get Physically Active
Being overweight and leading a sedentary lifestyle are some of the worst things for your vital organs. One study found out any type of exercise, including low to moderate intensity, can help to reduce a fatty liver. The study further revealed short bursts of high-intensity exercises reduced visceral fat (the muffin around your waist) and liver fat. Try to work out for 30 minutes a day.

If you find aerobic exercises difficult, begin with resistance training. While resistance training may not change the weighing scale significantly, it can reduce cholesterol levels, improve insulin sensitivity, and decrease liver fat. So, just get moving!

Follow A Healthy And Balanced Diet
Most people with NAFLD were found to follow a diet high in saturated fat and cholesterol. Your liver (and so does the rest of your body) wants plenty of veggies, fruits, and whole grains. For protein, lean foods are your best choice, like poultry, eggs, legumes, and fish.

If you’re finding it difficult to eat clean, buddy up with people who want the same thing. Also, keep a food journal and track down everything you eat. Once you begin eating healthy, you would notice your energy levels shoot up and you feel great about yourself.

Some studies reveal following a Mediterranean diet can provide the body with a truckload of benefits. This includes a reduced risk of heart diseases and metabolic syndrome - exactly what your liver needs!

Avoid Foods That Are Not Liver-Friendly
Take a good look at your pantry and refrigerator. Throw out anything that is highly processed and loaded with unhealthy fats. The wrong type of food can increase blood sugar levels, fat content in the blood, cholesterol levels - a situation that could advance a fatty liver to the next stage. Cut down on fried food, junk food, and anything that’s highly processed. Avoid eating sausages, red meat, white bread, and sugary snacks.

Stay Clear Of Alcohol
Even if NAFLD is not caused by alcohol, it can certainly make a fatty liver worse. Alcohol can cause the liver to swell and release more triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood). High amounts of triglyceride are usually associated with high levels of cholesterol and this makes matters worse for a fatty liver.

Keep A Check On Cholesterol

NAFLD is associated with high cholesterol levels and triglycerides. A high LDL “bad” cholesterol and low HDL “good” cholesterol can lead to more fat cells in the liver and eventually cell death. In fact, one study says just targeting your diet and lifestyle to reduce cholesterol can reduce further liver damage.

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