Our liver is the second largest organ in our body, second only to our skin. And it plays a crucial role in filtering toxins from the blood, metabolizing drugs, regulating our digestion, and converting food to energy. Unfortunately, alcohol, a poor diet, toxins, hepatitis, and genetic factors can cause our livers to become damaged or inflamed. These factors can eventually lead to fat buildup in the liver, which in turn can cause fatty liver disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that liver disease causes around 38,000 deaths in the U.S. each year.
There are two types of fatty liver disease: alcoholic and nonalcoholic. Alcoholic fatty liver disease is caused by heavy alcohol use. It involves a condition in which the blood can’t break down alcohol properly, and causes an additional burden to the liver. While nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) isn’t related to alcohol use. NAFLD is usually noticed in obese and middle-aged people. The condition describes excessive fatty buildup in the liver. And it is more common in people with type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, and high blood pressure.
So, what types of diet and lifestyle changes can be helpful with this condition? Read on to learn more.
Try the following foods and supplements to reverse liver disease efficiently:
Bananas
Bananas are super-packed with potassium, containing 470 milligrams of potassium. Banana nutrition is also great for cleansing the liver. Bananas assist in digestion and ease the elimination of toxins from the body.
Ginger
High-fiber foods help support a healthy digestive tract, hastening the elimination of toxins in the body. Ginger root contains fiber which is essential for your digestive system. Study participants were provided with advice on making lifestyle modifications and were supplied with either 2 grams of ginger or a placebo that was taken daily for 12 weeks. After 12 weeks, the group of study participants taking ginger saw significant improvements in their overall liver health, liver enzyme health, and insulin sensitivity when compared to participants who made lifestyle changes alone.
Sweet Potatoes
Because of their potassium content, sweet potatoes are beneficial and they help cleanse the liver. A single sweet potato offers over 700 milligrams of potassium. It’s also rich in vitamins B6, C, D, magnesium, and iron. Sweet potatoes provide huge anti-inflammatory potential which is useful in the treatment of fatty liver disease. Sweet potatoes are easy to eat because they’re naturally sweet. The sugars are slowly released into the bloodstream through the liver, so they won’t cause a spike in blood sugar.
Turmeric
Turmeric, which is rich in flavor, is typically used as a spice or tea. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential reduces inflammation and soothes digestive issues. By adding beneficial turmeric to your diet or taking a supplement every day, you reduce inflammation in the body and treat digestive conditions. Experts advise that you begin with 450 milligrams of turmeric or curcumin supplements daily.
Milk thistle
Milk thistle is an excellent source of the antioxidant called silymarin, which prevents depletion of glutathione in the liver and also fights liver disease. As a liver support and aid, milk thistle is a powerful detoxifier. It helps rebuild liver cells while removing toxins from the body that are processed through the liver. Studies conducted by Bharat B. Aggarwal, Ph.D. have indicated that “silymarin which is an extract of milk thistle can act on our biochemical pathways to aid in detoxification”.
According to a study published in Digestive Diseases and Sciences, “milk thistle has the power to improve mortality in patients with liver failure. It’s able to naturally reverse the harmful effects of alcohol consumption; pesticides in our food supply; heavy metals in our water supply; pollution in the air that we breathe; and even poisons”.
Dandelion root
Dandelion root (yes, the same kind found in your yard that you might consider a weed!) has a natural diuretic effect. They contain a lot of vitamin C, and this vitamin improves the absorption of minerals and reduces inflammation. The vitamins and nutrients present in dandelions help cleanse our livers and keep them working properly. Available as a supplement, tasty tea, or even just as a root, you can find this at any health food store. It aids our digestive system by maintaining the proper flow of bile.
Black seed oil
This amazing oil can greatly speed the healing process for people with fatty liver disease. Black seed oil is a product of black cumin, and it can offer various benefits in the treatment of fatty liver disease and prevents any further damage. A study published in the European Review for Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences measured black seed oil’s “ability to inhibit liver oxidative stress markers”. The results of the study indicated that black seed oil benefits liver disease patients because it’s able to reduce the progression of this disease, and lowers the risk of complications.
Raw veggies
Raw vegetables contain nutrients that can be of great assistance in reversing liver damage. An easy way to do this is by juicing vegetables. With impaired liver function, juicing vegetables has the added benefit of making the vegetables easier to digest and more readily available for absorption. They are packed with chlorophyll which purifies the blood, and in turn, our liver function is increased exponentially.
As often as you can, include these liver-loving veggies in your meals and juices:
- broccoli
- cauliflower
- leafy greens like kale, spinach, dandelion, watercress
- Brussels sprouts or cabbage
- celery
- asparagus
- beets
- carrot
- cucumber
- herbs including parsley, mint, cilantro, basil
Lemon, ginger, and turmeric makes also an excellent addition to your vegetable juices.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that may reduce inflammation caused by NAFLD. This vitamin is a strong antioxidant, and you need it to reduce your inflammation and strengthen your immune system. Research done at the University of Florida suggests that “lifestyle changes, along with vitamin E supplements, are helpful for people with liver damage caused by nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.”
This can change your life, and improve your condition. Vitamin E is recommended for those who deal with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. And there are risks associated with this treatment also. Talk to your doctor to find out if vitamin E is right for you and whether it could help with your NAFLD.
Liver
The liver from young, healthy, grass-fed cattle and chicken liver pate is full of nutrients and vitamins. It’s packed with vitamins and minerals. The liver is abundant with vitamins A and B, folic acid, choline, iron, copper, zinc, chromium, and CoQ10. The liver is one of the most nutrient-dense foods you’ll ever eat, as confirmed by nutritionists.
