Unpacking Fatty Liver: Causes and Solutions
What makes the liver fatty, and what does that mean? Let's look at what you can do to prevent or resolve the issue.
(Photo: shutterstock)When fat accumulation in liver cells exceeds 5% of the liver's weight, it is classified as a fatty liver.
While this condition doesn't directly cause harm, inflammation may develop, disrupting normal liver cell function.
Approximately 30% of the general population suffers from fatty liver. It is a common liver disease and falls under the category of metabolic diseases, similar to high cholesterol, heart disease, and diabetes.
Historically, fatty liver was prevalent among adults, but nowadays, even children are diagnosed with liver-related issues, a result of poor diet and lifestyle choices.
Today, it's understood that fatty liver affects the entire body.
Sometimes, the causes of fatty liver are unclear, but a poor lifestyle and diet can lead to fat accumulation in liver cells and promote inflammatory processes. Proper nutrition and behavioral change can often lead to improvement and healing, with Hashem's help.
Fatty liver doesn't always present typical symptoms. Constant fatigue, digestive discomfort, particularly on the right side, or hormonal imbalance can result from a fatty liver.
The first step to improving liver function is reducing processed foods.
A diet rich in fast and processed foods, with preservatives that the liver can't filter, excessive refined oils, sugar, and salt hinder the liver's recovery.
It's also necessary to avoid concentrated foods that could burden liver functions and cause additional fat buildup.
Avoid diets that pressure waste removal systems, creating a burden the body can't handle.
To encourage detoxification, focus on an antioxidant-rich diet—vegetables and fruits, whole grains, legumes, sprouts, and many green leaves, which aid in better toxin removal from the liver.
Emphasize foods that promote toxin elimination and metabolism improvement.
When crafting a diet plan, it's crucial to ensure the supply of all essential nutrients to prevent deficiencies affecting body functions.
Stress also impacts various metabolic functions, so managing fatty liver involves exploring ways to reduce stress, personalized to the individual, such as breathing exercises, physical activity, and various relaxation techniques.
Zohara Sharvit is a licensed naturopath (N.D.) and an expert in iridology, with years of experience in treatment, counseling, and workshop facilitation. To book a free workshop, call 073-2221290
