Fatty Liver and Diet – Understanding the Relationship to Control FLD

Fatty liver, popularly known as FLD or fatty liver disease, is caused by too much accumulation of fats in the liver cells. If such disorder is not given the right attention and control, it could be fatal in the long run. The good news is that it could be treated and controlled through dietary changes. Thus, having proper knowledge and understanding regarding the link between fatty liver and diet is essential for a person to control such disease.

Our liver has a very important role in metabolism and other functions such as glycogen storage, decomposition of red blood cells, protein synthesis, hormone production, and detoxification of the body. However, due to its location and several functions, the liver is also high-risked to various diseases.

A five to ten percent accumulation of fats against the total weight of the liver is already a case of a disease. Before the condition gets severe, fatty liver and diet relationship should be given immediate attention. A proper diet should be the following:

1. Low-glycemic diet. Once the blood sugar rises, the risk of having the disease also increases. Thus, a person should avoid food such as candies, chocolates, concentrated sugars and other sweets. High-sugar and alcoholic drinks are main factors for excessive fat accumulation in the liver because they serve as barriers to oxidation of fatty acids in the liver. Another bad thing is that they slow down the release of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) in the bloodstream which are responsible for releasing the fatty acids from the liver.

2. Low-carb diet. Avoid foods containing simple carbohydrates such as pasta, white bread and rice. Simple carbohydrates are easily broken down and used by the body quickly. Once it is totally consumed by the body, starvation occurs that automatically commands the brain to produce fatty acid in the liver.

3. High-fiber diet. Green-leafy vegetables and fruits especially rich in vitamin C should be included in the diet. These groups do not only aid in digestion but enhances resistance as well. The general rule for fiber intake should be over 20 grams a day and over 30 grams a day for woman and man, respectively.

A person suffering from fatty liver disease could then reduce inflammation, decrease liver enzyme levels, reduce insulin resistance and most importantly, decrease fatty acid accumulation in the body only if he or she is determined to understand and apply the relationship between fatty liver and diet.