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How to Treat Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease?
This article was originally written on January 20, 2019 and fully updated on October 28, 2024.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), also known as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), is characterized by an excessive accumulation of fat in the liver. It affects about 25% of the world’s population, 65% of obese people and 85% of morbidly obese people. Often, it does not show any noticeable symptoms. It is diagnosed by blood tests indicating abnormal liver enzymes (AST, ALT and GGT) and an ultrasound of the liver that shows that the size of the liver is increased. If the fatty liver is not treated, it can have serious health consequences and lead to liver cirrhosis and cancer.
What Are the Causes?
In the absence of secondary causes such as excessive alcohol consumption, hereditary causes or the use of certain drugs, hepatic steatosis can be caused by excessive consumption of fat, sugar or calories, leading to an accumulation of lipids in the liver. The most common cause of NAFLD is obesity. Fatty liver is also associated with insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol or triglyceride levels), high blood pressure, abdominal obesity and metabolic syndrome.
How to Treat It?
Gradual and long-term weight loss is the main recommendation for treating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. A weight loss of 5 to 10% of the total body weight is recommended. Thus, changes in eating habits and increased physical activity to promote weight loss is a very effective treatment. The amount of weight loss seems to be more important than the macronutrient composition (carbohydrate, fat, protein) of the diet when treating fatty liver. It is recommended to limit ultra-processed foods and to choose minimally processed whole foods more often. It is also encouraged to abstain from alcohol consumption in order to reduce the risk of comorbidities and to improve liver biochemistry and histology. It can also be helpful to get help from a Registered Dietitian and a kinesiologist to help make lifestyle changes that will be sustainable over the long term.
Mediterranean Diet and Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
A Mediterranean diet is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes, as well as weight loss. Studies also suggest that a Mediterranean diet can have beneficial effects on insulin sensitivity and hepatic steatosis, even in the absence of weight loss. This type of diet is generally less restrictive, easier to follow, and more sustainable in the long term compared to other, more restrictive diets.
Author
Kathryn holds a Bachelor Degree in Nutrition as well as a Bachelor and a Master Degree in Kinesiology, all from Laval University. She is a Registered Dietitian and active member of the Ordre professionnel des Diététistes Nutritionnistes du Québec (ODNQ) and of the American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She holds the Monash University's certification for the FODMAP diet and IBS, and has considerable clinical experience in that area. She is also an accomplished athlete, having ran track and cross-country at a national level. Kathryn specializes in sports nutrition, weight loss, diabetes, as well as heart and gastrointestinal health.
Hello. I am treated for my liver, I ´have a biopsy next week. What can I do to help taking care of my liver,what to eat or what not to..I have a fat liver, I have diabete too. Thank you.
Hello Marie Reine,
As explained in this article, To help your condition you should follow a Mediterranean diet and loose weight.