Fatty Liver: What Is It and How Do You Get Rid of It Naturally

natural help for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease nafld

Heavy alcohol use is a common cause of fat buildup in the liver, but the same thing can happen even if you drink little to no alcohol. The result, in this case, is a condition known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a disease unfamiliar to many people, yet it has a 25 percent prevalence worldwide. Let’s talk about NAFLD and what you need to know.

What is non-alcoholic fatty liver?

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is a condition in which there is an accumulation of fat in your liver. This can lead to scarring of liver tissue, known as cirrhosis. Once 5 to 10 percent of the liver’s weight is fat, the condition is defined as hepatic (liver) steatosis. The ability of the liver to function decreases as the amount of fat increases.

Read about is fat better or worse than sugar when it comes to diabetes and obesity?

NAFLD can appear in three different forms. 

  • Simple steatosis is the most common form and refers to fat deposits within liver cells.
  • Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which causes inflammation and liver scar tissue.
  • NASH-related cirrhosis, which can result in liver failure and require a liver transplant.

What causes non-alcoholic fatty liver disease?

The exact cause of the disease remains unknown. However, insulin resistance appears to play a role. Insulin is a hormone that helps cells take in glucose (sugar) from your blood and also helps the liver store excess glucose. 

NATURALLY SAVVY NEWSLETTER
Get the latest information, tips & recipes for healthy living delivered directly to your inbox.
Your privacy is important to us.

If you develop insulin resistance, it means your cells don’t take in the glucose they should, so too much fat is deposited in the liver. The result can be an inflamed liver and scarring. 

Individuals who are most at risk for developing NAFLD are those who are overweight, sedentary, or who have diabetes, high cholesterol, or high triglycerides. Pregnancy, use of corticosteroids, poor nutrition, sudden weight loss, and use of certain cancer drugs are also risk factors. 

Watch this video to learn more about regulating blood sugar:

How do I know if I have NAFLD?

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease often doesn’t have any noticeable symptoms. However, when they are present, they can include:

  • Pain in the upper right side of the abdomen
  • Enlarged liver or spleen
  • Swelling in the belly
  • Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
  • Fatigue

If the disease progresses to cirrhosis, you may experience:

  • Internal bleeding
  • Mental confusion
  • Loss of healthy liver function
  • Fluid retention

Can you fix NAFLD with diet?

Diet and weight are two significant factors in NAFLD. If you are overweight, achieving a healthy weight is important. You also need to eliminate alcohol from your lifestyle.

Read about 9 best foods for a healthy liver

Overall you want to reduce your unhealthy fat intake (e.g., saturated, trans fats) and lower your cholesterol. A largely plant-based diet is highly recommended, focusing on fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, green tea, and whole grains. Cold water fatty fish such as tuna, salmon, and herring are also recommended because of their high omega-3 content. It’s especially essential to include lots of foods that are rich in Vitamin C and E, as these antioxidants help promote liver health.

Foods to avoid include sugar and sugary foods, foods high in salt, and foods high in saturated fat, such as red meat, processed meats, and dairy.

Are there other things I can do to fix it naturally?

You can try these other natural ways to prevent or manage non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Be sure to consult your healthcare provider before you take any supplements or natural remedies. 

  • Garlic: It’s been shown that consuming garlic can reduce fat mass in individuals with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. In the study, participants took 400 mg of garlic powder in a supplement twice a day for 15 weeks. Another great way to consume garlic is in an Aged Garlic Extract supplement like those from Kyolic. Studies also show benefits for NAFLD in this form.
  • Water: Ten to 12 glasses daily is recommended. Some research indicates that drinking hydrogen-rich water can lower fat accumulation in the liver and help with weight loss.
  • Apple cider vinegar: Combine 1 tablespoon and 8 ounces of warm water and drink it every morning. Apple cider vinegar helps flush toxins from the liver and may also reduce inflammation. 
  • Milk thistle: The use of this herb supplement may support the production of enzymes that help the liver eliminate toxins. Always consult a knowledgeable healthcare professional before using milk thistle.
  • Lemon: Research shows that lemon can reduce lipid levels and protect the liver. It’s also a potent antioxidant that can prevent damage to liver cells. Mix the juice of one-half lemon in 8 ounces of water. Add raw honey if desired. Drink the lemon water first thing in the morning daily.
  • Turmeric: The curcumin in turmeric can protect liver cells when taken in recommended doses. Boil 8 ounces of water and add a pinch of turmeric. Drink warm first thing in the morning. Add a squeeze of lemon if desired. 
  • Cinnamon: The use of cinnamon can lower insulin resistance and levels of lipids in the body. A study found that 1.5 grams of cinnamon taken by individuals for 12 weeks reduced inflammation of the liver caused by too much alcohol consumption. Add two cinnamon sticks to 8 ounces of boiling water. Steep for 3 minutes, then strain the liquid. Serve hot and drink early in the morning.
  • Flaxseeds: Investigators have found that flaxseeds can help patients with NAFLD by lowering blood lipid levels, insulin resistance, and inflammation. These seeds are also a great source of fatty acids that fight tissue damage. Take flaxseeds as a powder (great in smoothies) or whole seeds you can sprinkle on vegetables, soups, and salads. 
  • Tocotrienols: Tocotrienols have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which may help protect against liver damage and improve liver function. A study showed reduced liver fat and improved liver function in individuals with NAFLD.
  • Black Seed Oil: A review of the current evidence on N. sativa and NAFLD found that the main components of N. sativa, including thymoquinone, have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that may be beneficial for NAFLD.

How long will it take to reverse non-alcoholic fatty liver?

If you are diligent about making lifestyle changes early in the disease, you may be able to reverse liver damage. Regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider and getting liver enzyme tests done routines are important for controlling the disease. 

Bottom line

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease can be managed with lifestyle changes. Be sure to consult your healthcare professional when taking natural steps to combat this disease. 

 

SOURCES
Askari F et al. Cinnamon may have therapeutic benefits on lipid profile, liver enzymes, insulin resistance, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease patients. Nutrition Research 2014 Feb; 34(2):143-48
Korovljev D et al. Hydrogen-rich water reduces liver fat accumulation and improves liver enzyme profiles in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a randomized controlled pilot trial. Clinics and Research in Hepatology and Gastroenterology 2019 Nov; 43(6):688-93.
Mansour-Ghanaei F et al. Efficacy of curcumin/turmeric on liver enzymes in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Integrative Medicine Research 2019 Mar; 8(1):57-61
Maurice J. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Clinical Medicine 2018 Jun; 18(3): 245-50
Soleimani D et al. Effect of garlic powder consumption on body composition in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Advanced Biomedical Research 2016; 5:2
Sutter Health. The fatty liver clinic at CPMC. 
Wong C. Natural remedies for fatty liver prevention. VeryWellHealth 2019 Nov 18
Yari Z et al. Flaxseed supplementation in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a pilot randomized, open labeled, controlled study. International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition 2016 Jun; 67(4):461-69.
Zhou T et al. Protective effects of lemon juice on alcohol-induced liver injury in mice. BioMed Research International 2017: 7463571
Leave a Comment

Lisa Roth Collins is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist (RHN) and is the Marketing Manager at NaturallySavvy.com. She is passionate about health and wellness and tries her best to make healthier choices every day for herself and her family. Her journey to natural health was driven by her own struggles with digestive discomfort, depression, and anxiety. Lisa returned to school in 2014 to study nutrition at the Canadian School for Natural Nutrition. She threw herself into her studies so she could learn as much as she could to help herself feel better and thrive. Upon completing the program and being certified as an RHN, Lisa began her work at Naturally Savvy where she has been able to help so many people learn to make healthier choices for themselves. Through her work, she has connected with so many incredible people in the industry whether other authors, influencers, or brands. Plus, she is affectionately known as "Techie Spice" because of her ability to wrap her head around technology. Every day she gets up with a renewed sense of energy and ready to make a difference. You can read all of Lisa's content here. In her spare time, Lisa loves to try new recipes, make delicious and nourishing meals, and she is an avid reader. For more information about Lisa, check out her profile on here.