Were you recently diagnosed with fatty liver disease?

Are you unsure what it means?

Well to start off fatty liver has almost nothing to do with eating too much fat! Fatty liver disease is the excess storage of fat around the liver which is commonly caused by either excessive alcohol known as alcoholic liver disease (ALD) or the excess consumption of refined carbohydrates (particularly fructose) and trans fats known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Some other possible causes are medications, viral hepatitis and auto immune disease.

NAFLD can progress to non- alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). NASH can lead to permanent liver damage. The liver may enlarge and, over time, liver cells may be replaced by scar tissue. This is called cirrhosis, when you have cirrhosis, depending on how much of your liver is affected, the liver can no longer function properly and you are at risk of developing liver failure and liver cancer. NASH is one of the leading causes of cirrhosis. Recent studies show that an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine and other changes in the intestine may be associated with NAFLD. Some researchers now suspect this may play a role in the progression of NAFLD to NASH.

Why is the liver so important? Here are some of the reasons why:

• Processes carbohydrate, fat and protein and converts them to energy for your cells
• Detoxifies any toxins such as drugs, alcohol and pesticides
• Produces bile which is needed to break down and digest fat
• Stores glycogen (energy)
• Stores important vitamins and minerals

What does this all mean to me?

Studies have shown by reducing your carbohydrate intake and ensuring adequate protein, your body actually starts to use the fatty deposits around your liver for energy!

Talk to us and we can prescribe the correct amount of carbohydrates and protein so your body will begin to break down the fats and restore your liver to better health. We can also help support your liver with appropriate nutrients and herbs.

The liver is an extremely important organ and plays several crucial roles in the body! It is vital to ensure that your liver is working properly!

It is important to remember these two facts:

1. Fatty liver can occur after drinking moderate or large amounts of alcohol but did you know that it can even occur after a short period of heavy drinking and is known as acute alcoholic liver disease.
2.  Fatty liver can occur in people who never drink alcohol from eating too much carbohydrate/sugar!

Kirsten Flavell © 2018