Fructose Contributes to a Fatty Liver

Ever heard of Hepatic Steatosis? It's the medical term for a fatty liver, and it describes a liver condition in which there is an abnormal and excessive build up of fat in the cells of the liver. When the fat in the liver accounts for more than 10% of the liver's weight, then it is called "hepatic steatosis" and this condition could lead to more serious complications for the patient.

Most people know that alcoholics develop liver damage as a consequence of chronic alcohol consumption. But not all fatty, inflamed livers are caused by excessive alcohol consumption. It's estimated that over one third of Americans suffer from fatty liver disease unrelated to alcohol consumption. That's over 60 million people.

STEATOSIS

This type of liver disease is called non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and it's a concern because just like the type that alcoholics get, NAFLD can lead to an inflamed liver, a disease called nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, or NASH, and set the sufferer up for a higher risk of liver cancer.

Worse, a fatty liver produces no symptoms on its own, so people often only learn about their fatty liver when they have medical tests for other reasons.

What Causes Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease?

There are many different causes for NAFLD. Most sites, including the American Liver Foundation, mention elevated triglycerides, but they don't tell you what to do.

So then, what causes elevated triglycerides? As it turns out, a diet high in carbohydrates, especially a diet high in fructose, has been shown to elevate triglyceride levels, and as a consequence, worsen NAFLD.

On average, Americans eat about 75 pounds of fructose per year, mostly in the form of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). HFCS is added to just about every processed food, and it's in foods that you wouldn't suspect, including artificial crabmeat, soups, and other supposedly non-sweet foods. And study after study has shown that fructose elevates triglyceride levels and increases inflammation in the liver. Fructose is metabolized exclusively in the liver, and a diet heavy in fructose takes a toll on the liver.

Other Causes of NAFLD

In addition, a high consumption of omega-6 polyunsaturated fats also contributes to fatty liver disease. Omega-6 fats include vegetable oils such as corn, canola, and soybean oils. (Omega-6 oils do not include olive oil, and nut oils; these are monounsaturated oils.)

In addition to contributing to NAFLD, many studies have shown that omega-6 oils are highly inflammatory, and linoleic acid, the main fatty acid found in vegetable oil, has a suppressive effect on the immune system and on thyroid function.

Treating NAFLD
At least two studies, one from Duke University, and one from Cambridge in London, have shown that reducing carbohydrate consumption and increasing saturated fat intake helps the liver shed excess fat in as little as three days.

So, if you want a healthy liver, cut your overall carbohydrate intake, and avoid fructose and processed vegetable oils as much as possible!

Fructose Contributes to a Fatty Liver

STEATOSIS