Diet Plan For Fatty Liver - Foods To Eat To Reduce A Fatty Liver

A diet plan for fatty liver should be one of moderation and balance. Much like a healthy diet for the average person, a diet for reducing a fatty liver should focus on highly nutritional foods. All food groups need to be represented, but nothing should be eaten in excess.

A key goal of a fatty liver diet should be reducing fat intake into the body. Fatty liver disease (FLD) results from excess fat accumulations in the liver, so it only makes sense to cut out high fat foods, particularly those containing saturated fats. No more than 30% of the overall caloric intake each day should be composed of fats.

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You might be wondering why fat accumulates in the liver in the first place. After all, doesn't it usually collect in adipose tissues around the belly, under the forearms, and around the thighs?

While it is true that fat does accumulate in these places, it is an entirely different form of fat. Adipose tissues collect fat in the form of adipocytes whereas the liver collects fat in the form of triglycerides.

Following a low-fat diet can help stop the progression of fatty liver disease from simple steatosis (its first and least severe stage) to Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis (its most severe and potentially life threatening stage). However, reducing fat alone is not the solution to FDL.

The best diet plan also needs to be rich in vitamins and minerals. Some of the most important vitamins and minerals are folate (folic acid), active forms of vitamin B such as thiamine and riboflavin, manganese, sulfur, selenium, and vitamin C. The best sources for vitamins include citrus fruits and vegetables, particularly greens and leaves.

Protein is also needed since it is an important part of metabolic and cellular processes. The best sources of protein come from vegetables (such as beans), seafood, and lean meats.

Excess fat should be removed from meats prior to cooking or eating them. It is also best to focus on white meats such as chicken and turkey instead of dark meats like beef and pork. Protein should account for about 20-30% of the diet.

Dairy products should be consumed sparingly. Lean toward those that have reduced fat and/or those that are fat-free. A good diet plan for fatty liver will be high in fiber, and complex carbohydrates (such as those found in wheat bread and brown rice) will make up a majority of the caloric intake. Simple carbohydrates (such as those found in candy) should be avoided. Overall, complex carbohydrates should account for 60-70% of the diet.

Steer clear of alcoholic beverages as well as high sugar fruit drinks and energy drinks. Water is always the best option when it comes to beverages.

Diet Plan For Fatty Liver - Foods To Eat To Reduce A Fatty Liver

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