Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver and Nutrition

Excessive fat accumulation in the body is defined as obesity. Fatty liver occurs as a result of the excessive accumulation of this fat not being metabolized by the liver and thus the accumulation of high amounts of fat in the liver cells. In other words, more than 5% of liver weight is fat. Fatty liver is divided into alcohol-related and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Excessive alcohol consumption causes alcohol-induced fatty liver. Although there are many reasons for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, the biggest reason is obesity. Therefore, the best treatment method in this fatty liver group is weight loss and lifestyle changes.

How Should Nutritional Treatment Be?

• Consumption of packaged foods and refined sugar should be limited. Complex carbohydrates (bulgur pilaf, whole wheat bread, legumes, vegetables, fruits, milk desserts) are preferred instead of foods containing simple carbohydrates (all kinds of foods made from white flour, rice pilaf, sherbet desserts, chocolate, honey, jam, sugary drinks, etc.).
• Consumption of foods in the fast food group, delicatessen products such as sausage, salami, sausage, pastrami, offal, fatty sauces, mayonnaise, cream, and cream should be limited.
• Instead of frying and roasting, foods should be cooked with healthy cooking methods such as boiling, steaming, baking and grilling. Excessively fatty foods should be avoided.
• Consumption of milk, meat, chicken and fish more than recommended should not be provided.
• Consumption of foods with high antioxidant content helps the liver to get rid of harmful toxins. For this reason, care should be taken to consume foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E, which have high antioxidant content in the diet.
• Foods high in fiber should be included in the diet. Foods with high fiber content are legumes, fruits, vegetables and cereal products, respectively.
• Alcohol consumption must be limited. The place where alcohol is metabolized is the liver. The liver can handle a certain amount of alcohol. Frequent and excessive consumption of alcohol is one of the biggest causes of fatty liver. In order to remove toxic metabolites from the body, plenty of water should be consumed.
• A healthy diet and regular exercise should become a lifestyle. The nutrition plan should be personal, medical nutrition therapy should be applied with a dietitian who is an expert in the field.