Fatty Liver Disease: The risk behind this dangerous health condition
Did you know that over 80% of people with a fatty liver have no idea they’re suffering with a potentially deadly condition? In truth, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is affecting millions of people with no end in sight. Largely undetected by too many people, this serious condition can trigger blood sugar imbalances, chronic fatigue, kidney damage, brain fog / memory issues plus a variety of other chronic health problems.
The consequences of an untreated fatty liver can result in the development of diabetes, heart disease, and liver cancer. But, the good news is that you can dramatically reduce the threat of a fatty liver by making significant (yet simple) changes to your lifestyle - today!
Who is at risk for fatty liver disease?
Although you might think that a fatty liver is caused exclusively by alcohol consumption (which is possible), the vast majority of fatty liver cases are due to poor food choices, the accumulation of environmental toxins and blocked detoxification pathways.
Key risk factors associated with a fatty liver:
- Hypothyroidism: Researchers believe that the thyroid receptor may be to blame in signaling liver fibrogenesis - the formation of fibrous tissue in response to injury or inflammation, scar tissue. And, yes, 61% of people with hypothyroidism test positive for NAFLD.
- Prediabetes, diabetes or insulin resistance: When the body cannot process energy correctly, fat accumulates in the liver and can easily lead to a fatty liver.
- Excess body weight: Having a high body mass index (BMI) score or, simply put, carrying around too much belly fat isnot a good idea - especially for your liver health. The accumulation of excess fat in and around the liver will lead to chronic inflammation, fibrosis, plus many other health problems related to poor metabolism.
- A high (simple) sugar or (toxic) fat diet: Too many fats - loaded with synthetic hormones, chemicals and antibiotics - will clog up your liver and make it difficult for you to absorb the nutrients your body needs to thrive. And, obviously, too much sugar is really bad for liver health.
So, what can we do to avoid the development of a fatty liver?
Get more exercise: Being more physically active will help to reduce your BMI score and, obviously, help to break down fat in the body - especially if your activity is aerobic, in nature. One word of caution: if you're dealing with any health issue - be sure to not overdo it, when it comes to exercise. Remember, slow and steady progress wins the race!
Detoxify your diet and home: Eliminating toxins will certainly lower the stressful burden placed on your liver. As you reduce toxins in your life, you increase your ability to effectively flush out stored impurities. Do your best to avoid toxic over-the-counter medications like aspirin and antacids, eat lots of organic vegetables and fruits - rich in fiber - and, drink lots of purified water.
Try berberine: This plant compound offers amazing health benefits like, its ability to help lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels - which, in many studies, have been shown to help people dealing with a fatty liver.
Add more liver-supporting foods: Organic garlic, dandelion (and other bitter greens), wild salmon, daikon, broccoli (and other cruciferous vegetables), lemons and lemon juice, milk thistle and high quality whey protein - are all foods proven to either help improve liver function or help reduce fat in and around the liver.
Sources for this article include:
