Fatty liver disease is an excess of fat in the liver. The most common type is metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formally called nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). According to the American Liver Foundation, about 25% of people in the United States have MASLD.

Addressing fatty liver early is the key to avoiding more advanced liver disease. The good news is that fatty liver can be reversed or even prevented with lifestyle changes. These changes include weight reduction or maintaining a healthy weight, diet modification, exercise, and avoiding alcohol. Following a diet for fatty liver disease is one of the first-line treatments for patients diagnosed with MASLD.

What Is The Fatty Liver Diet?

The dietary guidelines for a fatty liver are similar to the Mediterranean Diet. Although you should consult your doctor for a specific eating plan based on your individual needs, a more plant-based diet is usually recommended in addition to weight reduction. Losing just five percent of your body weight can reduce the amount of fat in your liver.

 

Foods To Avoid

  • Fats, especially saturated fats and trans fats
  • High-glycemic foods like white bread, rice and potatoes that increase blood glucose levels
  • Sugary foods and drinks (including sodas, juices and sports drinks)
  • Salt and high-salt foods
  • Alcohol
  • Dietary supplements and herbs, unless directed by your physician

 

What You Should Eat

  • A diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole-grains. Aim for at least three servings of vegetables and two servings of fruit per day. Choose whole-grains like brown rice, whole-grain pasta, quinoa, barley and whole-grain bread.
  • Healthy protein sources like fish, chicken, lean red meat, eggs, legumes, seeds and nuts. Aim to get a serving of protein with each meal.
  • Choose unsaturated fats like nuts, olives, extra virgin olive oil, avocados, fatty fish and dark chocolate.
  • Limit low-fat or fat-free milk, cheese, and yogurt (or dairy alternatives) to a few servings per week.
  • If you’re a coffee drinker, aim for two or more cups of caffeinated coffee per day. Studies show that it reduces the risk of liver fibrosis in patients with fatty liver disease.

Following the fatty liver diet (along with weight reduction) is the best treatment for improving or reversing fatty liver. If you are struggling with dietary modifications or weight loss, talk to your doctor.

Do you have MASLD? The Louisiana Research Center at GastroIntestinal Specialists is currently looking for clinical trial participants. To learn more about the trial, please contact our clinical research coordinator at (318) 525-3233. 

The team at GastroIntestinal Specialists, A.M.C. treats multiple conditions and diseases of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Our board-certified physicians have more than 150 years of combined experience in providing quality care you can trust. To schedule an appointment, call (318) 631-9121 or visit gis.md.