Fatty Liver Diet

Fatty Liver Diet

We recommend Fatty Liver Diet Guide

Alcohol

Alcohol is the culprit in more cases of liver disease, including fatty liver, than any other single factor. The liver plays a big role in the processing of alcohol by the body. The substance, although a drug, is also a nutrient of sorts and a source of calories. Alcohol in large quantities is however toxic, and the processing of it by the liver results in liver damage, in addition to the other negative effects of alcohol on bodily health.

Once a diagnosis of fatty liver disease has been made, a follow up is to examine the amount of alcohol in the patient's diet. More than two drinks a day on the average is considered excessive and if the patient drinks heavily a diagnosis of alcoholic fatty liver disease is appropriate. The treatment for the condition is to reduce or eliminate consumption of alcohol. In most cases, complete elimination of alcohol is called for, especially when signs of alcohol addiction are present. It may be necessary for the patient to have treatment or even hospitalization for alcohol withdrawal symptoms, which are typically quite severe and may be life-threatening, in the case of alcohol addiction.

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

If fatty liver disease is present but alcohol consumption is moderate to none, a diagnosis of non-alcoholic fatty liver is appropriate and it then becomes important to discover the underlying cause. The two most common causes of fatty liver disease other than alcohol are obesity and diabetes. If the patient suffers from type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes, the condition may be unknown to the patient. Depending on whether diabetes is present, control of blood sugar levels may or may not be a significant concern in treatment of fatty liver disease. Weight control is always a concern.

Carbohydrates are a major source of calories (along with fats and proteins carbohydrates are one of the three major sources). As such, carbohydrate intake is a major concern in regard to weight control. Also, carbohydrates are the most quickly digested of the three and include sugars and starches, which makes them especially of concern for patients with diabetes. Continued below....

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