Fatty Liver Diet, Healthy recipes for fatty liver

Barley Khichdi

Liver and it’s functions

Liver is body’s chemical workshop. This largest organ of the body is mainly responsible for the metabolism of nutrients essential for life.

6 Important functions that liver performs for our body are:

1. To convert carbohydrates to stored energy.
2. To metabolize protein.
3. To absorb fat.
4. To absorb absorption and storage of various nutrients.
5. To act as a filter to remove alcohol and toxic substance from body.
6. To process drugs and medications enabling the body to use them effectively.

Grapefruit and Green Apple Salad

What is fatty liver?

Fatty liver in simple terms is excess deposition of fat in the liver. Some amount of fat is present in liver. But it’s the overload which poses a problem and hinders the functioning of liver. This usually has no symptoms, but some experience loss of appetite, nausea and abdominal pain. The 2 main types of fatty liver disease are:
1. Alcoholic fatty liver disease
2. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)

What is Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease?

As mentioned earlier, the liver usually breaks and filters the excess alcohol from the body. But in the process of breaking down the alcohol it produces harmful substances which damage the liver cells. The lives generally repairs its old damaged cells with new ones. However constant intake of alcohol causes inflammation of the liver. This is reversible if dietary and lifestyle modifications are introduced at the right time. If not treated, it can lead to Alcoholic Hepatitis and Cirrhosis, which can be life threatening too.

Flax Seed Shakarpara, Diabetic Friendly

What is Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)?

When the original cause of the fatty liver is not alcohol, it is excess fat build up which causes the liver to swell. This might be accompanied by inflammation sometimes. If the liver isn’t inflamed it may not show any symptoms and may not pose a problem too. But if the liver is inflamed, it may causes fibrosis or scarring which is harmful. This may progress to cirrhosis or liver cancer.

10 Main Causes of Fatty Liver

1. Excessive alcohol intake
2. Obesity
3. High Lipid levels, such as cholesterol and triglyceride
4. Malnourishment
5. Excess use of medications
6. Diabetes
7. High Blood Pressure
8. Continuous exposure to toxins in chemical industries
9. Pregnancy
10. Infections like hepatitis C

10 ways to eat wisely for Fatty Liver.

Here are some dietary recommendations for fatty liver disease:

1. Focus on the whole grains and beans like barley, oats, bajra, moong, matki etc. Try the Healthy Oats Vegan Granola Bars with Peanut Butter. These are sure to please your taste buds.

Healthy Oats Vegan Granola Bars with Peanut Butter

2. Consume as many fruits and veggies as you can. They are full of antioxidants and low in calories and fat. Reach out for broccoli, capsicum, onions, garlic, grapefruit, berries etc. We have a total antioxidant boost in the form of Broccoli Broth.

Broccoli Broth (Healthy Soups and Salads Recipe)

3. Very little sugar, salt, canned foods, baked goods, breads, pasta, saturated fats like butter and margarine.

Ragi and Oat Crackers

4. Avoid the fried foods completely. Look out for healthy options like Ragi and Oat Crackers and Baked Bhakarwadi.

Baked Bhakarwadi, Healthy Jar Snack

5. Add a dose of omega 3 fatty acids in the form of avocado, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, flax seeds etc to your diet daily. Learn the art of Roasting Pumpkin Seeds. Alternatively try making Flax Seed Shakarpara.

How To Roast Pumpkin Seeds, Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

6. Reach out for vitamin E rich foods like sunflower seeds, almonds and some greens like Kale and Spinach. They help in protecting liver cells. Want to try something with Kale? Avocado Kale and Mango Pulp Smoothie is the answer.

Avocado Kale and Mango Pulp Smoothie

7. Devour Green tea if possible. It helps in weight loss as it interferes in fat absorption.

Phudina Green Tea

8. Limit the intake of non-veg foods especially the red meat.

9. Opt for low fat milk if targeting to loss weight or control lipid levels. Here’s how can make low fat milk at home.

How To Make Homemade Skimmed Milk

10. Reach out for healthy variants like Peanut butter and Flax Seeds with Curd and Honey for in between snack options.

Flax Seeds with Curd and Honey, Good For Weight Loss and Fitness