The liver, which is the largest organ of our body and the most effective in carrying out metabolic events, is very important for our health. Therefore, we need to pay attention to our liver health. The liver disease with the highest incidence in society is fatty liver. Studies have shown that 25% of adults have fatty liver. At most 10% of a normal liver cell consists of fat. In fatty liver, this rate exceeds 10% and excessive fat accumulation is observed. These accumulated fats are mostly triglycerides and cause structural and functional changes in the liver as a result of fatty liver. Fatty liver is caused by alcohol use, but it can also be seen in individuals who do not consume alcohol. Fatty liver inflammation that occurs in individuals who consume alcohol is called alcoholic hepatitis. Fatty liver, which can also be seen in individuals who do not consume alcohol, is known as non-alcoholic fatty hepatitis (NASH).
While the main cause is alcohol use, other causes of fatty liver are; Obesity, use of high amounts of vitamin A, rapid weight loss, pregnancy, some medications used, diseases related to metabolic disorders.
Fatty liver is diagnosed by blood tests or ultrasound. Diagnosis is made when liver enzymes (SGOT, SGPT..) are elevated in blood tests and the liver is seen to be enlarged on ultrasound. The other method is liver biopsy.
Treating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is easier than treating alcoholic fatty liver disease. The progression of the disease can be prevented and treated with careful nutrition. At this point, diet is very important. Points to consider in nutritional treatment:
The factor that damages the liver the most is alcohol. With alcohol consumption, toxins accumulate in the body and these toxins damage liver cells. Damaged liver cells can cause irreversible diseases. For the health of the liver, it is important to avoid or minimize alcohol consumption.
Offal meats, fatty meats, minced meat, chicken skin etc. These foods have high animal fat content. Consumption of foods high in animal fat and cholesterol should be avoided. Consumption of delicatessen products such as sausages, salami and soudjouk should be avoided.
Vegetables and fruits have a high fiber content. For this reason, they are fresh daily. Fruit and vegetable consumption should be increased. There are studies showing that artichoke helps remove toxic substances from the liver. Therefore, increasing artichoke consumption will be important for liver health.
A diet program that is excessively high in carbohydrates and sugar should be avoided. Honey has a strengthening effect on liver tissue with the cholin substance it contains. For this reason, it is important to use honey in certain amounts in the nutrition program.
Increasing antioxidant-containing foods in the nutrition program will contribute to the treatment. At this point, it is very important to color the tables and increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables.
Packaged and ready-made foods contain high additives and preservatives. These substances will create a burden on the liver and affect its health. For this reason, natural products should be preferred and packaged ready-made foods should be avoided.
It is also very important to pay attention to physical activity. You should make physical activity your lifestyle by combining it with your healthy nutrition program.
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