Did you know that you could have a "fatty Liver' and not be aware of it? A fatty liver is the result of excess fat in liver cells. The definition seems simple enough, but what may not be so easy to understand is that while overconsumption of alcohol can make you more likely to get it, a form of the disease called "Non-Alcohol" Fatty Liver Disease may have little to do with the consumption of alcohol.
Non-Alcohol" Fatty Liver Disease (NAFL) occurs when you take in more fat and calories than your liver can process—resulting in simple fats building up in the liver cells. It is most recognizable through diagnostic testing and blood work and can fly under the radar until fat build-up in the liver has made up at least 5% of the liver.
Think of Non-Alcohol" Fatty Liver Disease (NAFL) as the first stage of the more severe forms of liver disease. At this stage (before it reaches that 5% threshold), there may not be any lasting damage to the liver, and if managed, it may even be reversed! The caveat is that at this stage (simple fatty liver), early warning signs are so mild that they are most often overlooked. You probably won't know you have it unless it's diagnosed during tests carried out for another reason.
Left undiagnosed, the disease can progress, leaving the liver more vulnerable to more severe forms of the disease.
Risk factors for Non-Alcohol" Fatty Liver Disease (NAFL)
- High intake of processed fatty foods
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Hyperlipemia
- Genetics
- Overconsumption of alcohol
- Low-calorie diet (malnutrition)
- Protein deficiency
- Leaky Gut Syndrome, which affects the permeability of the intestinal wall, may also be responsible for allowing fats to enter the bloodstream.
Listen to your Liver!
Watch for signs that your liver requires your attention, such as headaches, poor memory, acne, hormone imbalances, and nausea. You may also experience fatigue that is accompanied by a dull, aching pain in the top right of the tummy or over the right side of the ribs. Other symptoms may include excess weight in the abdominal area, elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels, overheating of the body, excessive sweating and red itchy eyes.
- Considering that Non-Alcohol" Fatty Liver Disease (NAFL) is not always diagnosed early so, the best defence is preventative liver care with lifestyle changes, dietary changes and supplementation.
- Ask for a "Liver Enzyme" blood test during your regular check-up if there are any early signs of the disease; a blood test may pick up on the elevated enzymes and raise the red flag for your physician.
- Change your diet! Reduce your intake of refined sugars, read labels for hidden sugars, reduce starch (processed flours, processed foods), and eat more cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and brussels sprouts.
- Incorporate healthy oils such as olive oil, macadamia nut oil and avocado oil into your diet; reach for a handful of raw nuts every day.
- Eat wild fish, free-range chicken and grass-fed beef. If you are not a fan of wild-caught fish, consider an Omega-3 supplement. They help to reduce the inflammatory response of the liver. Omega 3 supplements also work on lipo-toxicity of the liver by activating a critical sensor in the liver that helps suppress the production of new fat molecules.
Love Your Liver with Healthology Liv-Great Liver Formula
Healthology Liv-Great Liver Formula is an excellent choice for daily liver support because it boosts the liver's detox capacity, helps protect the liver from damage, and supports phase 1 and phase 2 liver detoxification. Moving wastes and toxins through your liver for extraction is one of the best attributes of the Liv-Great Liver formula. It is a comprehensive blend that empowers the metabolic capacity of your liver and supports toxin-eliminating bile production. It may help repair damaged liver cells and facilitate the fat-burning and detoxification abilities of the liver, which helps protect, heal and restore the liver. Each of the ingredients in Liv-Great Liver supports the liver's functions. Here is how it works
Milk Thistle- Some preliminary studies have suggested that silymarin may improve liver function by keeping toxic substances from binding to liver cells.
- Protects the liver from damage by preventing toxins from binding to liver tissue
- Boosts Phase 1 detoxification, resulting in improved liver markers on lab testing
- Antioxidant that heals and protects the liver from damage caused by oxidation
N-acetyl-l-cysteine can bind to toxic metabolites and free radicals. It can also support blood flow and oxygen delivery to the liver.
- Increases levels of glutathione in the liver, which is one of the most essential factors in Phase 2 detoxification.
- Significantly improves the function of the liver, resulting in improved liver enzyme parameters on lab testing.
- Antioxidant that heals and protects the liver from damage caused by oxidation
DL-Alpha Lipoic Acid has powerful antioxidant benefits for the liver and may help induce liver regeneration.
- Enhances liver function by boosting Phase 2 detoxification
- Antioxidant that heals and protects the liver from damage caused by oxidation
- DL is an easily absorbed and biologically active form of the nutrient.
Garlic Bulb may help regulate the mechanisms of the liver and help modulate lipid and glucose metabolism.
- Source of sulphur required for Phase 2 detoxification.
- Reduces fat accumulation in liver cells to support a healthy structure of the liver, thereby improving liver function
- It improves cholesterol and helps to balance blood sugar levels.
Artichoke Leaf supports the stimulation of bile flow from the liver and protects the liver from damage.
- Protects liver cells from damage through its antioxidant activity
- Improves liver function by boosting liver enzyme activity and improving detoxification pathways
Dandelion Root protects liver tissue and helps reduce excess fat in the liver (fatty liver). Dandelion also has diuretic actions but does not leach out potassium as part of the removal of fluid.
- Increases the flow of bile from the liver, which promotes the elimination of toxins and lowers cholesterol.
- Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant to heal the liver and protect it from damage
Selenium supports liver damage caused by oxidative stress and may support lipid deposits.
- Supports Phase 2 detoxification by increasing the activity of our most important detoxifier, glutathione.
Curcumin provides powerful anti-inflammatory benefits and can neutralize free radicals that cause damage to the liver. Curcumin may also decrease risk factors associated with Fatty Liver Disease, such as excess uric acid, excess lipid levels and insulin resistance.
- Boosts Phase 2 detoxification through increasing liver enzyme function and glutathione activity.
- Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant to heal the liver and protect it from damage
Phyllanthus amarus – the whole plant may help reduce oxidative stress on the liver and positively affects regulating liver enzymes
- Assists with the proliferation of liver cells, helping it to heal from damage
- Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity that heals and protects the liver from damage
Discuss the use of herbal supplements with your health care provider if you have liver disease and are taking any prescribed medications for liver disorders. If you are pregnant or lactating, you should avoid the use of these herbal supplements. Research all possible interactions relative to your present health and use only according to the label