Alcohol And The Prevalence Of Nash
NASH is a histologically advanced stage of NAFLD characterized by steatosis with inflammation and ballooning degeneration. Given that moderate alcohol consumption may protect against the development of NAFLD in the general population, this prompts the question of whether moderate alcohol consumption protects against NASH in those with established NAFLD.
In biopsy-proven NAFLD, moderate alcohol consumption appears to be associated with a lower prevalence of NASH and fibrosis when compared to abstinence in three independent study groups. A meta-analysis of 822 participants performed by Sookoian et al. , which incorporated data from the NASH Clinical Research Network and their Argentinean cohort, showed a decreased prevalence of steatohepatitis and fibrosis in those with NAFLD among moderate drinkers compared to non-drinkers .
A study by Mitchell et al. of 187 patients with biopsy-confirmed NAFLD yielded similar results : modest consumption, which was defined in this study as < 70 g/week, was associated with lower fibrosis scores compared to abstinence with a trend toward non-significance in the moderate consumption group, which was defined in this study as 70 g/week . This protective effect was not demonstrated in binge drinkers who consumed similar amounts of alcohol with respect to their non-binge drinking counterparts compared to abstainers.
The Two Main Types Of Fatty Liver Disease
Though the physical effects of fatty liver disease remain consistent across types, it’s valuable to have an understanding of the different pathophysiologies, as that influences how the body responds to treatment.
There are two primary types of fatty liver disease: alcoholic fatty liver disease and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
As the name indicates, alcoholic fatty liver disease arises due to long-term alcohol abuse. Scientists have known for centuries that over-consumption of alcohol leads to liver disease. The majority of the metabolization of alcohol transpires in the liver, making it quite susceptible to alcohol-related injury.
In the first stage of alcoholic liver disease , the liver begins to struggle to break down fatty acids. This can result in high serum triglyceride levels, inflammation of the liver , and the development of scars in the liver tissue .
Early intervention can, in some cases, allow the liver to cleanse itself, thereby naturally reversing the buildup of fat. Subsequently, it can function normally once more. Refraining from the consumption of all types of alcohol for a 2-week period can be sufficient, if this step is taken shortly after liver dysfunction sets in.
The longer the accumulation of fat in the liver goes on, the more extensive the related damage, and the greater the likelihood of long-term impairment of liver function, permanent scarring, and liver failure.
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Treatment Of Nafld And Nash
At this time there are no medication or pharmaceutical therapies available for NAFLD. The good news is that NAFLD is typically treatable via lifestyle intervention therapy. Lifestyle intervention including diet, exercise, and weight loss are considered the gold standards for the treatment of fatty liver disease. These modifiable lifestyle habits are proven treatment options that can help improve NAFLD and prevent the progression to the more dangerous forms of liver diseases.
Healthy eating habits and weight loss are proven steps towards prevention and treatment of liver disease. Even minimal weight loss can have a positive impact on NAFLD, and 7-10% weight loss has been shown to potentially reverse NAFLD and NASH:
- 3-5% weight loss improves liver steatosis .
- 5-7% weight loss improves inflammation and ballooning of the liver.
- 7-10% weight loss has shown to lead to NASH regression and fibrosis regression.
Also Check: What Wine Goes With Pizza
Reduction Of Simple Sugars
There is some limited data that high fructose consumed in excess, not the typical amount consumed in a whole food diet that includes natural fructose containing foods such as fruit, but from refined added sugars increase risk factors for NAFLD. The Mediterranean diet does not contain many added sugars as it limits foods and beverages with added refined sugar such sugar, high fructose corn syrup, dextrose, glucose, etc. These simple sugars are often found in sweet beverages such as soda, lemonade juice, sweet tea, fruit juices, candy, baked goods, and other sweet treats. If you often read the food label you will notice that sugar is added to so many of our food products! With recent label changes you cannot identify how many grams of added sugar are added to your foods.
You Will Naturally Lose Weight
One of the things that I was advised to do after being diagnosed with a fatty liver was to lose weight. When I started this diet, I weighted 210 lbs and I have naturally lost weight without any extra exercise, and without starving.
I went down to 190 lbs in just three months and this was the reason why I havent started exercising yet: you dont want to lose weight too fast, or youll put extra pressure on your liver.
Please have in mind, though, that this fatty liver diet is not a weight loss diet. In my case, it helped a lot because I used to eat huge portions in the past and unhealthy foods.
Just switching to lower portions and eating completely healthy helped me lose weight, then stick to my new weight over the years. I was so surprised to see how much eating habits affect our weight!
Eventually though, you will reach a point where your weight loss will halt and if youre not at your ideal weight, you should start exercising to speed up the process and get there.
From personal experience, I can say that this happens after three months of changing to the Mediterranean diet and losing weight.
As soon as that happens, you should bring in exercise into your life. Exercising is extremely important, so do something extra even if its just walking 8,000 steps per day.
The higher the intensity of your exercising, the better. Aim to exercise at least 3 times per week, ideally every day. Here as well you should take it slow and increase intensity every few days.
Don’t Miss: Nvy Envy Passion Fruit
Beans And Soy To Reduce The Risk Of Nafld
Both beans and soy have shown promise when it comes to reducing the risk of NAFLD.
A scientific overview of diet and liver disease points out that legumes such as lentils, chickpeas, soybeans, and peas are not only nutritionally dense foods, but also contain resistant starches that help improve gut health. Consumption of legumes may even help lower blood glucose and triglycerides in individuals living with obesity. In addition, a 2019 study found diets rich in legumes specifically helped lower the likelihood of NFALD.
A few studies have also found that eating soy may help protect the liver, most likely because soy contains a high content of the protein -conglycinin noted for its ability to help lower triglyceride levels and possibly protect against visceral fat buildup.
Additionally, tofu is a low-fat food that serves as a good source of protein, making it an ideal choice if youre trying to limit your fat consumption.
Alcohol And The Prevalence Of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
In the general population, data from cross-sectional studies suggest that modest to moderate alcohol consumption is associated with a lower prevalence of NAFLD compared to abstinence from alcohol. Although these studies can be useful for guiding public policies, they have limited application to the patient with NAFLD or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis who presents to the clinic. In a meta-analysis using data from eight different studies and their own Argentinean cohort, Sookoian et al. sought to delineate the association between alcohol intake and the prevalence of NAFLD . This study included 43,175 people who were divided into two groups, namely non-drinkers and modest to moderate drinkers . The analysis showed that the group with modest to moderate alcohol intake had decreased odds of NAFLD compared to the non-drinkers. The authors concluded that modest to moderate alcohol intake is associated with a 31% protective effect against developing NAFLD. However, in a later meta-regression analysis incorporating data from six combined studies , BMI was shown to be a potential confounder, because those who consumed a modest amount of alcohol appeared to have lower BMIs compared to abstainers . Nonetheless, the results suggest that modest alcohol consumption is inversely associated with the diagnosis of NAFLD for those without a known diagnosis of NAFLD.
Read Also: Where To Buy Chinese Cooking Wine
Symptoms Of A Fatty Liver And Nafld
You may not have any symptoms of having a fatty liver, however, if youre reading this article, it may be that you think or know that you have a fatty liver. Of course, not all people have the same symptoms and some people do not even know that they have a fatty liver. Many peoples FLD is found only through having other investigations, such as a CT scan on the chest for lung issues.
People with a fatty liver may experience more weakness, tiredness and fatigue than average. They might also experience a pain or a fullness in the abdomen towards the right and center. Some patients have showed an increase in pain in the joints associated with NAFLD. In terms of blood tests, these would show up as elevated levels of AST and ALT as well as increased triglyceride and insulin levels.
If a fatty liver progresses to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis there will be an increase in the severity of the symptoms such as vomiting and nausea, appetite loss, an increase in the severity of soreness in the abdomen and a yellowing of the skin and eyes.
Its vitally important that anyone who has been diagnosed with a fatty liver sees their physician regularly so that the condition is monitored and can hopefully be reversed before it progresses to NASH.
Can You Drink Beer If You Have A Fatty Liver
Just a small bottle of beer. Can I drink that? Am I allowed to drink at least a glass of beer every now and then if I have a fatty liver? It cant do much damage now, can it?
These are the questions that most people start asking after a while of dieting to reverse their fatty liver. You dont have to be an alcoholic to start missing drinking a glass of cold beer during a hot summers day
But, just as it is the case of wine, beer is on the list of things you are no longer allowed to consume if you have a fatty liver. I would go as far as saying never again even after you reverse it!
And in this article, were going to find out why you shouldnt drink beer if you have NAFLD / fatty liver.
Recommended Reading: Where Can I Buy Outlander Wine
Powerful Foods That Heal Your Fatty Liver
When you get your liver healthy and operating at peak performance, a lot of other problems just seem to solve themselves
1. Its much easier to lose extra pounds: A fatty liver prevents your body from properly releasing all the toxins that get built-up over time.
What that happens, its becomes difficult for you to digest certain foods, especially sugars and carbs.
These quickly turn to belly fat, and extra weight on your hips and thighs, which is extremely hard to get rid of.
After I got my liver cleaned up, I was able to drop 31 lbs in about 3 months, and have kept it off for over a year now. Dont be surprised if the same thing happens to you.
2. Your skin may clear up: Rashes, eczema, and psoriasis are all symptoms that your liver is not functioning properly. Even pimples, blackheads, and red patches often go away when liver function returns to normal.
Some people see skin issues theyve had for years begin to heal themselves.
Thats because a healthy liver is better able to clean your blood and body more effectively, and once you are healthy again, keep you in whats known as homeostasis, or the healthy harmonic balance you were born with.
3. You may become more alert: When the fog that accompanies liver problems lifts. you become sharper mentally, able to think, speak, and act with greater clarity and decisiveness.
Which leads to something else..
Solve your liver trouble, and not only will you be happier, but
Wine May Decrease Your Risk Of Liver Fibrosis
Turns out, drinking wine isn’t all that bad for your liver. In fact, one study published by the American Journal of Gastroenterology pointed out how drinking a moderate amount of wine each week was actually linked to a reduced fibrosis, meaning the odds of developing advanced fibrosis was decreased significantly. The study says that drinking a “modest” amount of 1 to 70 grams per week saw reduced fibrosis rates.
Read Also: Get Wine Out Of White Shirt
Use This Article To Help You
Youve already taken the very first move towards recovery by educating yourself, so give yourself a pat on the back and lets take a look at the eight things you must avoid if you want a healthy liver
Noticeable Signs Of Liver Damage From Alcohol
The biggest concern regarding alcohol induced liver disease is that there are no symptoms until significant damage has been done to the liver. However, the following are some of the symptoms of liver damage from alcohol:
- general unwellness
- diarrhea
- abdominal pain
Because these symptoms are very vague and could indicate any number of illnesses or gastrointestinal issues, many people disregard these warning signs. Continuing to consume alcohol can speed up the damage to the liver.
You May Like: Is Malibu Wine Safari Open
Are There Other Dangers From Alcohol Besides How Much I Drink
Yes. Even moderate amounts of alcohol can have toxic effects when taken with over-the-counter drugs containing acetaminophen.
If you’re taking over-the-counter drugs, be especially careful about drinking and don’t use an alcoholic beverage to take your medication.
Ask your doctor about precautions for prescription drugs.
Keto: The Best Fatty Liver Diet
Updated Sep 30th, 2020 Written by Craig Clarke
Fatty liver disease is exactly what the name suggests a disease characterized by the build up of fat in the liver. There are two main types of fatty liver disease:
- Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
- Alcoholic fatty liver disease
Both types of fatty liver disease are diagnosed when fat makes up at least 10% of the liver, but the cause of the fat build up is different for each type.
The cause of alcoholic fatty liver disease is obvious. The amount of alcohol it takes to cause fatty build up in the liver, however, is not so obvious. The Liver Foundation suggests consuming no more than 14 drinks a week for men and 7 drinks a week for women. Anything more than may cause fat to build up in the liver.
The treatment for alcoholic fatty liver disease is simple enough stop drinking alcohol. Studies confirm that cessation of alcohol consumption can reverse alcoholic fatty liver disease.
However, the cause and treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease are not as obvious. This is because many different factors can cause fat to build up in the liver.
Recommended Reading: Can You Drink Wine In Ketosis
What To Do Now
In a perfect world, you would stop eating every one of those dangerous foods, and wouldnt even consider touching them again. But we do not live in a perfect world, do we.
We live in a world driven by convenience, social pressure, budgets, last-minute decisions, and lots of marketing by big food conglomerates. A world where our choices are not always under our own control because we are getting fed by others, or eating as a family, and sometimes we need to compromise our ideal diet, in order to accommodate the group.
So consider these as guidelines to follow, unless of course, you are under a doctors orders . The most important thing is to simply become aware of what you are putting into your body:
- How much sugar?
- How many processed foods?
- How many poisons?
Then, you will have the power to minimize their consumption. Read food labels, cook for yourself, and most of all, stop eating when you are full, instead of trying to clean your plate. Constant overeating is a far more serious concern than having an occasional hot-dog.
And if you are wondering what you can eat,
Foods That May Contain Aflatoxins
Aflatoxins are a family of toxins produced by certain molds found on agricultural crops such as corn, peanuts, cottonseed, and tree nuts. They are actually a type of poison that mutates the DNA in your liver and digestive tract, destroying tissue on a cellular level,
In fact, the National Cancer Institute even says that Exposure to aflatoxins is associated with an increased risk of liver cancer.
Bottom line is if you have a liver problem, you should avoid corn, peanut butter, and cottonseed oil, as well as anything else where aflatoxins might be present. At the very least, you should eliminate these individually to see how your body reacts.
Recommended Reading: Belle Meade Winery
Too Much Wine Can Slow Down Your Liver
When you drink any alcoholwine includedyour liver will actually slow down during consumption. Alcohol is broken down in the liver, but if you’re drinking more than one glass of wine an hour, your liver won’t be able to process it fast enough, according to the journal Alcohol, Health & Research World. The non-processed alcohol will then go into your bloodstream, which causes the feeling of intoxication. If you’re not giving your liver the full hour to digest a glass of wine, the liver process will slow down and your body will take an even longer period of time to break it down.
RELATED: Get even more healthy tips straight to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter!
Eat This, Not That!
