PREVENTATIVE SUPPORT FOR FATTY LIVER DISEASE

In this day and age of packaged foods high in refined sugars and altered fats there is a rise of an insidious disorder called non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Fatty liver in the past had been associated with heavy alcohol use and “excessive living”. As it stands today our food sources have become void of nutrition, high in chemicals and refined ingredients causing this disorder to become one of the most prevalent organ disorders within the North American population, including the youth.

According to the American Liver Foundation “About 100 million individuals in the United States are estimated to have Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), is the most common form of liver disease in children and has more than doubled over the past 20 years.” These statistics are disconcerting and distressing to say the least.

So, what do we do about it? How can we protect this incredible gland responsible for over 500 functions including hormone regulation, breakdown of old blood cells to create bile for fat digestion, and the conversion of non-sugars to food for the body and brain when glucose levels drop below normal? I’m going to share some amazing natural foods, supplements and a practice that will support you and keep your liver healthy and strong.

First, we need to thank our ancestors as they used foods and indigenous plants to support health long before the good old commercial corporate food and pharmaceutical companies showed up. They passed down the knowledge of the ages and their knowledge still applies today. Here are just a few of the many tips from days gone by:

7 Saviors: The 3 foods, 3 supplements and 1 practice that support healthy liver function:

1. Olive Oil – believe it or not fat to decrease fat. Why? Cold pressed plant-based oils such as hemp, flax and olive oil offer incredible support to the liver by providing anti-inflammatory agents and a liquid vehicle that sucks up harmful toxins and helps carry them out of the body. This action lessens the stress on the liver allowing it to regenerate. These fats have been shown to decrease fat levels in the liver.

2. Cruciferous Vegetables – Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, and kale may be the most common but are only a few from this powerful food family. These precious plants contain an amino acid (AA) and super antioxidant called glutathione. Glutathione helps the liver deal with the breakdown of fats and free radicals acting like fly paper, bonding to these harmful molecules and flushing them from the body. Glutathione aids in the manufacturing of healthy DNA, along with assisting in regular cell death (apoptosis) and eliminating the by-products of this process. This incredible AA also increases insulin sensitivity.

3. Green Tea – In the health and wellness World Green tea has always been known for its antioxidant properties and of course, delicious taste. In Japan a small study found that drinking 5-10 cups of green tea a day was associated with improved blood markers of liver health. This is thought to be because of the high flavonoid content of the plant.

4. Milk Thistle – So many things to say about this plant and its benefits. There have been multiple studies done on the efficacy of milk thistle on fatty liver disease, Type 2 diabetes and the benefits for the liver overall. Milk thistle is a type of dandelion believe it or not. We will poison our dandelions on our lawn because they “look ugly”, when in fact these plants have incredible healing properties. Milk thistle contains a compound called silymarin. Silymarin extracted from milk thistle is known to have antioxidant, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. It has traditionally been used to deal with liver/gallbladder disorders, and promote breast milk production. It has been commonly used as a preventative and complimentary supplement in some cancer treatments. It can even protect the liver from snake bites, alcohol and other environmental poisons.

5. N-acetyl cysteine – Also a super antioxidant that helps the body replenish glutathione levels. It contains a compound call cysteine.

Cysteine is found in most high-protein foods, such as chicken, turkey, yogurt, cheese, eggs, sunflower seeds and legumes. It is considered a semi-essential because it can be produced from other amino acids. It becomes essential only when the dietary intake of methionine and serine is low.

6. Superoxide Dismutase – Along with milk thistle and N-acetyl cysteine, SOD helps activate the natural glutathione production in the body. Cantaloupe and Honeydew melon contain the highest levels of this compound along with the cruciferous groups of foods. The bonus being these foods are also high in vitamin C. In other words, EAT YOUR FRUITS AND VEGGIES! 7. Intermittent Fasting (IF) – Currently there are ongoing Government Clinical Studies on the effects and benefits of intermittent fasting specifically for those with NAFLD, Diabetes 2, and Obesity. Intermittent fasting is the practice of alternating between cycles of eating and fasting (not eating). An IF can be as short as 16 hours or as long as 24hrs done once or twice weekly. Some chose to practice for a longer period of time one or twice per year. This practice helps the body regenerate and repair at the cellular level. Some changes that can occur in the body when you fast are: an increase in the levels of Human Growth Hormone (HGH), improvement in insulin sensitivity, cellular repair, and gene expression (changes in function related to longevity and protection against disease). These points alone are a reason to adopt this practice into your weekly or monthly routine. Other benefits you may experience with IF include powerful weight loss, a reduction of inflammation, lower blood lipid levels, increase in brain hormone BDNF, and potential slowing of the aging process.

All in all, adopting any purposeful, positive habits and practices are not only great for your physical health, but your mental health as well. The better you feel, the clearer the mind. I wish you all a good life and great health!

For more information or Nutrition Coaching contact Barbara at www.globalnutritioncoach.com

References:

Green Tea : https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7711535/

https://www.news-medical.net/health/What-are-Flavonoids.aspx

Glutathione : https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5549431/

Milk Thistle : https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK11896/

N-acetyl cysteine : https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5241507/

Intermittent Fasting : https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03365531

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/05/160509085347.htm

Disclaimers

This article is for information purposes only. We do not claim to “diagnose”, “heal”, “treat”, or “cure” any diseases. Before trying any new program or products please consult your physician.