Fatty liver: How to protect your body's biochemical powerhouse

Annually celebrated on June 11, Global Fatty Liver Day focuses on public education regarding fatty liver disease. This condition has become more prevalent due to the poor lifestyle choices that are blamed for the epidemics of obesity and diabetes. The good news is that it is relatively easy to keep the liver healthy and the disease at bay with a few lifestyle modifications.

The typical modern diet is very high in sugar and refined carbohydrates and results in fatty livers. Replacing white rice and bread, pastries and sugar-laden sodas with whole grains, fruits, vegetables and other fiber-rich carbohydrates helps the liver and diminishes the chances of developing fatty liver disease.

The research shows that if coffee drinkers do not load their coffee with sugar or cream and consume coffee in moderation, they are less likely to develop fatty liver and liver scarring and their liver will be less inflamed and more healthy when compared to a non-coffee drinker's liver.

Participating in regular physical activity will help your body burn off excess fat and make it easier for the body to use insulin and is thus good for liver health. Try to aim to get 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity such as walking, cycling, swimming, or doing other types of activities that you enjoy.

People who have a high level of sugar in their blood and an unhealthy amount of cholesterol are at risk of developing fatty liver disease. If you are regularly checked by your doctor, eat a healthy diet, and take any medications prescribed by your doctor, your blood sugars and cholesterol levels should be kept in check and you will reduce the risk that you will have liver damage in the future.

The risk of developing fatty liver disease significantly increases when a person is overweight or obese. A healthy liver and a healthy fatty liver disease free lifestyle can be maintained when weight is lost gradually and healthily.

Alcohol damages the liver and is a common cause of fatty liver disease. The inflammation, fatty liver and scarring from regular or excessive alcohol consumption cannot happen if alcohol is eliminated or its consumption is kept to a bare minimum.

​Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.​