Herbs for Fatty Liver

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a leading cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. Its treatment typically involves lifestyle modifications such as weight loss, dietary adjustments, and regular exercise, or may include pharmacological interventions. Recently, herbal treatments have gained popularity due to their wide availability and minimal side effects. Below are some of the most effective herbs used in the management of fatty liver disease:

Milk Thistle: Consuming milk thistle at a dosage of one milligram per kilogram of body weight may enhance liver tissue health, reduce fat accumulation, fibrosis, oxidative stress, inflammation, and partially prevent programmed cell death.
Garlic: Garlic offers a protective effect against acute liver damage by alleviating hepatitis inflammation, oxidative stress, and facilitating liver regeneration following acute injury. Additionally, it inhibits programmed cell death while enhancing overall hepatic phagocytosis, contributing to added protection against chronic liver damage associated with fatty liver disease.
Green Tea: The polyphenols found in green tea help prevent fat accumulation and combat oxidative stress, nitrosative stress, and the body’s inflammatory response, thereby acting as a preventative measure against fatty liver disease.
Artichoke: Artichoke contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that assist in the treatment of fatty liver inflammation.

Foods for Fatty Liver

Certain foods may benefit individuals suffering from fatty liver disease, including:

Foods Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These foods can improve liver fat levels and increase good cholesterol in individuals with fatty liver disease. Examples include salmon, sardines, walnuts, and flaxseeds.
Coffee: Coffee is rich in chlorogenic acid, a compound known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It also helps lower cholesterol and blood pressure, thus offering protective benefits against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Broccoli: Consuming broccoli over the long term can help prevent fat buildup in the liver.
Avocado: Avocado is a rich source of healthy fats and contains anti-inflammatory nutrients and soluble fiber, which assist in lowering blood sugar levels and reducing oxidative stress in the body.
Soy Protein and Whey Protein: Including soy protein and whey protein in the diet can help balance the impacts of simple carbohydrate intake, reduce blood sugar levels, preserve muscle mass, and promote overall weight loss.

Guidelines for Patients with Fatty Liver

There are several strategies that can be employed to reduce liver fat, including:

Weight loss and avoiding overeating, especially for individuals who are overweight or obese, as losing weight can lead to a decrease in liver fat.
Reducing carbohydrate intake, particularly refined carbohydrates, as excess carbohydrates can be converted into fat in the liver.
Incorporating foods that promote fat loss in the liver into the diet.