Fatty Liver Disease Remedies - Dr. Louis Granirer Holistic Chiropractor

Common Causes of NAFLD

Metabolic syndromes are the most common causes of NFLAD, and as mentioned, this includes obesity, diabetes, insulin resistance, PCOS, and dyslipidemia: high triglycerides and low HDL cholesterol. Diets high in seed oils, fructose, processed foods, refined carbohydrates, and low protein diets contribute to NAFLD. A sedentary lifestyle can contribute to fat accumulation in the liver. Medications like corticosteroids and methotrexate can cause NAFLD. Microbiome imbalances can contribute to NAFLD by affecting enzymes that break down fat and accumulate fat in the liver. Environmental toxins like forever chemicals (PFAS) can disrupt metabolism and contribute to the risk of developing NAFLD. 

Many people who have had their gallbladder removed develop NAFLD. The gallbladder stores and releases bile, which is essential for digesting fats. After removal, the bile has less of a regulatory mechanism and is less concentrated, which can lead to less efficient fat digestion and the accumulation of fat in the liver. 

How Traditional Medicine Treats Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Traditional medical protocols generally recommend that a patient with NFLAD make lifestyle changes. These may include weight loss and a healthy diet. General medical recommendations for a healthy diet may include focusing on the Mediterranean diet, which includes fruit, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and reduced sugar intake. Aerobic and resistance exercises may be recommended. There may be an emphasis on managing related conditions like diabetes, dyslipidemia, and blood pressure through medications. 

What Can Happen If Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease is Ignored

If NAFLD is not addressed, it can progress to Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH). NASH is when the accumulation of fat causes inflammation and damage to the liver cells. The liver loses some functioning and has difficulty keeping up with its primary job of detoxification and the many biochemical processes to support the body. This can further lead to fibrosis or liver scarring, which can further impair functioning. Severe fibrosis turns into cirrhosis, which is a later stage of liver impairment. Cirrhosis of the liver can present as edema, inflammation, jaundice, digestive issues, brain fog, and eventually liver failure.

What Can You Do to Support NAFLD?

Low fat is not the answer, but good fats are a better choice. Healthy fats are essential for the body. Wild salmon, coconut oil, coconut milk, macadamia nuts, pecans, pistachios, hemp seeds, chia seeds, and avocado. Get rid of seed oils, say, "poof," to the PUFAS (polyunsaturated fatty acids) like canola oil, safflower oil, and sunflower oil (high oleic in moderation is ok).

Cut out alcohol. It is just not good for the liver. 

Move! If you aren't "exercising," start walking. If you can't walk, do arm movements and chair exercises. Aim for 6,000 steps per day. Most phones track steps in the health app. Studies have shown that walking up to 12,000 steps per day can be beneficial, but going beyond 12,000 steps doesn't provide the same benefit. 

Additional Holistic Support for Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

If being told to adjust your diet isn't effective enough for you to see results, please contact me for a free consultation. Through muscle testing, I can learn your food sensitivities and correct your microbiome imbalances. The gut directly impacts your liver health. 

Guided Nutritional Supplementation is an effective strategy for fatty liver disease support. Many supplements can support NAFLD and the specific supplementation depends on the individual's genetic factors. Milk thistle, schisandra berry, choline, rosemary, turmeric, liver protomorphogen, N-acetylcysteine, glutathione, alpha-lipoic acid, and green tea extract are some of the supplements that can help support the liver. 

Certain foods help support the liver. Artichoke, liver meat, dandelion greens, broccoli, beets and beet greens, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries can all help support liver function.