Photo: Andrea Musto

Can a fatty liver go back to normal?

The good news is that fatty liver disease can be reversed—and even cured—if patients take action, including a 10% sustained loss in body weight.

northshore.org - Fatty Liver Disease Can Be Reversed & Cured - Here's How

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Edna Molina would be the first to admit she has a sweet tooth—especially for cookies and cakes. Generally healthy, the 61-year-old Libertyville resident knew she needed to dial back on some of the goodies and lose weight. But Molina was caught by surprise when a blood test during a routine physical flagged elevated liver enzymes. Her internist wasted no time referring her to NorthShore liver specialist and Hepatology Section Chief Claus Fimmel, MD.

Hidden Health Danger

“After further testing, we found that Edna had high blood sugar levels indicating she was prediabetic,” explained Dr. Fimmel. “She also had developed a condition known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, which is closely linked to obesity. It can lead to much more serious conditions including cirrhosis and liver failure.” The good news is that fatty liver disease can be reversed—and even cured—if patients take action, including a 10% sustained loss in body weight. “Dr. Fimmel’s diagnosis scared me,” admitted Molina. So, together with her husband Jaime Contreras—who also needed to shed some pounds—the couple began a “new normal” with a healthier diet. To help guide their journey, Dr. Fimmel teamed up with Preventive Cardiologist David Davidson, MD, who leads NorthShore’s Weight Management Program. Both physicians hold academic appointments at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine.

Eating for Results

“Our program is designed for a wide range of patients and provides structure and accountability to lose weight while preserving the social aspect of eating,” noted Dr. Davidson. “It’s been tremendously successful. Since we began in 2015, our patients have collectively lost more than 10,000 pounds—that’s 5 tons!” The program includes a well-designed diet with appropriate amounts of protein, calories and micronutrients to preserve muscle mass. “Preserving muscle is key to successfully losing weight,” Dr. Davidson added. “We also offer weekly support to keep patients motivated and on track.” Working with a health coach, Molina and her husband began to enjoy the shakes, soups, snacks and other food options that make the diet so approachable. Within six months, she lost 40 pounds and her husband lost more than 50 pounds. “Edna is a shining success story of this program,” said Dr. Fimmel. “Best of all, her liver enzymes returned to normal and she no longer has fatty liver disease.” “Our progress actually created a new problem for us,” joked Molina, “none of our clothes fit anymore! We both have so much more energy and feel 30 years younger. The doctors at NorthShore truly changed my life, and I know others can benefit from this program, too.”

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What removes fat from your liver?

Aerobic exercise can actually cut the amount of fat in your liver. A heavy workout may also lower inflammation. Resistance or strength training exercises, like weight lifting, can also improve fatty liver disease.

webmd.com - Get Rid of Fatty Liver Disease: Diet, Supplement & Lifestyle Tips - WebMD

The normal treatment for fatty liver disease, whether it's alcohol-related or not, is to reach a healthy weight through diet and exercise. So what should you eat? In general, foods that fight cell damage, make it easier for your body to use insulin, or lower inflammation can help reverse the condition. Since every person is different, you should work with your doctor to come up with an eating plan that's right for you. Foods That Help Fatty Liver Disease Give the Mediterranean diet a try. Although it wasn't created for people with fatty liver disease, this style of eating combines the kinds of foods that help reduce fat in your liver: healthy fats, antioxidants, and complex carbohydrates. Things you’ll see on the table that you should reach for include: Fish and seafood

Fruits

Whole grains

Nuts

Olive oil

Vegetables

Avocados

Legumes

Choose the Right Fats Your cells use glucose, a kind of sugar, for energy. The hormone insulin helps get the glucose from digested food into your cells. People with fatty liver disease often have a condition called insulin resistance. That means your body makes insulin but can’t use it well. Glucose builds up in your blood, and your liver turns it into fat. Certain fats in your diet can help your body use insulin better. That means your cells can take in glucose and your liver doesn't need to make and store fat. Get more of these: Omega-3 fatty acids , found in fish, fish oil, vegetable oils, nuts (especially walnuts), flaxseeds and flaxseed oil, and leafy veggies , found in fish, fish oil, vegetable oils, nuts (especially walnuts), flaxseeds and flaxseed oil, and leafy veggies Monounsaturated fats in plant sources like olives, nuts, and avocados

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