Liver functions:
- Converts nutrients into substances the body can use; stores them and supplies them to cells when needed
- Converts toxins into harmless substances or releases them from the body
- Breaks down fats and produces energy
- Plays a role in blood clotting
- produces bile to breakdown fats and keeps blood sugar levels constant
NAFLD:
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease has no signs, symptoms or complications but causes inflammation and scarring of the liver. Fatty liver is when fat makes up 5% of the liver
- the most serious form is called NASH: non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and can progress to cirrhosis, liver failure and death: the only cure is a liver transplant
- 85% of people who are obese or have Type 2 Diabetes may have NAFLD and also high cholesterol
- possible symptoms include tenderness in the lower right abdomen, low energy and fatigue
- issues can be discovered when routine bloodwork indicates elevated liver enzymes and confirmed with ultrasound, CT scan or biopsy
Prevention & Reversal can be achieved through slow and steady weight loss from improved diet and exercise
AVOID the following:
- High Fructose Corn Syrup: the liver uses fructose to create fat which accumulates in the liver
- Soft drinks, candy, packaged baked goods & flavoured yogurts
- packaged baked goods, potato chips and fried foods
- trans fats or partially hydrogenated vegetable oils cause inflammation in your body
IMPROVE liver health by breaking down fats, decreasing inflammation and eating plenty of fibre:
- consume aragula, daikon, radish, dark chocolate, garlic, onions, watercress, carrots, apples with skin, lemons and limes
- consume Vit. E from walnuts, flax, salmon, avocado and leafy greens
- great sources of fibre include millet, buckwheat and barley
- supplement with Vit. D, Curcumin, Milk Thistle & Omega 3