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