According to the research, fatty liver affects one in every four adults. The biggest reason for this is that fast food or online food orders are preferred for dinner in our fast-paced lives. In order to prevent liver diseases, it has a great importance to be careful about food choices consumed outside the home and to eat healthy.
The liver, one of the body’s largest internal organs, is one of the organs of critical importance for health due to its functions such as fat metabolism, protein production, removal of toxins from the body and storage. However, eating habits, inactivity and some health problems brought about by modern life can lead to the problem of fatty liver, which has been rapidly increasing recently. Emphasizing the importance of healthy nutrition and physical activity for liver health, Sabri Ülker Foundation explains the points to be taken into consideration to prevent fatty liver.
What is fatty liver disease?
Fatty liver disease stands out as a condition caused by irritation of the liver. In response to this damage, liver tissue stores abnormal amounts of fat and fatty liver occurs. Viral hepatitis, certain medications (such as tamoxifen or steroids), or excessive alcohol consumption are the main factors that lead to fatty liver. However, for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, insulin resistance (prediabetes) or type 2 diabetes are triggering factors.
What helps prevent NAFLD?
Excess weight or obesity is a common cause of NAFLD. Therefore, a weight loss program that includes physical activity and healthy nutrition, and implementing dietary approaches such as the Mediterranean diet has great importance in controlling blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar.
Recommendations for liver disease
-Avoid fast food
One study shows that regular fast food consumption (20% or more of daily calories) is associated with fatty liver disease, especially in people with type 2 diabetes or obesity. Fast food can trigger fatty liver disease because it is rich in saturated fat, added sugar and other ingredients that negatively affect metabolic health.
-Stay away from added sugar
Beverages containing corn syrup or sweeteners directly lead to large increases in fat accumulation in the liver, regardless of calories consumed. Be sure to read labels for added sugars, including corn syrup, glucose, honey and agave syrup. Drink plenty of water instead of sugary drinks.
– Choose healthy oils
The fats we take into our body help our body use fat-soluble vitamins. It is also vital in protecting nerves and cells. Fats also help you feel full, thus preventing overeating.
The Mediterranean diet helps prevent or reverse NAFLD by helping reduce fatty liver. While following this diet, you can nourish your body by taking advantage of the monounsaturated fats found in olive oil and avocado, and healthy fats such as omega-3 found in walnuts and fish such as salmon and sardines.
-The power of artichoke in liver health
Artichoke stands out as a vegetable that is very rich in terms of the nutrients it contains. In addition to high amounts of potassium and calcium, it contains vitamin A, vitamin B1 and vitamin C. In addition to the many vitamins and minerals it contains, “Cynarin” in its structure helps the liver, gallbladder, kidneys and intestines to function regularly. “Cynarin”, a component with antioxidant function, helps remove harmful toxins accumulated in the liver and cleanses our body. Thus, it prevents fatty liver and diseases caused by fatty liver.
