Last Updated on November 20, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta
Yes. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) can be reversed by adopting lifestyle changes:
Weight loss
Research suggests that losing weight is the single best thing you can do to control or reverse NAFLD. A good goal is to lose 10% of your total body weight, but even a loss of 3% to 5% can improve your liver health.
You can diet, exercise or even go for medication/surgery to lose weight. Talk with your doctor about the best way for you to lose weight safely and effectively.
Treating other health problems
A fatty liver is linked to several other health conditions. Treat those issues and you can help reverse NAFLD too. The conditions may include, Diabetes, high cholesterol, high triglycerides (fat in the blood), sleep apnea, polycystic ovary syndrome, underactive thyroid, hypothyroidism, underactive pituitary gland, or hypopituitarism.
Modify your eating habits
Following a balanced diet can help with NAFLD. Eat more fruits and vegetables, fish and high-fibre foods. Don’t eat too many carbohydrates and limit sugar, saturated and trans fats and salt.
Avoid alcohol and smoking
Alcohol can cause fat to build up in your liver. It can also damage the organ. You should avoid alcohol if you have NAFLD. Smoking can increase the risk of problems such as heart attacks and strokes.
Exercise
Do at least some sort of physical workout such as walking or cycling.
Medications to consider
No drugs are approved specifically to treat NAFLD. But there are some medications and supplements your doctor may recommend. You may need vaccines to protect you against hepatitis A and B viruses that can damage your liver.
Some studies have found that vitamin E seemed to improve how well some people’s livers worked, but it lacks enough evidence.
Always contact your doctor to find the best treatment plan for you.
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