New Delhi: The liver is the second-largest organ in the human body and aids in the absorption of nutrients from food and beverages, as well as the cleansing of our blood. When the liver is overburdened with toxins, it disrupts metabolic processes and causes a lot of health issues. As a result of a poor diet and lifestyle, many people today have fatty livers.


What is fatty liver?


Fatty liver, also known as hepatic steatosis, occurs when the liver accumulates too much fat. Inflammation of the liver caused by an overabundance of fat can be harmful and leave scarring.


This Inflammation caused by a fatty liver is sometimes associated with alcohol addiction. This is referred to as alcoholic steatohepatitis. Otherwise, the disease is known as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Over time, an irritated liver might scar and harden. Cirrhosis is a dangerous illness that frequently leads to liver failure. One of the top three primary causes of cirrhosis is NASH.


How do excess calories pile up in the liver and lead to weight gain?


Excess calorie consumption results in the accumulation of fats in the liver. This, if goes out of hand, makes it difficult for the liver to process it and break down fats as it should. When the liver is overworked and unable to adequately metabolise nutrients and fats, the body's metabolism slows, leading to more significant health issues.


People who have additional health issues such as obesity, diabetes, or high triglycerides are more likely to develop fatty liver. Alcoholism, fast weight loss, and starvation can as well contribute to fatty liver. Byproducts of meat and dairy digestion require the liver to work harder, and fat and toxins collect in the liver over time, causing the metabolism to decrease drastically.


The liver becomes clogged and is unable to metabolize sugars and fats as efficiently, resulting in fat accumulation in other regions of the body and overall weight gain.


Symptoms of liver disease:


Individuals suffering from liver diseases may have one or more of the following symptoms:



  • Skin and eyes that appear yellowish (jaundice)

  • Abdominal pain and swelling

  • Swelling in the legs and ankles

  • Itchy skin

  • Dark urine colour

  • Pale stool colour

  • Chronic fatigue

  • Nausea or vomiting

  • Loss of appetite

  • Tendency to bruise easily


Food items that are good for the liver:


There are several food items that you can incorporate into your daily diet which are beneficial for your liver:


1. Olive Oil:


It possesses antibacterial, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory qualities in addition to having a significant number of antioxidants. Extra virgin olive oil in particular is excellent for health because it is full of antioxidants and can help repair liver damage. Numerous studies have supported the usage of olive oil by demonstrating its advantageous effects on the liver.


2. Green Tea: 


Because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, green tea is well known for enhancing health. It may potentially prevent liver cancer and assist to reduce the risk of NAFLD. A review showed that people who drank four or more cups a day had the lowest risk of developing liver cancer.


It is crucial to remember that green tea provides a number of health advantages. But consuming green tea supplements in excess can have adverse effects on health, and it may cause liver damage.


3. Grapes:


According to studies, grape seeds, skin, and pulp all contain a considerable amount of antioxidants that may help protect against various types of liver damage. Consuming whole, seeded grapes is an easy method to include these substances in your diet. 


4. Fatty Fish:


Omega-3 fatty acids, the beneficial fats that aid in reducing inflammation, are abundant in fatty fish. Given that they seem to inhibit the accumulation of extra fat and maintain the liver's enzyme levels, these fats may be especially beneficial for the liver.


5. Papaya:


Papayas contain vitamin E, an antioxidant that is essential for lowering liver oxidative stress.