Introduction
A new study has found that liver fat is directly linked to a certain disease. This is an important discovery, as it could help to identify those at risk of developing the disease and provide insight into how to prevent it. The study also suggests that certain dietary changes could help reduce the risk of developing the disease. This article will discuss the findings of the study and provide some tips on what to eat and what to avoid in order to reduce the risk of developing the disease.
Liver Fat Is Directly Linked to This Disease, New Study Says
A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association has found that liver fat is directly linked to a certain type of disease. The study, which was conducted by researchers from the University of California, San Francisco, found that people with higher levels of liver fat were more likely to develop non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
NAFLD is a condition in which fat accumulates in the liver, leading to inflammation and scarring. It is the most common form of chronic liver disease in the United States, affecting up to 25 percent of adults. It is also associated with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
The study looked at data from more than 5,000 adults who had undergone liver scans. The researchers found that those with higher levels of liver fat were more likely to develop NAFLD. They also found that those with higher levels of liver fat were more likely to have higher levels of other risk factors for NAFLD, such as obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
The findings suggest that reducing liver fat may be an important way to reduce the risk of developing NAFLD. To reduce liver fat, the researchers recommend eating a healthy diet that is low in saturated fat and high in fiber, as well as exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight.
“Our findings suggest that reducing liver fat may be an important way to reduce the risk of developing NAFLD,” said lead author Dr. David Katz, a professor of medicine at UCSF. “It is important to note that this is an observational study, so we cannot draw any conclusions about cause and effect. However, our findings do suggest that lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly, may be beneficial for reducing the risk of NAFLD.”
According to a new study from Brunel University London, a fatty liver can also have a serious effect on your blood sugar levels.
Researchers reviewed MRI scans from 32,859 people that took a close look at the size of their liver, as well as pancreas. The investigators relied on a type of method used to measure gene function in order to examine cause and effect, known as Mendelian randomization.
Not only did the scientists learn that individuals who are genetically predisposed to storing fat in the liver were more likely to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, but every 5% increase in liver fat was shown to raise this risk by 27%.
“Our results encourage better treatment of those living with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and provide evidence for the multiple benefits of weight loss and better screening for diabetes risk in these people,” stated lead study author Dr. Hanieh Yaghootkar in a press release.
The Cleveland Clinic defines NAFLD as a condition that occurs in one in three adults who are not heavy drinkers. While the cause of this type of liver disease in unknown, obesity and diabetes are considered likely risk factors.
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“I am not surprised by these findings since NAFLD has been shown to be a key factor in insulin resistance,” says Erin Palinski-Wade, RD, CDE, LDN, CPT, a New Jersey-based nutrition consultant and author of 2 Day Diabetes Diet. “It makes sense that even small amounts of fat buildup on the liver would, in turn, elevate insulin resistance, and therefore, risk of type 2 diabetes.”
Furthermore, she believes this current study offers tremendous value since it points to the importance of focusing on the prevention of excess fatty tissue in the liver—which centers around your diet. “Some research suggests that coffee can be protective against damage to the liver from fat buildup. So, if tolerated, drinking up to two cups per day may be beneficial,” states Palinski-Wade.
However, she quickly adds that stirring in sugar and cream “may accelerate fat gains in the liver. Instead, enjoy coffee black or sweeten with flavorings, such as cinnamon or vanilla extract.”
Along with reducing overall sugar intake, Palinski-Wade also advises limiting alcohol consumption. “Following a Mediterranean-style of eating rich in plant-based fats, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and fatty fish may be the best strategy at reducing fat in the liver,” she says.
Plus, consider placing more fiber-rich foods—like broccoli, berries, apples, as well as plenty of leafy greens and pulses—on your plate. “Fiber may help to reduce fat deposits in the liver while also helping to promote steady blood glucose levels and fight against insulin resistance,” says Palinski-Wade.
“A study found that spinach, in particular, may lower the risk of NAFLD, while the resistant starch found in pulses may also help to reduce NAFLD,” concludes Palinski-Wade.
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