Did you know that a staggering 35-40% of the world’s population is dealing with a fatty liver? It’s a condition that used to be primarily linked to alcohol, but nowadays, the main culprits are much closer to home: fast food and excess sugar. This post breaks down the fastest, most natural ways to tackle this common health issue. (This article draws on the expertise of Dr. Sten Ekberg)
💡Understanding Fatty Liver
Fatty liver isn’t just one thing; it’s a condition that can range in severity. Initially, it might just mean some fat has infiltrated the liver. But if left unchecked, it can lead to inflammation, tissue damage, and reduced liver function. Doctors often classify it into grades:
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Grade One: Mild to moderate fat buildup with no inflammation or damage. Liver enzymes like ALT, AST, and GGT usually look normal at this stage.
Grade Two: More fat buildup, plus some inflammation and potential tissue damage. This is when liver enzymes might start to show changes.
Grade Three: Severe fat buildup, significant inflammation, and likely tissue damage.
If fatty liver progresses, it can develop into NASH (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis), which involves inflammation and tissue damage. From there, it can unfortunately lead to cirrhosis and even liver cancer. The good news is that fatty liver is closely linked to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, and it’s reversible, especially when caught early.
🔥The Power of Intermittent Fasting
One of the quickest ways to reverse a fatty liver is through fasting. While a very long fast might do the trick, it’s not recommended without strict medical supervision. A more practical and effective approach is intermittent fasting (IF). The key is to vary your fasting routine. You could try doing OMAD (one meal a day) for a bit, then switch to a 42-hour fast occasionally, and stick to a 16:8 pattern most days. Keeping your body guessing by changing up your fasting schedule helps it stay adaptable.
❌Cutting Out the Bad Stuff: Alcohol and Sugar
