Does vegan diet help with NAFLD?

According to recent figures, almost 25% of the global population suffers from Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) (steatosis). For all of us, the circumstance is alarming. Worse, the condition is rapidly spreading.

I have written at length about NAFLD management and even regression in a recent blog. The blog also lays out foods to eat, avoid and even a sample meal plan. Here is the link for the same:

• Indian Diet For Fatty Liver (Grade 1 + Grade 2)

According to a study published in the Journal of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, vegan diets improve the liver function among the patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Researchers studied body weight, calorie intake, and liver function in 26 people with NAFLD who were on a vegan diet for six months. In addition, dietitians kept in touch with participants every month via phone calls or clinic visits to ensure that they were following their diets.

The results revealed weight decrease and return to normal level of liver functions. In addition, increased plant-based food consumption boosted antioxidant intake and improved gut microbiome, which is good for liver enzymes.

These findings support plant-based dietary approaches in treating liver illness and preventing chronic disorders such as hepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular cancer.

The liver's role is to help the body digest food and remove toxins. Excess sugar (predominantly from fibre deprived fruit juices, NOT FRUITS) and fats result in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Keep a watch on your sodium intake

Cirrhosis is made worse by fluid retention, which causes swelling and pain. The liver's ability to remove fluid is hampered due to the additional accumulation. Avoid processed foods as they are very high in sodium. Thus, say no to chai- time chakhna, murmura’s and street side snacks.

Plant VS animal proteins

Doctors urge patients with Cirrhosis or NAFLD to limit their protein intake and supplement their diet with vegetable and plant-based proteins instead. Proteins are acidic and harder to breakdown, causing a toll on your liver health.

Avoid consuming alcohol

Even if the cause of their disease is not linked to alcohol intake, patients with liver disease are required to stop drinking. Alcohol affects the liver, and the liver that already has been diagnosed with cirrhosis is at higher risk of failing.

Before seeking medical advice, avoid taking any medications

NSAIDs, a person with cirrhosis, Multivitamins, supplements, and herbal medications should only be used after checking with a physician. All of these cause excess strain on the liver and are harder to flush out.

Exercise is necessary

With every 10% drop in body weight, NAFLD drops by one grade. Exercise is the best way to stay in shape, and it is recommended to include the same. Exercise and nutrition work together to maintain a healthy body.

Many people begin looking for foods that will help them battle the condition as soon as they are diagnosed, but many fail to realise that they must adapt to an overall healthy lifestyle.

Foods containing saturated fats, such as meats and other animal products, are more difficult to digest, affecting bile synthesis and slowing the liver's activity.

Trust this helps,

Roshni Sanghvi.