With changes in dietary patterns and lifestyle habits, the prevalence of fatty liver disease has risen steadily in recent years, reaching as high as 10% in large and medium-sized cities, predominantly affecting men aged 25 to 50. Fatty liver has become a common urban ailment. However, for most people, when diagnosed with fatty liver during a physical exam, it is often mild, and they tend to downplay its significance, simplistically believing that more exercise and less meat consumption will suffice.In reality, fatty liver has multiple causes that require differentiated treatment based on the underlying issue.
Mild Fatty Liver Isn't "Mild"
Most patients show no obvious symptoms in the early stages, making it easy to overlook. By the time liver pain, nausea, or vomiting appear, the condition has often become quite severe.While obesity-related and alcoholic fatty liver are relatively well-known, few realize that dyslipidemia can also cause fatty liver. Elevated blood lipids increase the liver's metabolic burden, gradually impairing liver function. Impaired liver function further reduces lipid metabolism capacity, exacerbating dyslipidemia and leading to massive lipid accumulation in hepatocytes—the hallmark of fatty liver.The most significant and prominent hazard of abnormal lipid metabolism is the development of atherosclerosis. This condition subsequently causes insufficient blood supply to corresponding organs or tissues, leading to coronary heart disease, ischemic strokes or cerebral infarctions, and peripheral vascular diseases.
Additionally, diabetes is a major contributor to fatty liver disease. This occurs because diabetic patients often experience lipid metabolism disorders, where glucose and fatty acids are poorly utilized. Most glucose and fatty acids are converted into fat within the liver and stored. Data indicates that the incidence of fatty liver disease in diabetic patients reaches as high as 41%.
In daily life, dietary control and adjustment are the most effective fundamental methods for preventing and treating fatty liver disease. Key points are outlined below:
1. Control caloric intake to facilitate the oxidation and consumption of fat within liver cells. Obese individuals should gradually lose weight to achieve a standard body weight range. Based on standard body weight, caloric intake should be 84–105 kJ (20–25 kcal) per kilogram of body weight.Standard Weight (kg) = Height (cm) - 105 (or 100). Men over 165 cm subtract 105, while women and men under 165 cm subtract 100.
2. Limit fat and carbohydrate intake. Based on standard weight, allow 0.5–0.8 grams of fat per kilogram of body weight daily, preferably from plant oils or fish.Carbohydrates: 2–4 grams per kilogram of body weight daily. Limit added sugar intake. Minimize consumption of high-fat foods like fatty meats, pork trotters, organ meats, and egg yolks.
3. High-protein diet: 1.2–1.5 grams per kilogram of body weight daily.High protein protects liver cells and promotes their repair and regeneration. Opt for high-quality protein sources like tofu, bean curd sticks, lean meat, fish, shrimp, and skim milk.
4. Ensure an adequate supply of fresh vegetables, especially leafy greens, to meet the body's vitamin needs. However, limit consumption of vegetables and fruits high in sugar.
5. Restrict salt intake to approximately 6 grams per day.
6. Drink an adequate amount of water to promote bodily metabolism and the excretion of metabolic waste.
7. Include foods rich in methionine, such as millet, buckwheat flour, sesame seeds, and other legumes.
6. Drink adequate water to promote bodily metabolism and excretion of metabolic waste.
7. Foods rich in methionine, such as millet, buckwheat flour, sesame seeds, rapeseed, spinach, cauliflower, beetroot, dried shrimp, dried scallops, and mussels, can promote phospholipid synthesis in the body and assist in the conversion of fat within liver cells.