Liver disease is serious. And, while most people traditionally associate liver disease with the long-term abuse of alcohol, doctors are discovering that isn’t the sole culprit of damage to one’s liver.
Obesity is also to blame for increased liver problems. As our diets worsen and our sedentary lifestyles increase, ailments that used to be caused by one harmful habitare being replaced by others.
That´s exactly what happens with NALFD, or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The most recent estimates believe that between 20-30% of all adults, and more than 10% of all children in the US have a fatty liver not derived from drinking alcohol.
Sadly, in already obese adults and children,rates are much higher, causing great concern among medical practitioners.
NAFLD takes place when fat gathers around people’s liver who drink very little or no alcohol at all. It leads to NASH (nonalcoholic steatohepatitis).
Although what exactly causes NASH to develop has yet to be discovered, there are a few hints out there.
Evidence suggests that this more serious form of nonalcoholic liver disease could come from the death of liver tissues, from inflammation, from an imbalance of bacteria in the digestive system, or from the proteins released by our bodies which are toxic to the liver.
Perhaps the worst part about NALFD is that it seems to arise with little to no symptoms.
Since the fat that accumulates does so around the liver, oftentimes it can go unnoticed, especially in those who are overweight. With no symptoms, the patient isn´t aware of any abnormal health issues.
Although, medical professionals are beginning to understand, that there may signals which point to the presence of NALFD. Some of these signs are obviously connected to the abdominal area, such as abdominal pain and rapid weight loss.
However, others and completely separate, such as skin discoloration (a common sign of liver disfunction) and difficulty concentrating.
If you suspect that you might have NALFD or NASH, please consult your doctor quickly. But, if you simply want to perform your due diligence and keep your liver clean and detoxified, then consider these homemade remedies:
1. Black Seed Oil
Research suggests that black seed oil can cut down on oxidative damage done to the liver, and slow down the development of fatty liver disease.
2. Turmeric
Highly touted for its anti-inflammatory properties, this fantastic spice used widely in India aids in digestion and reduces inflammation in the body. Add it to your favorite recipe or make a homemade tea from it. Using it in some form everyday is the best way to take full advantage of its benefits.
3. Ginger
Another ingredient used on the Indian subcontinent is ginger root. It’s often added to spice up tea, but has powerful medicinal properties as well. It can help prevent a fatty liver by flushing toxins from the body. Since it´s high in fiber it’s good for digestion too.
4. Milk Thistle
Milk Thistle tea not only helps heal the liver and reduce inflammation, but it also has the ability to lower cholesterol levels. It can invigorate an already damaged liver.
5. Dandelion Root
Because it’s a natural diuretic, dandelion root speeds up the liver’s job of flushing the body of toxins. It’s been known to treat infections and digestive issues too.
Source(s) / Reference(s):
The impact of turmeric or its curcumin extract on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6463416/
Ginger Supplementation in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4834197/
The effect of Nigella sativa on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666149722000093
Silymarin in non alcoholic fatty liver disease
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3612568/
Dandelion leaf extract alleviates high-fat diet-induced nonalcoholic fatty liver