Nutritional principles for treating fatty liver

Fatty liver is a common chronic liver disease. In addition to medication, we should pay attention to nutritional principles. We know that there are many reasons for fatty liver, among which poor diet is an important reason. Therefore, if you have fatty liver, you must control your calorie intake, eat less animal fats, increase the quality and quantity of protein, eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, maintain a suitable body shape, etc.

Nutritional principles

1. Controlling energy intake

For patients with fatty liver, energy supply should not be too high. Patients with fatty liver who engage in light activities and whose weight is within the normal range should be supplied with 126-147 kJ (30-35 kcal) per kilogram per day to prevent weight gain and avoid increased fat accumulation. For obese or overweight people, the daily intake should be 84 to 105 kJ (20 to 25 kcal) per kilogram to control or reduce weight and strive to achieve an ideal or appropriate weight.

2. Improve protein quality and quantity

Providing adequate protein is beneficial to lipoprotein synthesis, clearing out accumulated fat in the liver, and promoting the repair and regeneration of liver cells. The daily protein supply should be 110-115g, and for those who do heavy physical labor, it should be increased to 115-210g per day, accounting for 10%-15% of total energy, and a certain amount of high-quality protein should be ensured. In addition, it is important to maintain a balance of amino acids. Methionine, cystine, tryptophan, threonine and lysine in protein all have anti-fatty liver effects.

3. Moderate fat

Patients with fatty liver should still be given an appropriate amount of fat, and essential fatty acids participate in the synthesis of phospholipids, which can transport fat out of the liver smoothly and is beneficial to fatty liver. It is recommended to provide less than 30g of fat per day, which should account for about 20% of total energy. The sitosterol, soybean sterol and essential fatty acids contained in vegetable oils have a good lipophilic effect, which can prevent or eliminate the fatty degeneration of liver cells and is beneficial for the treatment of fatty liver. Vegetable oil should be used as cooking oil. Appropriate restrictions should be placed on foods high in cholesterol.

4. Controlling Carbohydrates

A low-carbohydrate diet should be consumed, and foods rich in monosaccharides and disaccharides, such as high-sugar cakes, ice cream, dried dates, and candies, should be avoided to promote the elimination of intrahepatic fat. However, excessive carbohydrate restriction can reduce the body's sensitivity to insulin. It is advisable that carbohydrates account for about 60% of total energy per day.

5. Supplement adequate vitamins, minerals and trace elements

The liver stores many vitamins. In liver disease, the storage capacity is reduced. If it is not supplemented in time, it will cause vitamin deficiency in the body. Pay attention to supplementing foods rich in vitamin C, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin E, folic acid, choline, inositol, potassium, zinc, magnesium, etc. to maintain normal metabolism, protect the liver, and correct and prevent deficiency.

6. Sufficient dietary fiber

Dietary fiber can slow down gastric emptying time, reduce the intake and absorption of fat and sugar, and has the effect of lowering blood lipids and blood sugar. The diet should not be too refined. The staple food should be a combination of coarse and fine grains. Eat more vegetables, fruits, fungi and algae to ensure sufficient intake of dietary fiber.