Everything You Need About The Role Of Fiber In Fatty Liver Disease

According to the reports published by AIIMS, nearly 38% of the Indian population have fatty liver or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The disease is not only restricted to adults but also to children as well.

The main concern about this disease is that it is often not recognized by doctors in the early stages. As a result, the disease progresses to serious liver complications.

Expert says that food has an important role to play as one of the common causes of this disorder. Recent westernization in our diet like junk food, pre-packaged food, sugary drinks, and high-fat items leads a person to obesity which ultimately results in fatty liver disease.

In addition to this, living a sedentary life with no physical exercise is also attributed to causing this liver disorder. So, to manage this condition the diet and lifestyle need to be adjusted according to the individual’s needs, says the best fatty liver doctor in Kolkata.

One such dietary component which has shown progress in the prevention and control of fatty liver disease is fiber.

What Is Fatty Liver Disease?

A small amount of fat is essential for your body as it absorbs vitamins and minerals which are the source of energy. The liver is also responsible for storing some fat. However, when the fat accumulation is more than 10% of the liver weight, it is known as fatty liver disease. The liver walls get swollen when there is excess fat deposit in the liver over the years. Gradually, it develops into fibrosis (scarring of the liver cells ) and liver cancer.

Understanding Fiber In The Diet

Fiber is a type of carbohydrate which the body cannot digest. Unlike other carbohydrates which are broken down to form sugar molecules called glucose, fiber passes through the body intact. Fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, grains and seeds are rich in fiber. Fiber is essential to keep the blood sugar in check and to help the liver at an optimal level.

How Fiber Helps In Managing Fatty Liver Disease

The liver is a vital organ responsible for major bodily functions. Hence it is important to keep the liver healthy. Here is how fiber helps with fatty liver conditions.

1. Reduces fat accumulation:
   One of the primary advantages of fiber consumption is that it decreases fat accumulation in the liver. Increasing fiber intake has been associated with reduced liver steatosis and lipid content, leading to improved liver health. It is seen that patients who eat more soluble fiber also have a lower risk of belly fat and weight gain.
2. Controls inflammation
   Chronic inflammation is one of the factors in developing liver problems. If you include fiber in your diet like whole wheat bread and brown rice, it will help the liver stop the inflammation, preventing the spread of fibrosis. Moreover, fiber intake is also said to improve gut bacteria which has a positive effect on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFDL).
3. Helps with calorie restriction
   Eating excess calories builds fat in the liver. Including fat supplementation decreases the urge to eat frequently by intensifying satiety due to stimulation of the anorexigenic hormones and suppressing the orexigenic hormone ghrelin. This low energy intake is related to reduced body weight.

It is to be noted that taking dietary precautions is secondary to fatty liver disease treatment. First, you must consult the best fatty liver doctor in Kolkata to seek timely and effective treatment.

Wrapping Up

Fatty liver disease is a manageable condition. Embracing a fiber-rich diet along with adopting a healthy lifestyle and intake of prescribed medication is the proactive step towards a healthy liver.