Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver
Learn how our NAFLD diet resources can help you.
What is Non-alcoholic
Fatty Liver Disease?
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by excessive deposition of fat in the liver and is diagnosed when liver fat is greater than 5%. It is estimated that 24% of adults in the US have NAFLD, whereas up to 6.5% have the more advanced form, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Once rarely observed in children and adolescents, NAFLD is now the most common form of liver disease in this age group [1-3]. If untreated, NAFLD can progress rapidly from simple fat infiltration to advanced stages of the disease including steatohepatitis, fibrosis, and cirrhosis ultimately requiring liver transplantation. The presence of NAFLD also increases the risk of other metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes (T2D) since hepatic insulin resistance is a hallmark feature of the condition. Currently, no pharmaceutical treatment exists to directly reverse NAFLD and lifestyle changes remain the mainstay therapy for adults and children with NAFLD. Our studies suggest modification of diet composition may be an effective means of reversing fatty liver disease.
Development and Diagnosis of NAFLD
A diet pattern high in sugar and highly processed carbohydrate-containing foods is a primary driver for the deposition of fat in the liver. The liver converts excess carbohydrates in the diet to long-chain fatty acids which are then stored in the liver as fat. This process also affects the ability of the liver to burn fat as a fuel. Over time, the excess fat in the liver builds up and can cause damage to liver function and increase the risk of other chronic metabolic diseases.
Your doctor may test you for NAFLD if your liver enzymes (ALT and AST) are persistently elevated over time. These enzymes should be checked on an annual basis when your blood is drawn at the doctor’s office. If your doctor suspects NAFLD, they may send you to get an abdominal ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis.
Management of NAFLD
Numerous published studies have shown the effectiveness of a diet low in sugar and starchy carbohydrates to reduce liver fat in patients with NAFLD. (see citations below). A diet that limits sugar and highly processed starchy foods is safe and sustainable for both children and adults.
Carb-restricted Diet for
Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver
Our moderately-carbohydrate restricted diet for NAFLD is rich in fat- and protein-containing foods and contains carbohydrates with a low glycemic index (low in sugar and starch). We have previously published that in 8 weeks this dietary pattern depleted 33% liver fat in adolescents aged 10-17. Others have also published short-term studies in adults, showing a carbohydrate-restricted diet could deplete significant liver fat in adults in only a few weeks. This dietary pattern limits some types of foods and beverages such as any sugar-sweetened beverages, foods with added sugar, and starchy carbohydrates (such as pasta, potatoes, grains). Non-starchy vegetables are encouraged with each meal and the diet should contain adequate fiber, minerals, and multivitamins.
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If you find the static content on our Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease page helpful, please continue to find additional related resources below. Our team is constantly working to provide website users with resources to help them benefit from living a healthy lifestyle through proper dieting resources.
Further Reading
1. Alisi A, Manco M, Vania A, Nobili V. Pediatric nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in 2009. The Journal of pediatrics 2009;155(4):469-74 doi: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2009.06.014[published Online First: Epub Date]|.
2. Day CP. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a massive problem. Clin Med (Lond) 2011;11(2):176-8
3. Vajro P, Lenta S, Socha P, et al. Diagnosis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in children and adolescents: position paper of the ESPGHAN Hepatology Committee. Journal of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition 2012;54(5):700-13 doi: 10.1097/MPG.0b013e318252a13f[published Online First: Epub Date]|.
