Fatty liver disease occurs when fats that are supposed to be used for energy and insulation become too much in the liver. While it is advised for those with this condition to abstain from red meat, is chicken good for fatty liver?
Yes, it is. Chicken is a lean meat option you can include in your diet if you have fatty liver disease. However, ensure the chicken is not fried. Fried foods contain more fat which can aggravate this condition.
In this article, I will be talking about the safety of eating chicken with fatty liver disease, the best food choices, meals to avoid, and lifestyle changes to help as well. Let’s get started.
What is fatty liver disease?
Fatty liver disease, also known as hepatic steatosis, is a health condition that occurs when fat builds up in your liver. Normally, having a small amount is natural, but it becomes dangerous when it accumulates.
The liver is such an important organ in the body, mainly because it helps process nutrients from food. Also, it helps to filter harmful substances from your blood.
Excess fat in the liver alters the functioning of the liver, and this is a result of inflammation. This inflammation damages the liver, causing scarring, which can lead to liver failure.
In addition, the fatty liver disease could be alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD) or nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
The former is seen in people who consume a lot of alcohol while the latter is seen in people who do not take alcohol.
What causes fatty liver disease?
Each type of fatty liver disease is traced to a particular source. For example;
Alcoholic fatty liver disease is caused by drinking too much alcohol. Heavy intake of alcohol alters the metabolic processing of the liver, causing the alcohol to combine with fatty acids in the liver.
This reaction leads to the formation of a type of fat that is generally harder for the liver to process.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease sets in due to several factors. But in most cases, it occurs because the body does not metabolize fat effectively.
Additionally, it could be because of obesity, type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome. Also, it may be because of certain rare genetic conditions or side effects of some medications.
Is chicken good for fatty liver?
Most people believe that when you have been diagnosed with fatty liver, you have to stop eating meat, including chicken. While they are not wrong, they are also not entirely right.
Chicken is good for fatty liver disease; however, there are two simple rules to adhere to. The first is that you should avoid eating fried chicken, and the other is that you go for healthier and leaner cuts like chicken breast.
The best way to cook chicken for fatty liver is to grill, bake, or boil the chicken. This way, less fat is added to the chicken; boiling in particular, is one of the best ways as it draws out most of the fat into the water.
What other food to eat for fatty liver disease?
Some dishes are recommended to add or incorporate into your diet if you are diagnosed with either AFLD or NAFLD. They include;
1. Coffee
According to Healthline, people who drink a cup of coffee every day lower their risk of getting fatty liver disease.
Furthermore, studies also show that an intake of coffee helps slow down the onset of liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, etc.
2. Greens
Frequent consumption of greens such as spinach, broccoli, or other leafy greens, is known to help prevent fat buildup.
Endeavor to take a fair amount of spinach, broccoli, methi, mustard, and lettuce each day.
3. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is another low-fat, filling, and delicious option that you can take for breakfast. It contains fibers and complex carbs that support weight loss for people with fatty liver disease.
4. Nuts
According to the US Department of Agriculture, eating nuts can help reduce inflammation and insulin resistance. These characteristics are crucial in the prevention of fatty liver disease.
Go for almonds, walnuts, cashew nuts, flax seeds, chia seeds, and pumpkin seeds. All these nuts contain unsaturated (good) fat that is beneficial to your body as it aids proper liver function.
5. Fish
Fishes like salmon, trout, tuna, or sardine are known to be beneficial for those with fatty liver disease. This is because they contain omega-3 acids, which help reduce liver fat and lower triglyceride levels.
Food to avoid for fatty liver disease
There are certain food items you should abstain from if you have fatty liver disease. They include:
1. Red meat
Red meats such as beef, pork, deer, etc., are loaded with saturated fat, which is bad for fatty liver. Also, red meat contains toxins that can worsen your condition if not processed correctly.
2. Fried foods
Fried foods are loaded with fat and calories, both of which are not needed for fatty liver disease.
3. White bread, pasta, and rice
White bread, pasta, rice, and other products made of white flour are dangerous to add to your diet.
According to the US Department of Agriculture, consuming white flour shows a rise in blood sugar in fatty liver patients.
4. Salty food
Food with high sodium levels is highly frowned upon for fatty liver patients. This is because it can affect your liver even further.
5. Sugary food or drinks
As a fatty liver patient, you should stay away from sugary food or drinks, such as; cookies, candies, soda, and fruit juice. This is because the high amount of sugar increases the amount of fat accumulated in the liver.
What are the best lifestyle changes for fatty liver?
If you are diagnosed with fatty liver, below are some lifestyle changes to follow that will help your cause.
1. Avoid drinking alcohol and go for water
Alcohol can make the conditions worst for those diagnosed, and it is best to stay hydrated by drinking water.
You should drink between 3 to 4 liters of water daily; it helps flush toxins and reduces inflammation also.
2. Exercise
Exercising is a great way to keep the fat in your liver under control. Try partaking in cardio and strength training a few times a week. This helps reduce fat buildup in the liver.
Remember, it is not just about the intensity of the exercise but mainly the frequency. Try exercising 30 minutes daily, four times a quick; that is a good start to having a healthy liver.
3. Adequate sleep
Getting adequate sleep is essential as this enables the body to rest, rejuvenate, and repair. Get between 7 to 8 hours of sleep to get optimal performance from your body.
FAQs
What are the symptoms of fatty liver disease?
The symptoms of fatty liver disease include; abdominal pain, yellowing on the skin or eyes, and loss of appetite or a feeling of being full.
Is egg good for fatty liver?
Yes, it is. Eating eggs, the eggs white and the yolk can help prevent nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Is chicken soup good for fatty liver?
Yes, it is. Chicken soup is also healthy for fatty liver patients.
What is the best way to treat fatty liver?
Proper medication, a good diet, and the right lifestyle is the best way to treat fatty liver.
Conclusion
Chicken is a good addition to your diet if you have fatty liver disease. However, ensure you go for chicken breast, and make sure it is not fried. Frying chicken increases the amount of fat and calories.
In addition to providing an answer to the question, I hope you have also learned about foods to eat, foods to avoid if you have fatty liver disease, and recommended lifestyle changes to stay healthy.
Thanks for reading.
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