Liver Disease Trigger: The Standard American Diet (SAD) Is Worse Than You Can Imagine
As its name implies, NAFLD is characterized by the presence of excess fat in the liver, in people who consume only moderate amounts of alcohol – or none at all. Untreated NAFLD can progress to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (or NASH), which can potentially lead to cirrhosis, liver failure and raised risk of liver cancer.According to Donald B. Jump, PhD, a professor at Oregon State University, the standard American diet – high in sugar, fats and cholesterol – is the culprit behind the soaring rates of liver disease. It is certainly appropriate that the acronym for the standard American siet is “SAD!”
Lowering Fat and Cholesterol Are Not Enough to Treat NAFLD
In a recent study published in PLOS ONE, researchers fed two groups of mice a “Western” diet, high in saturated and trans fats, cholesterol and sugar. After the mice became obese and developed high blood sugar and high triglycerides, they were switched to healthier (low-fat, low-cholesterol) diets.However, one diet was much higher in sugar than the other (35 percent sucrose as compared to 5.5 percent sucrose). The team found significantly higher levels of inflammation, oxidative stress and liver fibrosis in the higher-sugar group.
They concluded that while a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet can promote weight loss and improve liver damage from NAFLD, it can’t completely resolve the condition. On the other hand, the team reported, “a diet low in fat, simple sugar and cholesterol can reverse many of the whole body, plasma and hepatic features associated with Western diet-induced NASH (nonalcoholic steatohepatitis).”
Adequate Levels of Glutathione Are Central to Liver Health
Increasingly, research is illustrating the essential role of glutathione in preventing – and recovering from – liver disease.Glutathione plays an essential role in detoxifying the liver from drugs, alcohol and toxins. It also fights harmful free radicals that are naturally produced by normal liver functions, such as creating ATP for energy to run the cells. Other vital functions performed by the liver include the metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates, the regulation of blood sugar, the storage of vitamins and minerals and the production of bile, the digestive enzyme that breaks down fats.
In light of this, glutathione seems like a tailor-made intervention for NAFLD, and studies are supporting its effectiveness.
Boost Glutathione Levels Naturally
Glutathione is produced naturally in the body from three amino acids: glycine, cysteine and glutamine. But a variety of factors – including normal aging, poor diet, environmental toxins, medication, alcohol, stress, injury and infections – can decrease stores of precious glutathione.- Eating foods rich in sulfur – such as garlic, onions, broccoli, kale, cabbage and Brussels sprouts – can promote the production and recycling of glutathione.
- Bioactive whey protein, which is rich in cysteine, can also help replenish glutathione levels.
- And don’t forget about juicing – a great way to nourish and support the liver. Juices made from beetroot and carrots are particularly beneficial, as they are both rich in a natural antioxidant pigment known as beta-carotene – a vitamin A precursor that helps to flush out toxins.
- Apples – which contain a toxin-busting fiber known as pectin; kale – which is rich in chlorophyll, a natural detoxifier of heavy metals and pesticides; and ginger root – which is anti-inflammatory and strongly antioxidant – are all great ingredients that can help alleviate NAFLD.
- In addition, oranges, grapefruits and lemons are high in vitamin C, which helps to make toxins water-soluble and more easily eliminated.
- Supplements that promote healthy glutathione levels include N-acetyl-cysteine, alpha lipoic acid, B-complex vitamins, selenium and the antioxidant vitamins C and E. Of course, always check with your integrative doctor before supplementing.
