The 6 Best Ways to Heal a Fatty Liver

Dr. Eric Berg 10/28/2024

Let’s face it, getting a diagnosis of advanced liver disease can feel overwhelming. This is especially true because early-stage liver disease is often asymptomatic, meaning many people are unaware of their condition until it progresses.

However, it's important to remember that even with advanced liver disease treatment options, you can still take control of your health.

While it’s natural to feel overwhelmed, I’ll walk you through several impactful ways you can take your health into your own hands. There is so much you can do with the right knowledge and effort.

How To Improve Outcomes From Advanced Liver Disease Treatment

Your liver is an amazing organ because it has the incredible ability to regenerate. But when you're dealing with advanced liver disease, specifically cirrhosis, there’s often extensive scar tissue.

You can help encourage healing and improve your overall health with these tips.

The Importance of Autophagy for Liver Regeneration

Your body's natural clean-up crew is called autophagy, and it plays a vital role in removing damaged proteins and cells within your body, including your liver.

This process is essential for cell regeneration, making sure everything is in tip-top shape. The best way to kickstart autophagy? Fasting.

Think of intermittent fasting like giving your body a much-needed break each day. With this type of fasting, you would limit your eating window to 6 hours and fast for the remaining 18 hours of the day.

If you’re ready to take it up a notch, prolonged fasting might be an option. Prolonged fasting, where you fast for longer periods, like 48 hours once a week or even a whole week each month, can give your body a powerful boost in autophagy.

Studies have shown your liver starts experiencing the benefits of autophagy within just four hours of fasting.

Beyond Fasting: Additional Ways to Promote Autophagy

Beyond fasting, there are a variety of other ways you can help encourage autophagy:

Exercise: Regular physical activity helps keep those cells in check.
Sleep: Get those Zzz's to allow your body to repair itself.
Ketogenic Diet: A diet low in carbs and high in healthy fats could support this essential process.
Eliminate Snacking: Give your digestive system a well-deserved rest.

Don't be afraid to shake things up and experiment with therapies like cold showers or infrared saunas, and try adding a cup of coffee to your day or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to your meals.

All these strategies may offer some benefit. However, keep in mind, these options may not provide the same level of effectiveness as fasting.

Doctor showing fatty liver disease concept

Why Managing Inflammation Is Key to Advanced Liver Disease Treatment

Inflammation plays a key role in the progression of liver disease. Addressing it is one of the most critical things you can do for the health of your liver, which is where fasting comes in. Think of inflammation as your body's way of sending out an SOS signal.

Fasting can provide incredible relief and support if you have liver disease. Your body can naturally increase antioxidants on its own with fasting. Plus, you might even see improvements in your liver enzymes.

The Role of Bile in Liver Health

Believe it or not, bile plays an essential role in our overall health, and problems with your bile can often occur if your liver is inflamed and damaged.

Problems with bile flow can actually make liver disease even worse, so anything you can do to support your body in this process may make a positive impact.

One option you may want to consider is a supplement called TUDCA. TUDCA is a type of bile salt that's been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine to support liver function.

One of the amazing benefits of TUDCA is its ability to help thin the bile. When bile flow is optimal, it's less likely to irritate your liver, reducing potential damage to those vital liver cells called hepatocytes.

Think of it as clearing a blocked pipe. This natural compound could help reduce scarring in your liver, which in turn supports your body's incredible self-healing capabilities.

Prioritizing Liver Detoxification

Your liver is like a powerful filter for your body, working tirelessly to detoxify and remove harmful substances. By enhancing your liver’s natural detox process, you might support its ability to repair itself. There are a couple of different ways you can help support your liver.

First, it’s important to know about the phases of detoxification in the liver, aptly named phase one and phase two. Think of these as a tag team in your liver.

During these processes, harmful chemicals in your body get transformed into harmless, water-soluble compounds, so they can easily exit through your body's natural waste removal systems. So, how do you get these phases working more efficiently?

You can give your liver a helping hand in removing these toxins. Focus on incorporating sulfur-rich veggies, like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage.

Enjoying a cup of green tea, which is full of antioxidants, could also encourage your liver's detoxification processes.

The Benefits of Milk Thistle for Liver Support

For centuries, people have relied on natural remedies, like herbs, for supporting overall health and wellness. One herb you may want to consider for your liver health is milk thistle, a plant that has a special place in the world of natural wellness.

This incredible herb protects your liver, even shielding it from damage from things like medications or environmental toxins.

Anyone taking medication regularly could consider milk thistle. And if you are a coffee lover or occasionally enjoy alcohol, this helpful herb can provide support to offset some potential negatives.

Milk thistle contains silymarin, a powerful antioxidant, making it one of nature's best-kept secrets for promoting a healthy liver. This compound can play a role in protecting the liver against toxins and even reducing inflammation.

Its powerful effects can even potentially aid in regeneration. Think of milk thistle as a bodyguard for your liver, protecting it and keeping it functioning at its best.

Understanding the Importance of Tocotrienols for Advanced Liver Disease

Vitamin E often steals the spotlight in the antioxidant world. However, a lesser-known hero also deserves some recognition: Tocotrienols. Tocotrienols are a type of vitamin E known for its powerful antioxidant properties.

Research shows the potential of Tocotrienols for fighting inflammation, and reducing inflammation may help slow down the progression of liver disease.

They are best taken on their own as a standalone supplement to really unlock their full potential.

Gallbladder surgery illustration

What Causes Advanced Liver Disease?

A variety of factors contribute to the development of advanced liver disease. By being aware of what can impact liver health, you’ll be empowered to make healthier lifestyle choices.

High iron in your blood could potentially cause inflammation in your body, even increasing your risk for cirrhosis.

Another possible contributing factor? Blockages in the bile ducts. You also want to ensure your body is in tip-top shape by addressing any issues related to your immune system.

Sometimes the immune system, which normally protects your body, mistakes your liver as the enemy. If you’re experiencing this type of autoimmune response, your immune system might actually be attacking your liver, leading to inflammation.

Addressing the root cause, whether that's a blockage or an overactive immune response, is an important part of effective management for advanced liver disease.

You may also want to speak with a medical professional to see if a treatment plan for liver disease is right for you.

Conclusion

Remember, even with advanced liver disease, your body has an amazing ability to heal. Combining treatments with lifestyle changes is key. If you suspect liver issues, talk to your doctor – early intervention matters.

FAQs About Advanced Liver Disease Treatment

What Are the Four Warning Signs of a Dying Liver?

Four warning signs often appear as the liver struggles to function, signaling potential liver failure.

These include yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), swelling in the legs and abdomen (ascites), mental confusion and disorientation (hepatic encephalopathy), and easy bruising or bleeding.

Can Advanced Liver Disease Be Treated?

Unfortunately, advanced liver disease is often irreversible. However, there are treatment options available that can help manage symptoms, slow down the progression of the disease, and improve quality of life.

While it may not be possible to completely cure advanced liver disease, focusing on symptom management can make a big difference in a person’s health.

What Is the Life Expectancy of Advanced Cirrhosis?

This is tricky because every situation is unique. It depends on a variety of things, including how well the liver is functioning, any underlying conditions the individual might have, their overall health, and if they experience complications.

Seeking support from medical professionals specializing in liver disease can make a significant difference in the outcome and treatment plans. They may also consider a treatment plan for the disease.

What Is Stage 4 Liver Cirrhosis?

The most advanced stage of cirrhosis is Stage 4, representing significant scarring and impaired liver function. In Stage 4, individuals might experience complications such as fluid buildup in the abdomen (ascites), jaundice, and internal bleeding.

Other potential complications that can appear in this stage include mental confusion (hepatic encephalopathy) and an increased susceptibility to infections.