NAFLD Archives - Amazing Health Advances

Liver Detoxification a Smart Way to Help Resolve Chronic Health Problems

The AHA! Team — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 05:22:40 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) – a condition in which excess fat accumulates in the liver – is nearing epidemic proportions in the United States. Yet, the silence about this major health condition is deafening. For example, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases reports that up to 40 percent of American adults have some degree of NAFLD – a shocking statistic. But the bad news doesn’t stop there. Recent research has shed light on the growing prevalence of NAFLD, even among children. So, obviously, a substantial portion of the population could benefit from liver detoxification. Poor liver function can also contribute to other chronic health issues, such as “leaky gut” syndrome and various autoimmune disorders. Fortunately, a holistic medicine approach can help to identify and address the root causes of disease with proper testing, lifestyle coaching, nutritional interventions and supplements designed to promote liver detoxification. Urgent need for liver detoxification: The alarming rise of environmental toxins damaging our health It is probably safe to say that we are being flooded, like never before, by an onslaught of toxins. Heavily processed foods, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), trans fats, preservatives, artificial sweeteners, dyes, prescription medications, and environmental toxins (such as synthetic pesticides, hormones, and heavy metals) all place a tremendous burden on the body in general – especially the liver. Along with breaking down hormones, drugs, and environmental toxins, the liver also helps clear the body of naturally occurring waste products – such as ammonia and bilirubin – and destroys old and worn-out red blood cells. In addition to its detoxifying duties, the liver produces the bile that is necessary to break down fats, produces essential proteins and cholesterol, and stores essential vitamins. However, a liver overwhelmed by toxins can’t adequately carry out these essential functions. To make matters worse, many people tend to drink too much alcohol – which suppresses natural bodily functions. Impaired liver function can be indicated by a wide range of signs and symptoms, including dark urine, yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice), itchy skin, fatigue, and excessive sweating. Digestive problems – such as heartburn, nausea, constipation, and bloating – can also be a tip-off to liver problems, along with anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, and a tendency to bruise easily. If you think you may have liver disease, promptly consult a trusted holistic healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Warning: Impaired detoxification pathways can promote inflammation and autoimmune disorders To rid the body of toxins, the liver must transform fat-soluble compounds into water-soluble compounds, a process that allows them to be eliminated via urine, feces, or perspiration. This involves two primary detoxification pathways: Phase I and Phase II. Phase I changes the structure of the compound to allow molecules to attach to it. In Phase II, the liver metabolizes the compound through processes such as methylation and sulfation. As compounds pass through Phase I, they become (temporarily) more immune-reactive and pro-inflammatory. This normal process can become a problem, however, if the liver has poor detoxification function. If the Phase II pathway is disrupted or impaired, compounds that have been made more inflammatory in Phase I may end up back in circulation – causing systemic inflammation and immune system reactions and setting the stage for autoimmune disease. In this manner, poor liver function can contribute to a host of problems, including leaky gut, food and chemical sensitivities, and autoimmune disorders. 4 ways to support your detoxification pathways – naturally Fortunately, a wide variety of natural and herbal supplements have tried-and-true abilities to promote liver health and spark up sluggish detoxification pathways. Betaine – an amino acid found in wheat bran, beets, spinach, and “ancient” grains such as quinoa and bulgar – assists in the breakdown and removal of fats from the liver. It has also been shown to protect against toxins and chemicals found in pesticides (including ethanol and carbon tetrachloride) and is particularly effective for Phase II methylation support. Milk thistle is also effective at detoxifying heavy metals and medications. Studies have shown that its active ingredient, silymarin, strengthens the walls of liver cells. Dandelion greens have a natural diuretic effect on the liver, allowing it to flush out toxins more quickly and efficiently. They also support healthy bile production. Finally, N-acetyl-cysteine – a derivative of the amino acid cysteine – replenishes levels of glutathione, the body’s master antioxidant and detoxifier. (N-acetyl-cysteine is so effective at protecting the liver that it is administered in cases of acetaminophen overdose in order to help ward off liver failure). Of course, always check with a trusted holistic healthcare provider before supplementing. Cleanse the liver by eating the right foods Potassium is closely tied to liver health. Eating healthy amounts of organic sweet potatoes, bananas, beet greens, and spinach can help you reach the recommended daily amount of 4,700 mg. Leafy greens such as organic kale contain chlorophyll, which binds to toxins and heavy metals and helps remove them from the bloodstream. (Another plus: dark leafy greens like kale and dandelion greens enhance the flow of bile). Organic carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A. This fat-soluble nutrient can effectively flush toxins from the liver. Cruciferous vegetables, such as organic Brussels sprouts and cabbage, are rich in glucosinolates, compounds that support enzyme production in the liver. Organic citrus fruits, bell peppers, and strawberries provide healthy amounts of vitamin C, which helps convert toxic materials to water-soluble forms. Finally, organic walnuts are high in arginine – which is particularly helpful in detoxifying ammonia – and rich in glutathione, the body’s master antioxidant. Of course, don’t forget about the detoxifying power of ‘liver cleanses,’ which can help rid the liver of deposits and toxins – while increasing energy and well-being, improving digestion and lipid profiles, and boosting memory and cognition. Natural health experts recommend at least two liver (and gallbladder) cleanses a year. Editor’s note: Find out how to eliminate the threat of fatty liver disease with highly effective natural protocols, own the Fatty Liver Docu-Class created by NaturalHealth365 Programs. NIH.gov DrKNews.com GlobalHealingCenter.com NIH.gov To read the original article click here.

The post Liver Detoxification a Smart Way to Help Resolve Chronic Health Problems appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Plant-Based Compound Helps Fight Fatty Liver Disease, Type 2 Diabetes & Obesity

The AHA! Team — Mon, 12 May 2025 05:24:07 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most common form of bacterial infection, triggering emergency room visits for roughly a million Americans annually. Scientists warn that nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the presence of excess fat in the livers of people with no history of alcohol abuse, currently affects close to 30 percent of the world’s adult population, with rates climbing steadily. While NAFLD is often mild, in some cases, it can progress to devastating outcomes such as cirrhosis, liver cancer, liver failure, and death. Clearly, there’s an urgent need for safe, effective therapies to prevent, alleviate, and reverse this potentially dangerous condition. A natural compound known as berberine might help fill the bill. Berberine has been a staple of Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. A new systematic review in the Journal of Translational Medicine reveals that berberine can help normalize blood sugar, promote weight loss, and prevent the accumulation of fat – a winning “trifecta” of health benefits that may help put NAFLD on the run. Researchers say berberine “shows promise as an adjunct therapy for NAFLD” Berberine – a bright yellow alkaloid derived from barberry plants – has long been advised in traditional Chinese medicine as a natural intervention to balance blood sugar. To explore its effects on NAFLD, researchers evaluated randomized, controlled studies performed between 2010 and 2022 involving over 800 NAFLD patients. They concluded that berberine can “safely and effectively” improve lipid profiles, lower liver enzymes, lower body weight, and increase insulin sensitivity in patients with NAFLD, leading them to acknowledge its “significant therapeutic potential for NAFLD.” While more research is needed, these encouraging results suggest that berberine may be used to address not only NAFLD but also obesity and type 2 diabetes. Berberine is a potent lipid-lowering compound Berberine works through multiple pathways to promote health and combat disease. Research has shown that it alleviates the oxidative stress and inflammation that contribute to fatty liver disease while also helping to activate AMPK, an enzyme that regulates metabolism. In addition, it enhances mitochondrial function, decreases insulin resistance, and helps the body break down sugars more quickly and easily. The authors of the new review pointed out that berberine significantly lowers blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes – in some studies, by as much as 20 percent. But that isn’t all. This versatile compound also benefits the cardiovascular system by helping to prevent the development of cholesterol-laden plaque in arteries. Support heart and gut health In an earlier review published in Phytomedicine, researchers found that berberine can improve cholesterol by lowering LDL cholesterol and increasing HDL cholesterol. They cited a study in which berberine lowered triglycerides (fats in the blood) by an eye-popping 23 percent – and dropped total cholesterol by 12.2 percent. As if that weren’t impressive enough, berberine has been shown to reduce levels of C-reactive protein and apolipoprotein B, which are believed to be risk factors for heart disease. Last but not least, berberine supports a healthy gut microbiome by enhancing populations of beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Is berberine really “nature’s Ozempic?” Some fans of berberine have likened its effects to that of Ozempic, the popular weight loss drug. Ozempic, or semaglutide, belongs to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 agonists. It stimulates the release of insulin and is normally prescribed for improving blood sugar and lowering the risk of heart disease in people with type 2 diabetes. Although semaglutide is not approved by the FDA for weight loss, millions of people use it for this purpose. However, side effects of this medication can include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Incidentally, studies have linked these weight loss drugs to thyroid tumors. And the cost can be prohibitive. According to a recent review conducted by the Cleveland Clinic, weight loss from Ozempic depends on the dosage and the length of time the patients took the drug, with obese patients losing an average of 3.7 percent of their body weight after one year. So, how does berberine stack up against Ozempic? Studies have supported this natural compound’s ability to enhance the oxidation of liver fat and interfere with the growth of fat cells. Multiple clinical trials have shown it can cause small but significant weight loss. For example, one older 12-week study showed that 500 mg of berberine three times a day caused about 5 pounds of weight loss while lowering the percent of body fat – including deposits of harmful abdominal fat. Offering an excellent safety profile – and an entire menu of health benefits – berberine appears to have remarkable potential for supporting balanced blood sugar, easing NAFLD, promoting healthy weight, and enhancing overall well-being. Sources for this article include: Biomedcentral.com Verywellfit.com Healthline.com Sciencedirect.com Verywellhealth.com Healthline.com JAMAnetwork.com To read the original article click here.

The post Plant-Based Compound Helps Fight Fatty Liver Disease, Type 2 Diabetes & Obesity appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Slash Your Risk of NAFLD by Breaking THIS Harmful Habit

The AHA! Team — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 05:08:37 +0000

Patrick Tims via NaturalHealth365 – It’s estimated that one in four adults suffers from nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a condition where excess fat accumulates in the liver without alcohol being a factor. While alcohol is a well-known culprit of liver disease, a recent study published in the Annals of Hepatology highlights another surprising contributor: soft drinks. The research reveals a strong link between increased soft drink consumption and a higher risk of developing NAFLD, raising concerns about the impact of sugary beverages on liver health. The alarming link between soda consumption and liver disease: What the latest study reveals If you’re someone who can’t resist soda, you’re not alone – soft drinks, sugary sports beverages, and other sugar-filled bottled drinks are highly addictive. However, the latest study published in the Annals of Hepatology raises serious concerns: drinking more soft drinks is linked to a significantly higher risk of developing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. The data also highlights that men are more likely to develop liver disease from increased soda consumption than women. The initial data collection occurred between 2004 and 2006, and only participants aged 20 or older were included. A follow-up analysis conducted from 2010 to 2012 added 186 new individuals, with 1,627 participants remaining in the study. Diet sodas or those with zero calories were excluded from the analysis. 28% of men consumed between one and three and a half servings of soft drinks per week. 47.4% of men consumed more than three and a half servings per week. 31.1% of women consumed between one and three and a half servings of soft drinks per week. 26.5% of women consumed more than three and a half servings per week. The median weekly soft drink intake for participants was 3.1 servings. Why NAFLD risk varies between men and women: A key insight from the study The study reveals a significant increase in the risk of NAFLD with higher soft drink consumption, showing a 39% higher likelihood of developing NAFLD when soft drink intake rises from less than one serving per week to more than three and a half servings per week. One of the most striking findings is that men have a higher risk of NAFLD as their soft drink consumption increases compared to women. While both sexes see a rise in risk with greater soft drink intake, the increase is more pronounced in men. This suggests that metabolic differences between men and women may play a key role in how the body responds to soft drink consumption, contributing to the observed variances in NAFLD risk. Simple and natural strategies to kick your soda habit Kicking your soda habit might sound tough, but it’s more doable than you think! Instead of going cold turkey, try weaning yourself off the sugary drinks gradually. A gentle transition can make the process feel less overwhelming. Start by swapping out your soda for sparkling water. The fizz can help satisfy that craving for something bubbly, and you can add a splash of lemon, lime, or cucumber to give it a refreshing twist. If you’re missing the sweetness, flavored waters with natural extracts like mint or berry are a great option, too. Try kombucha if you’re looking for something with a little more punch. This tangy, fermented tea is naturally fizzy and can help curb those cravings while also boosting your gut. Another tasty option is prebiotic sodas – these offer the fizz and a bit of sweetness without the sugar overload. For a more festive alternative, sparkling non-alcoholic champagne or grape juice can be a fun treat that feels like a special occasion, minus the sugar high. And if you’re craving something warm, herbal teas can be a comforting choice. You can naturally sweeten them with some honey or stevia if needed. By gradually replacing soda with these simple, flavorful alternatives, you’ll take steps toward a healthier lifestyle without feeling like you’re missing out! Sources for this article include: Sciencedirect.com NIH.gov News-medical.net To read the original article click here.

The post Slash Your Risk of NAFLD by Breaking THIS Harmful Habit appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

How Might Ginger Help with Obesity and Fatty Liver Disease?

AHA Publisher — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 07:00:52 +0000

Michael Greger M.D. FACLM via Nutrition Facts – Ground ginger powder is put to the test for weight loss and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Ginger has been used in India and China for thousands of years to treat illnesses, but so has mercury, so that doesn’t really tell you much. That’s what we have science for. But, when you see article titles in the medical literature like “Beneficial Effects of Ginger…on Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome: A Review,” for example, you may not be aware the researchers are talking about the beneficial effects of ginger on fat rats. Why don’t they just conduct human clinical studies? That may be attributed to “ethical issues” and “limited commercial support,” for instance. Limited commercial support I can see: Ginger is dirt cheap, so who’s going to pay for the study? But ethical issues? We’re just talking about giving people some ginger. Cross-sectional studies in which you take a snapshot in time of ginger consumption and body weight are relatively inexpensive and easy to do. Researchers have found that people who are obese tend to eat significantly less ginger, so they suggest this “demonstrated that the use of ginger could have relevance for weight management.” You can see a chart below illustrating this and at 0:59 in my video Benefits of Ginger for Obesity and Fatty Liver Disease. But, maybe ginger consumption is just a marker of more traditional, less Westernized junk-food diets. You don’t know…until you put it to the test. A randomized controlled trial was conducted to assess the effects of a hot ginger beverage made with two grams of ginger powder in one cup of hot water, so about one teaspoon of ground ginger stirred into a teacup of hot water. That’s about five cents’ worth of ginger. The findings? After drinking the ginger beverage, the participants reported feeling significantly less hungry and, in response to the question “How much do you think you could eat?” described lower prospective food intake. Since the control was just plain hot water, the participants knew when they were getting the ginger so there could have been a placebo effect. The researchers considered putting the ginger into capsules to do a double-blinded study, but they thought part of the ginger’s effect may actually be through taste receptors on the tongue, so they didn’t want to interfere with that with a capsule. Not all of the effects were just subjective, though. Four hours after drinking the hot beverage, the metabolic rate in the ginger group was elevated compared to control, as you can see in the graph below and at 2:12 in my video. Though, in a previous study, when fresh ginger was added to a meal, there was no bump in metabolic rate. The researchers of the hot ginger beverage study suggest this discrepancy is “likely due to the different method of ginger administration,” giving participants fresh ginger instead of dried ginger powder, and there are dehydration products that form when ginger is dried that may have unique properties. “Although satiety and fullness were greater with ginger compared to control, [the researchers] have no objective measure of food intake.” They didn’t then go on to follow the participants to see if they actually ate less for lunch. The problem is there’s never been a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of that much ginger and weight loss…until now. After 12 weeks of that same teaspoon of ginger powder a day, but this time hidden in capsules, consumption of ginger “significantly reduced BMI,” that is, body mass index. As you can see in the graphs at 3:12 in my video, there was no change in the placebo group, but there was a drop in the ginger group. Body fat estimates didn’t really change, though, but that was kind of the whole point. What about using ginger to pull fat out of specific organs, like the liver? Evidently, “treatment with ginger ameliorates fructose-induced fatty liver…in rats.” You know what else would have worked? Not feeding them so much sugar in the first place. We aren’t rats, though. We didn’t have this type of study on humans…until now: “Ginger Supplementation in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study” in which participants were given a teaspoon of ginger a day or placebo for 12 weeks. All of the subjects were told to get more fiber and exercise, and to limit their dietary cholesterol intake. (My video How to Prevent Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease discusses why this is important.) So, even the placebo group should improve. And how did the ginger group do? Any better? Yes. Daily consumption of just one teaspoon of ground ginger a day “resulted in a significant decrease in inflammatory marker levels,” improvements in liver function tests, and a drop in liver fat. All for five cents’ worth of ginger powder a day. And what are the side effects? A few gingery burps? I searched for downsides and didn’t find any other than ginger paralysis. What? Indeed, “in 1930, thousands of Americans were poisoned by an illicit extract.” Hold on. Who drinks ginger extract? The year 1930 was during the Prohibition, so some people bought ginger extract as a legal way to get their hands on alcohol. “It was the poor man’s way of getting a drink of liquor.” But, “bootleggers had taken advantage of the demand for this old household remedy as an alcoholic beverage” and swapped in a cheaper ginger substitute—a varnish compound—”in order to make greater money profits.” The moral of the story: Don’t drink varnish. The video about the dietary cholesterol effect that I referred to is How to Prevent Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Oats might help, too, as you can see in Can Oatmeal Help Fatty Liver Disease?. And, for even more on fatty liver disease, check out The Best Diet for Fatty Liver Disease Treatment and How to Avoid Fatty Liver Disease. Key Takeaways Ginger has been used for thousands of years to treat illnesses in China and India Cross-sectional studies (snapshots in time) have found that ginger may be useful for weight management, but its consumption may simply be a marker of less Westernized junk-food diets. A randomized controlled trial found that a hot ginger beverage (with about five cents’ worth of the spice) was more satisfying to participants so they felt significantly less hungry and thought they could eat less afterwards, compared with the control of just plain hot water, but that still leaves the possibility of placebo effect. The researchers didn’t put the ginger into capsules to do a double-blinded study because they thought some of ginger’s effect may be through our tongue’s taste receptors. Dehydration products form when ginger is dried, and they may have unique properties that fresh ginger doesn’t. This may explain why the study using dried ginger caused a bump in metabolic rate while the trial with fresh ginger didn’t. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of ginger and weight loss that followed participants to see if they actually ate less in a subsequent meal, researchers found that consumption of ginger (hidden in capsules) significantly reduced BMI. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled ginger study for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in which participants were given a daily teaspoon of ginger or placebo for three months, the ginger group achieved significant decreases in their inflammatory marker levels, a drop in liver fat, and improvements in liver function tests. To read the original article click here.

The post How Might Ginger Help with Obesity and Fatty Liver Disease? appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Natural Compound Boosts Serotonin Levels, Supports Healthy Weight, New Study Suggests

AHA Publisher — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 07:00:48 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – According to the Centers for Disease Control, a shocking 73 percent of American adults are currently either overweight or obese – setting the stage for soaring rates of type 2 diabetes and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. In addition, experts report that the incidence of major depression – with symptoms of fatigue, anxiety, and insomnia – is on the rise in the United States as well. What could be behind this epidemic of less-than-optimal physical and psychological health? Many researchers believe that low levels of serotonin – a neurotransmitter needed for normal appetite, restful sleep, and stable mood – can play a role. Recent studies highlight the potential of a natural compound, 5-HTP, to enhance serotonin and promote well-being. In fact, a 2020 trial suggested that 5-HTP could help ease symptoms of depression – while other research has showcased its ability to encourage healthy eating habits. Let’s take a closer look at some of the possible benefits of 5-HTP. Serotonin-Producing 5-HTP May Reduce Unhealthy Food Cravings and Decrease Appetite 5-HTP, or 5-hydroxytryptophan, is made in the human body from tryptophan, an amino acid found in various foods, including poultry, milk, and bananas. (Unlike tryptophan, 5-HTP does not exist naturally in food. 5-HTP supplements are derived from an African plant known as Griffonia simplicifolia). After animal studies showed that 5-HTP appeared to reduce depression-induced excessive food intake, researchers began studying its effects on humans. In a 2017 study published in Brain and Behavior, participants were given either 5-HTP or vitamin C before undergoing MRI scans – and the results were fascinating. The researchers found that a “brain response for protein-rich foods” was more likely to occur in the 5-HTP group. In other words, the 5-HTP appeared to stimulate an inclination for healthier fare! (High-protein foods are more likely to help a person maintain a healthy weight than other choices, such as sugar- and fat-laden processed foods). Another controlled study showed that four weeks of using a 5-HTP oral spray led to greater feelings of fullness for overweight female participants, allowing them to decrease food intake and exhibit small but statistically significant reductions in body mass. The good news: While it’s by no means a “silver bullet” against obesity, 5-HTP may suppress appetite and reduce cravings for unhealthy foods, thereby helping to support a weight loss journey. 5-HTP Shows Promise in Enhancing Mood Low levels of serotonin (also known as the “feel-good” chemical) have been linked to depression and anxiety – leading some experts to speculate that serotonin-producing 5-hydroxytryptophan can help address these problems. In a recent controlled trial published in the European Journal of Neurology, researchers found that 50 mg of 5-HTP daily for a month caused significant improvements in depressive symptoms when compared to placebo. In fact, some researchers even maintain that 5-HTP may work as well as prescription medications to treat patients with mild-to-moderate depression. 5-HTP is believed to be particularly useful for patients who are resistant to pharmaceutical drugs or who have problems tolerating the side effects. Another “plus” for this calming compound is its ability to affect serotonin levels swiftly – unlike prescription antidepressants, which can take weeks to reach full effectiveness. “Catch More Zzzzs” – 5-HTP Boosts Levels of the “Sleep Hormone” Serotonin can be converted in the body into melatonin, a hormone important in regulating sleep. As 5-hydroxytryptophan spurs serotonin production, scientists believe it may enhance melatonin levels as well. While more research is needed, one promising 2018 study examined the effects of a combination of 5-HTP and GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid, a neurotransmitter with calming effects). The team found that the combination helped to induce sleep, enhance sleep quality and support longer sleep duration – all encouraging findings for those struggling with insomnia and sleep disturbances such as night terrors, interrupted sleep, and sleepwalking. By the way, 5-HTP may also help reduce the frequency and severity of migraine headaches and relieve the muscle pain, sleep problems, and fatigue that can accompany fibromyalgia. 5-HTP May Soothe Jangled Nerves and Restore Restful Sleep Naturally Opt for a high-quality formulation from a reputable vendor. The label should clearly display a USP or NSF seal, which ensures that the product is free of impurities. Natural healers typically recommend 5-HTP amounts ranging from 50 mg to 400 mg a day – but consult your integrative physician before supplementing. (Important: Don’t attempt to treat depression, or any other condition, with 5-HTP unless you are under the guidance of a qualified physician. It may interact negatively with certain antidepressants and sedative medications, increasing the amounts of serotonin in the body to excessive levels). While researchers are still investigating the effects of 5-hydroxytryptophan, some users swear by its ability to promote sleep, regulate appetite, soothe anxiety and promote a calm, stable mood. This intriguing natural supplement certainly deserves further exploration. Sources for this article include: Healthline.com NIH.gov MedicalNewsToday.com CDC.gov To read the original article click here.

The post Natural Compound Boosts Serotonin Levels, Supports Healthy Weight, New Study Suggests appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

People Who Consume Too Much High Fructose Corn Syrup Could Be at Risk for Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)

AHA Publisher — Mon, 13 Jun 2022 07:00:38 +0000

Endocrine Society via Newswise – High fructose consumption should be avoided to prevent the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), according to research being presented Sunday, June 12 at ENDO 2022, the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting in Atlanta, Ga. Fructose is a natural sugar present in fruits, fruit juices, certain vegetables and honey. In these forms, fructose sugars can be part of a nutritious diet. However, fructose is also a component of high-fructose corn syrup, which manufacturers make from corn starch and add to unhealthy foods such as sodas and candies. High fructose foods have been associated with metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes, which are the two main causes of NAFLD. About 24% of U.S. adults have NAFLD, a chronic disease in which excess fat builds up in your liver. This buildup of fat is not caused by heavy alcohol use. NAFLD can progress to chronic liver damage and lead to death. Diet and exercise are the standard of care for NAFLD as no medicines have been approved to treat the disease. “NAFLD is a serious problem and it is increasing in the population. There is a racial/ethnic difference in the prevalence of the NAFLD. People consume high-fructose corn syrup in foods, soft drinks and other beverages. Some studies suggested that consumption of high-fructose corn syrup is related to the development of NAFLD,” said lead author Theodore Friedman, M.D., Ph.D., of Charles R. Drew University in Los Angeles, Calif. For this study, the researchers analyzed data from 3,292 participants enrolled in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2017-2018. They found the greatest proportion of those who consumed the highest fructose were Mexican Americans (48%) and non-Hispanic Blacks (44%) with a low percentage of non-Hispanic whites (33%). The highest prevalence of NAFLD was among Mexican Americans who consumed the highest amount of fructose (70%). “We found that when adjusting for the demographics and behavioral factors (smoking, modest alcohol consumption, diet quality and physical activity), high fructose consumption was associated with a higher chance of NAFLD among the total population and Mexican Americans,” Friedman said. A better fitting model emerged when the researchers additionally adjusted for body composition and laboratory variables, where they found that high fructose consumption was related to higher chances of NAFLD in the total population, Mexican Americans and Whites. “High fructose consumption in Mexican Americans contributed, in part, to the health disparity of NAFLD,” Friedman said. Friedman and colleagues recommend health care providers encourage patients to consume less foods and beverages with high-fructose corn syrup to prevent the development of NAFLD. To read the original article click here.

The post People Who Consume Too Much High Fructose Corn Syrup Could Be at Risk for Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

Green Mediterranean Diet Cuts Liver Disease by Half

AHA Publisher — Fri, 22 Jan 2021 08:00:59 +0000

Naama Barak via Israel21c – A green Mediterranean diet – the regular vegetable-loaded one, only with the addition of walnuts and green shakes – reduces the prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) by half, Israeli researchers recently showed. NAFLD affects 25 to 30 percent of people in the United States and Europe. While some fat is normal in the liver, excessive fat leads to insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular risk. Since no drug is available to treat fatty liver, the only intervention is weight loss and curtailing of alcohol consumption. In an 18-month trial conducted at the Negev Nuclear Research Center in Israel, researchers from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and international colleagues divided 294 workers in their fifties suffering from abdominal obesity into three dietary groups: a healthy dietary regimen, a Mediterranean diet and a green Mediterranean diet. They also gave them all a free gym membership. The workers underwent MRI scans to quantify their excess fat content before and after the trial. While results showed that all the diets led to liver fat reduction, NAFLD prevalence dropped from 62% at baseline to 31.5% in the green Mediterranean diet group, to 47.9% in the Mediterranean group and to 54.8% in the healthy dietary regimen group. The results were recently published in the Gut journal. The green Mediterranean diet prescribed to the nuclear research workers was rich in vegetables and included less processed and red meat. It also included a daily intake of 28 grams of walnuts and was enriched with green components including three to four cups of green tea every day and 100 grams of frozen cubes per day of a Mankai green shake. Mankai, also known as duckweed, is an aquatic green plant that is high in iron, B12, vitamins and minerals. A similar study at BGU last summer looked at the effect of a green Mediterranean diet on weight loss. “Addressing this common liver disease by targeted lifestyle intervention might promote a more effective nutritional strategy,” says Ben-Gurion’s Anat Yaskolka-Meir. “This clinical trial demonstrates an effective nutritional tool for NAFLD beyond weight loss.” To read the original article click here. For more articles from Israel21c click here.

The post Green Mediterranean Diet Cuts Liver Disease by Half appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.

WARNING to “Healthy Weight” Individuals: Fatty Liver Health Problems Could Be Brewing Inside

AHA Publisher — Thu, 10 Sep 2020 07:00:03 +0000

Joy Jensen via NaturalHealth365 – Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become an epidemic in the U.S. – with over 100 million people being affected by this disease. To make matters even worse, most people have no idea it’s happening to them. To be clear: poor liver function has the potential to progress to more serious health issues like, chronic liver inflammation, scarring and cancer. In the past, experts simply believed that NAFLD affected primarily overweight individuals. And, while that’s true that obesity is connected to a fatty liver – there is a much bigger problem (no pun intended) for those walking around with a “healthy” body weight. In fact, new research reveals that even those who are not overweight can be affected by a fatty liver and researchers uncovered evidence that NAFLD presents itself in different ways based upon both body mass index (BMI) and gender. SHOCKING Truth About “Non-Obese Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease” Conventionally-speaking, NAFLD is commonly associated with high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, and excess body weight. No doubt, we’ve seen this disease explode in numbers – within the U.S. – as a direct proportion to the obesity epidemic. However, it’s recently become more common in Asia despite the fact that those living in that area of the world tend to notbe obese compared to the population in Europe and the United States. So, you can imagine the surprise of researchers when they discovered “non-obese NAFLD.” To make matters even more shocking: researchers discovered that non-obese NAFLD has a higher mortality ratethan that of obese NAFLD. Normally, increased visceral fat and reduced skeletal mass present as strong risk factors for the development of fatty liver in patients with obesity. However, for non-obese NAFLD, researchers didn’t have this type of insight and started looking at both non-obese and obese patients. They discovered that a quarter of the both males and females had non-obese fatty liver disease. Researchers were surprised to find that these individuals had lower muscle strength and skeletal muscle mass than patients with NAFLD who also were diagnosed with obesity. Belly fat was low in these patients, and the study found only a modest increase in insulin resistance and liver fatty accumulation. Researchers commented that these results show that there are key differences in how fatty liver disease presents itself in men and women who aren’t obese. And it’s a reminder that even individuals without obesity are at risk for fatty liver disease. Want to AVOID COVID-Related Complications? Read this Very Carefully Recently, studies found that patients with fatty liver disease had a great risk of hospitalization with COVID-19 due to COVID-related complications. With this new study on non-obese NAFLD, we now know that even more people are likely at risk for this increased risk of coronavirus complications. Bottom line: we need to have a greater appreciation (and respect) for healthy liver function. Simply put, a healthy liver is crucial for us to enjoy a healthy life. Liver function literally affects every organ and system of the body from hormone production, blood sugar regulation and the removal of harmful toxins from the body. If your liver struggles, so will you. Find out how poor liver function can increase the risk of autoimmune disorders, cancer, diabetes, heart disease plus much more! Click to to sign up now for the Fatty Liver Docu-Class created by Jonathan Landsman. This event starts Oct. 6, 2020. Don’t miss it … Register Today! Sources for this article include: Eurekalert.org, NaturalHealth365.com To read the original article click here. For more articles from NaturalHealth365 click here.

The post WARNING to “Healthy Weight” Individuals: Fatty Liver Health Problems Could Be Brewing Inside appeared first on Amazing Health Advances.