What are the nutritional principles for patients with fatty liver?

A normal liver contains no more than 5% fat. Excessive fat deposition in the liver is called fatty liver. Common clinical manifestations of fatty liver include loss of appetite, nausea, fatigue, upper abdominal fullness after meals, weight loss or gain, pain in the liver area, and some patients may have hepatomegaly or mild hepatomegaly.

Controlling heat intake

The energy intake for patients with fatty liver should not be too high. Patients recovering from hepatitis who engage in light activity can receive 30-35 kcal per kilogram of body weight daily to avoid weight gain and the development of fatty liver. For obese or overweight individuals, 20-25 kcal per kilogram of body weight can be provided to control or reduce weight.

Cut sugar and sweets

Carbohydrates are mainly supplied by grains, and should be appropriately supplemented with vegetables, fruits and other foods.

Appropriately increase protein content

A high-protein diet can prevent the loss of protein in the body, which is beneficial for the repair and regeneration of liver cells; it can also correct hypoproteinemia and prevent further damage to liver cells.

Controlling fat and cholesterol

High fat intake makes it difficult to control calorie intake, which is detrimental to weight loss. For patients with fatty liver, the total amount of fat supplied by food and cooking oil throughout the day should not exceed 40g; foods high in cholesterol, such as egg yolks, should be appropriately controlled.

Replenish vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber

Supplementing the diet with various vitamins and minerals beneficial for treating liver disease, especially foods and products rich in folic acid, choline, inositol, nicotinic acid, vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin B12, potassium, zinc, magnesium, etc., can promote and maintain normal metabolism and correct or prevent nutrient deficiencies.

A diet should not be too refined. Staple foods should be a combination of whole grains and refined grains, and plenty of vegetables, fruits and algae should be consumed to ensure adequate intake of dietary fiber.