Common chemical TRIPLES RISK OF FATTY LIVER

“There’s an epidemic of fatty liver disease in the U.S.,” says Ken D. Berry, M.D., author of Lies My Doctor

Told Me. Indeed, more than 80% of women over 45 have the condition, in which fat clogs the organ so it can’t perform its metabolic and detox functions, leading to weight gain, fatigue and fog. And while the high sugar content in the standard American diet is a major factor, new research points to another culprit in our food supply: glyphosate, a chemical sprayed on crops to kill weeds. A new animal study links glyphosate exposure to a three-fold increase in risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

70% of people have glyphosate in their system—that’s a 500% rise in the past 23 years, according to a University of California at San Diego study. Though some experts (including those associated with Monsanto, the company that uses glyphosate as the active ingredient in its weed killer, Roundup) have said it’s virtually nontoxic to humans, others urge caution. Says Dr. Berry, “There’s no doubt glyphosate is a molecule of concern.”

A urine test can check glyphosate levels while an ultrasound can diagnose fatty liver. And to help optimize health, consider the following:

Keto diets eliminate major sources of glyphosate and reverse fatty liver, says Dr. Berry. His advice: Avoid grains and sugar, limit carb intake to 50 grams a day and opt for green veggies, grass-fed meat, plant-based proteins and healthy fats like avocado—keto-friendly foods that help the liver eliminate fat and toxins. And go organic and non-GMO when possible—this can cut pesticide exposure by 90% in seven days.

Aim for 425 mg. of choline daily. It helps the liver break down fat and has been shown to help 80% of women reverse fatty liver. Top source: eggs (147 mg.), or consider a supplement.