Diet helps fatty liver disease

NAFLD isn’t an acronym for a sports league, it stands for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. (FYI: An official namechange is coming soon to MAFLD, metabolic-associated fatty liver disease.) NAFLD/ MAFLD currently affects up to 30% of the world’s population because of the epidemics of obesity and Type 2 diabetes. In this country where 70% of people are overweight or obese and an estimated 98 million American adults have prediabetes, it’s a major problem.

NAFLD/MAFLD may have no symptoms but can cause fatigue and pain in the upper right belly. When it progresses, it can turn into non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). That condition may cause itchy skin, abdominal and leg swelling, shortness of breath and an enlarged spleen. As NASH progresses, cirrhosis, and endstage liver disease, even liver cancer, may develop, and it’s a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

If you’re at risk for or have NAFLD/MAFLD or NASH, new research has found that a specific protein, called NOX4, helps combat it and its progression. A study published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation says NAFLD/MAFLD worsens as that protein’s level falls, increasing the risk for serious complications. But guess what foods contain the liver-protecting element? Cruciferous veggies: cauliflower, broccoli, kale, arugula, bok choy, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, radish and turnips. If you up your daily intake, you may benefit — and help prevent certain kinds of cancer, too, according to the National Cancer Institute. So, check out recipes like the Keto Pancakes and Stir-fried Broccoli at iHerb.com and help dash your risk for NAFLD/MAFLD and NASH.

Dr. Mike Roizen is the founder of www.longevityplaybook. com, and Dr. Mehmet Oz is global advisor to www.iHerb. com, the world’s leading online health store. Roizen and Oz are chief wellness officer emeritus at Cleveland Clinic and professor emeritus at Columbia University, respectively.