The prevalence of ( Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
is alarmingly high, affecting an estimated 80 to 100 million people in the United States alone. This chronic disease has now reached a staggering one billion individuals worldwide, making it the leading chronic illness in the US.
Despite its prevalence, NAFLD often goes unnoticed, with many people unaware that they have it. NAFLD occurs when excess fat accumulates in liver cells, and the skyrocketing rates can be attributed to the typical Western diet. Contrary to popular belief, the primary culprit behind NAFLD is not fat but rather the consumption of processed foods and sugars. When we consume sugar, it triggers a process called lipogenesis, where the body converts sugar into fat, leading to the buildup of fat in the liver.
Furthermore, soda, which contains high fructose syrup, has become the primary source of calories in the Western diet, making it a major contributor to NAFLD.
According to Traditional Integrated Chinese Medicine (TICM), fatty liver is believed to manifest as a result of Spleen deficiency, leading to the production of dampness and stagnation of Liver energy. This connection emphasizes the significant role of diet in the development of NAFLD. When the Spleen is weak, it generates a heavy, phlegm-like substance known as dampness, disrupting the natural flow of energy and blood, eventually leading to stagnation, disharmony, and disease in the Liver.
NAFLD triggers inflammation, which can lead to various liver disorders such as steatohepatitis and cirrhosis. It also elevates the risk of heart attacks due to the development of high triglyceride levels and reduced levels of good cholesterol (HDL). Furthermore, NAFLD is closely associated with diabetes and obesity.
Reversing Fatty Liver
The good news is that fatty liver can indeed be reversed. As the saying goes, for every disease, there is a cure. Once we identify the root causes, we can begin to address and eliminate them.
Fatty liver is commonly linked to alcohol consumption, but it is important to note that it has become a significant problem in the West primarily due to our lifestyle and dietary choices. The severity of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects a staggering 80 to 100 million individuals in the United States and approximately one billion people worldwide.
Maintaining a healthy liver is crucial for overall well-being, both emotionally and physically. Our liver plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth flow of energy, blood, and emotions within our body. Acting as a sophisticated factory, the liver performs over 500 essential functions, including processing and detoxifying pollutants, chemicals, and toxins from our environment. A healthy liver directly contributes to a happy and healthy life.
So, how can you support your liver health and combat fatty liver?
1. Eliminate processed foods, including sugar, soda, and products containing high fructose corn syrup. This dangerous ingredient not only contributes to NAFLD but is also genetically modified (GMO).
2. Reduce your consumption of starches such as refined white flour and even “whole grain” or “wheat” products, as they can be high in sugars. Instead, opt for organic sweet potatoes, yams, potatoes, and rice, which are healing foods for the body. In TICM and many other cultures, white rice is considered very beneficial for the Spleen.
3. Restore balance and harmony to your liver with ancient herbal formulas designed to improve blood flow, energy circulation, emotions, and detoxification. Stress and emotions like anger, frustration, and irritability