Many individuals diagnosed with fatty liver often make sudden, drastic changes to their diet, which can unfortunately worsen their condition. Master, Doctor Dinh Thi Huong, from the Department of Gastroenterology - Hepatobiliary - Pancreas at Tam Anh Cau Giay General Clinic, points out that such abrupt dietary shifts risk metabolic disorders and accelerate disease progression. Doctor Huong identifies several common eating mistakes that patients with fatty liver should avoid.

Fasting to reduce liver fat

Prolonged fasting or skipping meals deprives the body of energy, disrupting metabolism and increasing the mobilization of fatty acids from adipose tissue to the liver. The liver, overwhelmed by a larger amount of fat, becomes overloaded, worsening fatty liver disease. Fasting can also lead to compensatory eating later, meaning total energy intake does not decrease as expected. Instead of extreme dieting, patients should aim for gradual weight loss, about 5-10% of their body weight over 3-6 months, through a scientific diet.

Completely avoiding fats

Saturated fats and trans fats, abundant in animal fat, organ meats, fried foods, and processed foods, are linked to increased fat accumulation in the liver. However, unsaturated fatty acids found in fish, olive oil, and nuts can help improve lipid metabolism and reduce inflammation. According to Doctor Huong, fats remain an essential component of the body, so patients with fatty liver should adjust the quality and quantity of fats in their diet rather than eliminating them entirely.

Consuming excessive refined carbohydrates

Refined carbohydrates like white rice, white bread, and pastries have a high glycemic index, causing a sudden spike in blood sugar after meals. This excess sugar is often converted into fat and accumulates in the liver. Patients should prioritize slow-release carbohydrates such as: brown rice, oats, sweet potatoes, and whole grains.

Refined carbohydrates and fried foods, rich in unhealthy fats, can promote liver fat accumulation. Photo: Ly Nguyen.

Consuming excessive fruit and drinking juice for "liver detoxification"

While fruits provide vitamins, fiber, and antioxidant compounds, excessive consumption, especially of fructose-rich fruits (such as ripe mangoes, grapes, longans, lychees, durian), promotes triglyceride synthesis and fat accumulation in the liver. The liver has a natural detoxification mechanism and does not require "rapid detoxification." Juices are often low in fiber, which speeds up sugar absorption, potentially leading to blood sugar spikes and nutritional imbalance if consumed over time.

Believing moderate alcohol consumption does not affect the liver

Consuming alcoholic beverages with fatty liver can increase oxidative stress, disrupt mitochondrial function, and promote inflammatory responses in the liver. This can accelerate disease progression. Doctor Huong advises patients with fatty liver to completely avoid alcohol to reduce negative impacts on the liver.

Fatty liver is a multifactorial metabolic disease closely linked to insulin resistance, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle. Alongside dietary adjustments, patients should increase physical activity, improve sleep, and manage stress to enhance treatment effectiveness and control fatty liver symptoms.

Ly Nguyen