CARING FOR YOUR LIVER
You have the power to start helping your liver.
The liver has amazing powers of recovery. There are steps you can take today to slow or even reverse liver damage caused by NASH.
Currently, there are no FDA-approved treatments for NASH. Clinical trials are underway, which may lead to the development of new treatments.
LIVER FACT
Your liver performs more than 500 vital functions. There are things you can do to keep it as healthy as possible.
Put less stress on your liver
Eat a healthy diet
Try to have a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, protein, and carbohydrates that’s low in fat, sugar, and salt. This can also help manage your cholesterol and keep your blood sugar in check
Exercise regularly
Try to do 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week, such as walking or cycling. Any type of movement can help, even if you don’t lose weight. Before starting any type of exercise, check with your doctor to make sure you choose activities that are safe and comfortable for you
Maintain a healthy weight
Small changes can make a big difference. Losing just 3%-5% of your current weight may help reduce the fat buildup in your liver
Maintain a healthy weight
Small changes can make a big difference. Losing 3%-5% of your current weight may help reduce the fat buildup in your liver
Limit alcohol use
NASH isn’t caused by alcohol, but drinking may make it worse
Exercise regularly
Try to do 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week, such as walking or cycling. Any type of movement can help, even if you don’t lose weight. Before starting any type of exercise, check with your doctor to make sure you choose activities that are safe and comfortable for you
Be cautious with dietary supplements
Ask your doctor before taking any supplements or herbal remedies. Certain vitamins and minerals (like vitamin A, iron, and niacin) can hurt your liver. And just because a product is “natural” doesn’t mean it’s safe
Limit alcohol use
NASH isn’t caused by alcohol, but drinking may make it worse
Making lifestyle changes isn’t easy. Old habits can be hard to break. A nutritionist can help you find healthy and tasty substitutes for the foods you like. If your doctor’s practice doesn’t have a nutritionist, ask them to recommend one.
Monitor your progress.
You might want to know if your lifestyle changes are having an impact. Schedule regular appointments with your doctor to monitor your NASH and scarring, and look for signs of new problems. If you’re afraid of liver tests, you don’t have to be. Today’s liver tests can be fast and painless. They’re also essential because your doctor needs to know how much scarring (fibrosis) there is to determine how to best manage your NASH and risk.
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Get your liver the help it needs. Talk to your doctor today.
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