Fatty liver is a medical condition that can occur from drinking too much alcohol. New research shows that that it can also occur with eating too many high glycemic index foods.

Deposits of fat in the liver harm the organ’s capacity to filter blood. This can progress to cirrhosis of the liver and permanent liver failure. Fatty liver is very dangerous. And it comes on silently.

There are drugs that help re-sensitize the body to insulin. And studies show that they significantly reduce fat deposits in the liver. However, the drugs also caused further weight gain.  So scientists are still looking for other options.

You can prevent and even reverse insulin resistance with proper nutrition and exercise.  If you can get insulin working again, existing fatty liver can be reversed.

What can you do?

1. Stop eating refined sugars and carbohydrates, especially if you are already overweight or have insulin resistance.
2. Stop eating or drinking foods with high fructose corn syrup. Fructose converts easily to triglycerides, the fats that store in the liver and fat cells.
3. Exercise regularly. Exercise helps burn excess glucose to remove it from the blood before it’s converted to fat.
4. Take chromium supplements. This essential trace mineral helps insulin receptors to do their job. USDA studies found that chromium histidine and chromium picolinate were the best-absorbed forms of chromium. Make sure you are getting at least 100 to 200 mcg per day for prevention. Anyone who has a history of high sugar consumption may benefit from higher initial dosages of 200 to 400 mcg. In existing insulin resistance, studies show that 1000-1200 mcg is needed to improve blood glucose and insulin levels and improve lipid profiles.  (If you are currently on medication for blood sugar and want to try chromium, work with a medical professional who can help you monitor your blood sugar levels and medication needs.)
5. Try milk thistle (80 percent silymarin). It helps to keep the cells of the liver regenerating and helps detoxify the liver. It can also help protect the liver from daily insults from the environment or medications. I recommend 300 to 600 mg per day.
6. Take probiotics (good flora). A recent study showed that alterations in gut flora could improve insulin resistance and the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver. 

[Ed. Note: Jim LaValle is an educator, clinician and industry consultant in the field of integrative healthcare. He is a licensed pharmacist, board certified clinical nutritionist and doctor of naturopathic medicine with more than 20 years clinical practice experience in the field of natural therapeutics and functional medicine. Named one of the "50 Most Influential Druggists" by American Druggist for his work in natural medicine, LaValle has authored 13 books, including his latest, Cracking the Metabolic Code. For more information, click here.]

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