Mr. Martha Belén Ortiz Celi

Clinical nutritionist/chef in food gastronomy

The prevalence of the diagnosis of liver steatosis in our area is on the rise, due to an abundant diet of carbohydrates and low-quality fats; it is considered one of the most important factors in the development and progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. This consists of the excessive accumulation of fat in the hepatocyte, because even without consuming alcoholic beverages you can develop it. On the other hand, let’s also remember that there is the appearance of fatty liver due to alcohol, the latter being one of the liver disorders that are often found worldwide.

Many years ago, Latin America negatively accepted the practice of the Western diet, characterized by high energy density, which provides a high profile of trans fat, saturated fat, cholesterol and sugar, directly increasing visceral fat and promoting fat accumulation in the liver and metabolism. consequent progression of fatty liver.

We can note that caloric intake and poor nutritional density of the diet is the most important factor that affects the damage, in many cases irreversible, because it can promote cirrhosis of the liver. Given that the predisposition occurs more often in obese people, it can also occur in thin people with inadequate distribution of body mass and who do not eat food rich in fiber, so thinness is not synonymous with healthy.

Caloric restriction of at least 500 kcal per day from simple and complex carbohydrates, as well as saturated fats, is necessary to achieve progressive regeneration of the liver, in case the fatty liver is in a reversible stage.

We remind you that promoting weight loss through diet and exercise should be gradual, with a rate of loss of approximately 1 kg less per week, as greater loss would cause greater damage from nutritional deficiencies; so they should not stop eating or suppress food randomly, always under the supervision of the diet. This is why nutrition is important from the moment the disease is diagnosed in order to improve the prognosis. A specialist gastroenterologist or hepatologist will be able to indicate the severity of your current condition, and if it is not treated in time, it can progress to hepatocellular carcinoma. These patients must undergo joint evaluation with specialties such as internal medicine and nutrition.

Most people have no symptoms, but pay attention if you have:

– Hepatomegaly

-Fatigue

-Pain or discomfort in the right hypochondrium

The chance of development is greater if a person has:

– Overweight or obesity

– Sedentary lifestyle

– insulin resistance

– Elevated triglycerides

-High total cholesterol, high LDL cholesterol or low HDL cholesterol

-Diabetes melitus type 2

Diet, exercise and weight loss form the therapeutic basis. Nutrition needs to be individualized according to the patient, taking into account his habits and customs. First of all, you should limit carbohydrates with a high glycemic index, especially those that come from drinks (juices, smoothies, colas, creams) and increase the consumption of foods rich in fiber: vegetables in raw salads, whole grains and whole fruits.

In addition, three meals a week of sea fish, nuts and seeds. If you drink coffee, or rather prefer it without sugar, opt for fermented dairy products in our diet such as kefir and natural yogurt, as well as dairy products without added sugar.

Don’t forget to organize your home meals in advance by creating a list of priority foods so that you always have access to nutritious food and prepare balanced meals for everyone in the household.

What is smegma (in men) and why can its accumulation lead to unpleasant odors?

Practice intensity and strength exercises, such as walking 30-45 minutes a day at a continuous pace or exercising at least 150 minutes a week, regardless of intensity.

In order to support and encourage healthy eating patterns, the support of both the public and private spheres is also necessary in curbing the rapid increase in the sale of ultra-processed products throughout the country, through legislation and the development of market opportunities. in order to protect and strengthen local and national healthy food systems, and thus healthy eating patterns.

Ultra-processed products are high in calories and low in nutritional value. They are characteristically rich in trans fats, salty or sweet, and low in dietary fiber, protein, various micronutrients and other bioactive compounds. They often have a high glycemic load.

In conclusion, our liver cells need adequate nutrition for their normal functioning. The negative health effects caused by inadequate nutrition are increasing every day. Obesity, the main consequence of this dietary change, is one of the main causes of death in most countries due to related diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes melitus type 2, non-alcoholic fatty liver and even cancer.

CULINARY NUTRITIONAL ADVICE

If you like soups, but they are prohibited due to obesity or fatty liver, you can prepare protein-based soups (the best poultry meat without bones and skin, eggs, cheese or low-fat cottage cheese) + green vegetables: Swiss chard, spinach, broccoli, celery, zucchini, turnips, add spices for flavor and color such as garlic, bay leaves, turmeric, cilantro or chives. Without adding other vegetables rich in starch.

Source: Eluniverso