Newbie

[Lori1066]

Hello All.

I'm new to the forum and hoping to learn a lot.

Ive been overweight for a lot of my life and I decided st 18st 8 I needed to change so I began my weight loss journey in September 2019. I was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy in 2016 and then I was diagnosed in November 2019 with NAFLD/NASH. I've had all the usual tests but have only been able to have a phone consultation with the hepatologist Post diagnosis due to Covid 19. I have had a phone consultation with the NHS dietician that has told me that I must now eat a LOW not NO Fat diet incorporating low sodium and sugar. This sounded fine to begin with and now I have a few questions that I can't find definitive answer to and am hoping you can help.

I have Nutracheck to help keep the balance of nutrients but I'm confused on the sugars. What is meant by low sugar? I no longer eat things like chocolate, cake and sweets etc and am trying to live a healthy lifestyle but what about all the hidden sugars in fruit and vegetables? Are these still bad and if so what on earth should I eat?

I do hope you can point me in the right direction and not only continue my already 4.5stone loss but to help my liver to cope.

Thanks.

[Lori1066]

Also meant to say that they think my liver problem is due to one of my heart meds that I am no longer taking.

[Laura009 in reply to Lori1066]

Hi Lori. Low sugar means the natural sugars in fruit and veg so no problem with those at all . Well done for giving up the cakes etc. Best of luck with the weight loss and a healthier life 🙂👍

[AyrshireK]

Hi Lori, welcome to our merry band. If you've not already seen it the British Liver Trust main website has a page all about NAFLD which might provide some of your answers. britishlivertrust.org.uk/in...

There is also a page about diet and liver disease with the section on NAFLD saying:-

Non alcohol related liver disease is a term for a wide range of conditions in which there is a build-up of fat in the liver cells of people who do not drink alcohol excessively. Initially the fat deposits may not be associated with any symptoms, however, in some people this may progress to inflammation – non alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) which may in turn lead to scarring and cirrhosis.

You are more likely to develop a fatty liver if you:

are overweight or obese, particularly if you put on weight around your middle (apple shaped)

have high blood cholesterol

have diabetes

have been diagnosed with insulin resistance (where your body does not respond to insulin as it should)7.

If you have a fatty liver you may be advised to make changes to your diet and life-style including:

- cutting out or down on alcohol (remember, alcoholic drinks are often high in calories

- taking regular exercise, such as walking or swimming

- eating plenty of fruit and vegetables

- eating slow-release starchy foods, such as bread and potatoes

- avoiding refined sugars and saturated fats – as in chocolate, cakes and biscuits.

- if necessary, slowly reducing your weight to a healthy level for your build and age, and keeping it there.

If you are diabetic, then it is important to work with your doctor to keep your blood sugar levels under good control. If your blood cholesterol is high or you are insulin resistant, you may be prescribed medication as well given dietary advice.

Katie

[briccolone]

Well done on the weight loss...that's serious good work. Yep stick with the veg. Avoid fruit juices though. Whole fruit better