Fatty deposits reduction

[JimmySplash]

Is there anything i can do to reduce my alcohol related fatty deposits?

I'm currently in recovery, have anti craving medication, lots of vitamins to hand and cycle loads.

[Richard-Allen]

Hi Jimmy,

If you are referring to Disulfiram (Antabuse) then care should be taken. There can be some nasty side-effects to taking this medication. It can also cause liver damage in some people I understand.

I'd be careful about the vitamins as well, taking too many can cause adverse effects, some of which can be dangerous.

All the liver needs to repair its self is to stop taking the poison that's causing the damage, maintain a healthier lifestyle, and time. The liver will need around 6-8 weeks to repair any damage and to recover fully.

The real issue is the mental aspect of coming to terms with cravings. You're on the right track and well done for realising you have a problem, and then getting help. Christmas will be a tough time, so try and have an action plan in place now, so you'll be more capable when dealing with any triggers later on.

Good luck.

Richard

[JimmySplash in reply to Richard-Allen]

The alcohol service i use dont perscribe antabuse. I'm currently tkaing Acamprasate.

The only vitamins i take is Thiamine which is perscribed by my GP. I don't take anything else.

And yeah, Christmas is coming so i do need a plan. However as the saying goes, "one day at a time"

😀

[Laura009]

Hi Jimmy. Well done for ditching the drink. That's the first big step in reducing the fat in your liver. The best way to avoid cravings is to fill the time you would have spent drinking on a new hobby. ..... great you are cycling and the more exercise you can do, the better. Vary it so you dont get bored. Also make sure your diet is healthy, fresh fruit and veg and low fat meats and measured amounts of carbs for energy and drink plenty of water to flush the toxins from your body etc etc. Also, be sure to avoid salty and sugary foods. Unless specific vitamins or suppliments have been prescribed by your doctor/ liver specialist/ dietician, they really should be avoided as they can further damage an already struggling liver.

Good luck .

Laura

[CocoChannel]

If you continue with the good work, nature will do the rest.

After living unhealthily for years, I started doing all the right things, eating well, exercising and losing a load of weight. The one thing I didn’t do was stop drinking, and a private ultrasound showed a fatty liver. So I stopped drinking but didn’t change anything else, and the fatty liver cleared up in months.

The doctor said by far the biggest factor was giving up drinking. Losing weight, eating healthily, etc, are great but continuing to drink pretty much cancels out all of these.

Are you on Campril? It’s OK but not a miracle drug. If does require a huge amount of willpower on your part too. Nevertheless, having to take those massive tablets three times a day is a good reminder not to drink.

Giving up alcohol, even with Campral, was one of the hardest things I’ve done, but it’s been one of the best. Those cravings do fade over time. They never go completely, but you get into the habit of not drinking plus you see the many benefits.

Three years ago, I was obese and had one hobby in the evening which was drinking. Now I’ve changed body shape, career and compete in a couple of sports clubs. For a guy my age, I’m doing great. No reason why you can’t do some good stuff too. Just bear with it for a few months and see what pleasant surprises come your way.

[JimmySplash in reply to CocoChannel]

Thanks Coco. I'm taking Acamprosate which i think is Campril. It does take a humungous effort on my part and the docs says you need to take it whilst also receiving support from my alcohol service (only available by phone and zoom for the forseeable future) and also current and ex service users.

I certainly eat but possibly not as healthy as i should. There are no take aways whatsoever but im not eating enough fruit.

I do have one other vice......bread 😀

[CocoChannel in reply to JimmySplash]

Hi Jimmy

Yes, that’s Campral. Think of Campral as a three times a day reminder to quit. Even with Campral, quitting is excruciating I’m afraid. Saying that, give it a few weeks. Those cravings do noticeably go, and with the help of those annoying tablets, you’ll get out of the habit of drinking.

Within reason, don’t worry about the diet or bread for now. As far as I know, bread’s not addictive and is way healthier than alcohol.

Keep doing what you’re doing 👍

[JimmySplash in reply to CocoChannel]

Bread is giving me a fat belly!

To be honest, ive only just started taking the Campril so the true effects haven't really started. I'm not thinking about alcohol at the moment with or without the prescription but i will endeavour to continue with the medication

[JJgut]

Looks like others have summed it up nicely. Stopping drinking was the right move and probably the most important thing, since that's what caused it in the first place.

Double check with your doctor about the vitamins. Not sure how it is in the UK, but in the USA, vitamins and herbs are not well-regulated, and some can have additives in them that are not listed on the bottle. Secondly, too much of some vitamins can be harmful to the liver, like Vitamin A.

As for diet, lots of fruits and vegetables, especially broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, and leafy greens like spinach. Walnuts also have some compounds in them that can be good for your liver. Black, unsweetened, brewed coffee (not instant coffee) has also shown to be protective of the liver, even if it is decaf. I'd avoid processed foods and preservatives as much as possible, and keep red meats to a minimum as well. Stick to white meat, eggs, and fish for protein. Opt for whole grains and limit sugar and refined carbohydrates.

Exercise is also important, as it will help your body burn fat. Just don't lose too much weight too fast - doing so can actually be hard on the liver.

Good luck, and keep us posted!

[JimmySplash]

Thiamine is perscribed when you're in hospital detoxing and having withdrawals, they also discharge you from hospital with thiamine and when you've run out you can go to your GP and get some more with no questions asked. I've been taking it for years (on and off) My method of drinking was binge drinking, large dangerous amounts and due to the vitamin deficiency, not eating and the body doesnt produce sufficient amounts of thiamine naturally, i was on the road to developing Weineke Korskoff disease. If i didnt stop that is. Thiamine helps combat that.

There is no way i want alcoholic related dementia and im still under 50