Confused about what to eat and drink - Living with Fatty...

Living with Fatty Liver and NASH

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Confused about what to eat and drink

savannahjane profile image
14 Replies

Hi, I am a 63 year old women and I was told 14 years ago that I had a fatty liver from a regular ultrasound, I lost hundred pounds, and they said my liver went back to normal size. 10 years later I gained 70 pounds back and now my liver is slightly enlarged again, they're guessing I have a fatty liver, I will be going for a special fiber something scan in January. I am struggling to lose the weight again because I have knee and back issues so I can only swim and lift some weights. I cannot eat gluten, and with gall bladder issues cannot tolerate a lot of fatty foods, I can use a little olive oil. What should I be eating? How many calories and carbs to heal my liver? I love sharp cheddar cheese, Is that a no? I am so confused to how much to eat and what to eat, and how much should I be exercising? FYI I was a sugar addict, I have stopped but does a little sugar once a week hurt?

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savannahjane profile image
savannahjane
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14 Replies
nash2 profile image
nash2Partner

Finding the right balance is hard for everyone. From your description you probably are dealing with a damaged liver so the scanning is appropriate. Here is a link to general diet information but we can't really provide detailed diet counseling. Perhaps you could find a local nutritionist to help you plan.

fattyliverfoundation.org/na...

AZgrandma profile image
AZgrandma

I'm 63 and was just diagnosed with a fatty liver. I'm only about 15 pounds overweight and so it came as a complete shock. I guess I shouldn't be surprised as I don't really pay attention to what I eat. I am planning on trying the Mediterranean diet. And I am going for a Fibroscan next week. Not going to fool around. I want to know the extent of the disease. I love cheese and chocolate, but I am staying away from those from now on and anything with sugar in it at all. I'm going to keep to 1200 calories a day and try to lose the weight. I have 9 grandchildren and would like to be around for awhile to enjoy them.

Cats2018 profile image
Cats2018 in reply to AZgrandma

Hi AZGrandma,

I’m an AZ Grandma too. I’m guessing that you live in Arizona? I do as well. What part of the state do you live in if you don’t mind my asking?

FibroScan is quick and easy. I hope you have good results. I have NASH stage 3 fibrosis. I have fairly closely followed the plan that nash2 posted the link to and doing so initially lost 30# without counting calories. I think the Mediterranean diet does come closest to what we need to do with liver disease. Good luck!

AZgrandma profile image
AZgrandma in reply to Cats2018

Hi Cats2018, I live in Marana. Been here 7 years, originally from the East Coast. Moved her to be with my grandkids.

Thank you. I'm scared, but trying not to let it get to me. You're weight loss is impressive. It's so hard!

Cats2018 profile image
Cats2018 in reply to AZgrandma

I was so scared at first, but have adjusted to the initial shock by now. I live in the Valley

Cats2018 profile image
Cats2018 in reply to AZgrandma

AZgrandma -I just sent you a private reply as I had some other information I thought may be helpful to you in the area where you live -

Arvizu profile image
Arvizu in reply to AZgrandma

Hi AZ Grandma,

I am also living in AZ. Been here for 2yrs. I moved from Cali. Im 67 yrs and was told I had a fatty liver for a long time. Didn't know it was a big deal then. When I came to AZ, I started with fibro scan, MRI, scans. I started a clinical study around 4-5 months ago. I have stage 4 cirrhosis. They are hoping the fatty will go away. I am 40 pounds over weight now. I really have not tried to lose it. I do try to eat more vegtables and fruits. I still have creamer in coffee (1 cup a day). I know I need to try but its kinda depressing thinking about it and cause my grandkids ( most of them are back in cali). But I feel good most of the time. A little tried. Im going to try a little harder, cause like you said, I want to be around to see my grandkids grow.

AZgrandma profile image
AZgrandma in reply to Arvizu

Hi Arvizu, I'm so sorry that you have cirrhosis. And I know how difficult it is to be separated from your grandkids. I haven't always lived near mine. But, they sure do motivate us to do better.

Liverhead profile image
Liverhead

It seem you are doing the right things given your limited liver function. You can't "heal your liver." Through diet and exercise you minimize the other symptoms , high blood sugar etc., which inhibit liver function.Mediatio helps you extract the toxins that the body produces through eating and other bodily functions.Have you see a nutritionist?He or she can help to put you on a liver friendly diet. I HOPE I answered your question.Good luck!!!!

Cats2018 profile image
Cats2018

Good luck Savannahjane. The link nash2 provided helped me so much after my NASH diagnosis in May 2018. I initially lost 30# following it without exercise (I had just had foot surgery and was not able to exercise at the time).

nettl1 profile image
nettl1

You are on the right path, getting help. Talk with your doctor or ask a dietitian. This is what my doctor told me, but our health is different. Low sodium - no more than 2% a day, no more than 9% protein a day, low sugar, lots of fresh vegetables and fruits. No alcohol. My liver is finally regenerating and I can now add some things, but I like my diet and I’ve lost over 60 pounds. I feel great. My doctor told me to start walking. That was hard. But I walk up to 3 miles a day, most days. Good luck to you.

savannahjane profile image
savannahjane in reply to nettl1

9% protein? How many grams of protein?

nettl1 profile image
nettl1

My doctor told me 9%. But depends on your health.

David_Jack profile image
David_Jack

Finding a balanced diet is hard for everyone. From your description, you are probably dealing with a damaged liver so the scanning is appropriate. Here are some foods that you should eat : fruits and vegetables, high-fiber plants like legumes and whole grains. Significantly reducing intake of certain foods and beverages including those high in added sugar, salt, refined carbohydrates, and saturated fat. Avoid alcohol.

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