ALFD

[CodyL]

I have had a pretty toxic relationship with Alcohol for years. Most nights I would drink 6 to 8 beers pretty much daily for almost 5 years. I also have had a pretty horrible diet, fast food, red meat, refined carbs etc.

Well I had to get an ultrasound because I have been having pain under my ribs right side, stomach issues, loss of apatite, beer belly etc. The results came back fatty liver from ultrasound testing. Now I know its too early to tell at what stage I have damaged it to or anything else until I get further testing but I cant help but feel a crushing dread of a looming death sentence. I am a dad and want to see my daughter grow, I have stopped drinking, started exercise more, and changed my diet to whats been recommended. I am curious if anyone else has been in my shoes and what the outcome was.

[nash2 Partner]

the liver is a very forgiving organ. If you have stopped abusing it, it will do its best to recover. Many people have successfully managed their alcohol damage and there is good evidence that a healthy lifestyle of a good diet and exercise can be effective. Concern is good, dread is probably too extreme but get thoroughly tested so that you understand you situation clearly. Good luck.wayne

[Ednoral]

Hello Cody and welcome. Yes I had a toxic relationship with alcohol in particular wine. I was drinking about 1 bottle every day. This lasted for a couple of years. Never understood why I felt horrible the next day after binge drinking the night before. D'OH! Anyway, when I finally went for testing my family doctor told me I had NASH. Well I have a family and 2 beautiful grandchildren who I want to see grow up. I stopped the alcohol and my bad diet of fried foods, and salty snacks. I suffered from pains and withdrawal but that didn't last long. I must say that my health and well-being has improved so much. The liver heals itself and fatty liver can be reversed. Just keep doing what you are doing and your liver will recover. Be patient.

[MLB_77]

Hi. It’s really hard to change EVERYTHING. I would suggest putting the alcohol problem in the forefront. Once you work on that it is so much easier to work on diet, etc. don’t be afraid to reach out for help. AA, etc. I really like podcasts, in particular recovery elevator. You will hear a lot of great books recommended within the podcast. A good one to start with is “this naked mind”.

Also, set obtainable goals.

-Drink L O T S of lemon water (!!!)

-Jump start your gut health with probiotics. I prefer a cold pressed “juice shot”

Take in the morning, on an empty stomach.. around the same time every day.

-Include fiber in your breakfast. Learn to make overnight oats. They are so easy (also get used to eating them cold)

Snack on nuts particularly walnuts.

Ditch all canola/vegetable oil/ Pam and swap with olive oil and avacado oil (if you have access to Costco they are much cheaper there)

Have both in liquid and spray form

Browse recipes and think of it as a fun thing to explore. Try new things.

Enjoy sparkling water and hot tea

Go on a walk everyday

Take lots of deep breaths

Add a new goal when you can.

Good luck

[MLB_77]

I would also say pay close attention to sodium content and be mindful of serving size when doing so. Also, which is one of the hardest ones for me trying to avoid anything with the word “enriched”.

Avoid food labels that have a million ingredients and stuff you can’t pronounce

[CodyL]

Thanks for the reply everyone. I have stopped drinking alcohol ever since I found out about my liver (easy choice haven't looked back), I've cut sugar down to as little as possible, salt is very low (1500mg or less total daily), 0 trans fat, very low saturated (even the leanest meats have saturated and cholesterol), I've switched to whole wheat everything, drinking lots of water, taking lots of supplements (Metamucil, vitamins, antioxidants, fish oils, etc) and try to do 2 30 min cardio/weight lifting a day. I have already lost 5 pounds in a week of doing all of this. I feel a lot better already but I know my liver isn't going to heal over night but I know I'm on the right track and hopefully I can sure this affliction sooner than later.

[Jkf1 in reply to CodyL]

Be careful with supplements, they can damage the liver and do more harm.