Prevention of Fatty Liver Disease

Fatty liver is largely preventable, because it is closely tied to weight, diet, activity and alcohol.

Key steps

• Keep a healthy weight. Watch your waist size, not only weight. Many South Asians carry risk at a lower body weight.
• Stay active. Aim for at least 150 minutes of brisk activity a week and reduce long sitting.
• Eat well. Choose vegetables, fruit, whole grains, pulses and healthy fats, and limit sugar, sweet drinks, refined flour and fried food.
• Avoid or limit alcohol.
• Control diabetes, cholesterol and blood pressure with regular checks and treatment.
• Sleep well and treat sleep apnoea if it is present.
• Avoid crash diets and very rapid weight loss.

Be careful with products

• Avoid unnecessary herbal products, "detox" cleanses and unprescribed medicines, which can harm the liver.
• Take medicines only as directed.

Vaccination and infections

Get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B as advised by your doctor. Viral hepatitis can add to liver damage.

Screening

If you have diabetes, obesity, PCOS, high cholesterol or a family history of liver disease, ask your doctor about periodic liver tests and an ultrasound.

Children

Healthy eating, play and limiting sugary drinks help prevent fatty liver in children too.

Ayurvedic perspective

Ayurvedic ideas of regular routine, light meals and daily activity fit well with these steps. They are sensible habits but not proven on their own to prevent fatty liver.

Small, steady changes made early are the most effective protection.