HOLISTIC FASTING FOR FATTY LIVER
WHEN THE LIVER LOSES ITS BALANCE
Fatty liver is a serious health problem that is becoming increasingly common worldwide. It is a disease in which too much fat accumulates in the liver cells, usually due to overeating and malnutrition. This condition can lead to inflammation and irreversible liver damage such as cirrhosis if not treated in time.
There are two main types of fatty liver: non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) and alcoholic fatty liver (AFL). Non-alcoholic fatty liver is the most common form and occurs in people who consume little or no alcohol. Here, diet combined with a lack of exercise is often the main cause. Alcoholic fatty liver, on the other hand, is caused by excessive alcohol consumption. Both types can lead to liver inflammation and even serious liver diseases such as cirrhosis.
Symptoms of fatty liver can be mild or even absent in the early stages, which is why the disease is often diagnosed by chance during a routine examination. In the early stages, it is often only a feeling of fullness and discomfort with a bloated stomach after eating that is noticeable. Over time, however, as the fatty liver progresses and leads to liver damage, the following symptoms may occur:
- Abdominal pain and a feeling of pressure in the right upper abdomen: Advanced fatty liver can lead to an enlargement of the liver, which in turn can lead to abdominal pain and an unpleasant feeling of pressure in the right upper abdomen. This results from the stretching of the liver capsule, as the liver cells are increasingly penetrated by fat.
- Confusion and impaired mental function: In advanced cases of severe liver damage such as cirrhosis, the liver can no longer filter toxins and waste products from the blood sufficiently. This can lead to an increase in toxic substances in the brain, resulting in confusion, concentration problems, memory problems and impaired mental function. There is also a risk of bleeding, as the liver also produces blood clotting factors.
It is important to emphasize that not all people with fatty liver disease experience all of these symptoms. The “common” fatty liver often causes no or only mild symptoms. However, more severe symptoms can also occur. The severity of symptoms depends on various factors, including the extent of liver damage, the individual's state of health and existing comorbidities.
HOLISTIC FASTING CURE
NATURAL THERAPY FOR A HEALTHY ORGAN
Therapeutic fasting is a method in which no solid food is consumed for a limited period of time. Instead, only liquids such as vegetable broths and vegetable juices, water, unsweetened teas and diluted fruit juices are consumed. This fasting method can have a positive effect on the fatty liver in various ways:
Weight reduction:
Therapeutic fasting leads to calorie restriction, as only liquids are allowed during fasting. This allows the body to access stored fat reserves and promote weight loss. Overweight and obesity are common causes of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Losing weight reduces the accumulation of fat in the liver.
Promotion of autophagy:
Autophagy is a natural cellular process in which damaged or dead cell components are broken down and recycled. Fasting promotes autophagy and can therefore repair damaged liver cells and improve liver function.
Anti-inflammatory effects:
Fasting reduces pro-inflammatory messenger substances in the body, which can lead to a reduction in inflammation in the liver. Inflammation is involved in the development and progression of fatty liver. Reducing inflammation can therefore improve liver health.
Improvement of insulin sensitivity:
Fasting can increase sensitivity to insulin, which helps to stabilize blood sugar levels. Insulin resistance plays an important role in the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and is a key problem in type 2 adult-onset diabetes. By improving insulin sensitivity, therapeutic fasting can optimize the metabolism and better regulate blood sugar levels.
Fatty liver is a serious disease that can have various causes and can lead to serious liver disease if left untreated. Therapeutic fasting is a promising therapeutic intervention to support fatty liver regeneration. It offers numerous benefits, including weight loss, insulin sensitivity improvement and anti-inflammatory effects, and also provides a lot of knowledge for the time after hospitalization.
Nevertheless, a doctor should always be consulted before starting a fasting cure to discuss suitability and implementation and to consider possible risks.
Malteser Klinik von Weckbecker
Rupprechtstr. 20
97769 Bad Brückenau
Tel. (09741) 83-0
Fax ( 09741) 83-800
weckbecker@malteser.org
