Milly Gaines
A liver-shrinking diet is a pre-operative diet that patients must follow before undergoing bariatric surgery. This diet is designed to reduce the size of the liver, which can become enlarged due to high-fat, high-sugar, and high-salt diets. The liver shrinking diet is typically low in calories, carbohydrates, and fats, and high in protein. It is important to note that this diet should be followed under the guidance of a healthcare professional, as it is not a one-size-fits-all approach and may vary depending on individual needs. In addition to the liver-shrinking diet, certain foods and supplements are recommended to improve liver health and reduce the risk of fatty liver disease, such as coffee, olive oil, omega-3 fatty acids, legumes, and nuts.
Characteristics of a diet that reduces liver size:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calorie intake | 800 to 1200 calories per day |
| Carbohydrates | Low |
| Fats | Low |
| Protein | High |
| Portion size | Small |
| Coffee | Up to three cups per day |
| Olive oil | Four tablespoons per day |
| Mediterranean diet | Emphasises plant-based foods, healthy fats, whole grains, nuts, legumes, lean meats, fruits and vegetables |
| Legumes | Lentils, chickpeas, soybeans, peas |
| Nuts | Walnuts |
| Supplements | Goji berry, resveratrol, selenium, milk thistle, berberine |
| Vitamins | Vitamin D, Vitamin E |
| Minerals | Potassium |
| Other foods | Spinach, leafy greens, sunflower seeds, broccoli, peas, sweet potatoes, bananas, kiwi, apricots, yoghurt, cod, salmon, sardines, tuna, flaxseeds, flaxseed oil |
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What You'll Learn
The Mediterranean diet
The benefits of the Mediterranean diet for liver health are supported by several studies. One study found that all three variations of the Mediterranean diet improved symptoms in individuals with metabolic syndrome, with the low glycemic index variation showing the most improvement. Another study of 294 people found a significant reduction in liver fat when participants followed the Mediterranean diet paired with exercise. Additionally, a greater benefit was observed when the diet was supplemented with plant polyphenols from sources like walnuts, green tea, and duckweed.
When considering the Mediterranean diet, it is important to remember that it is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Individual nutritional needs may vary, and it is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian to determine the most suitable dietary plan for your specific needs and goals.
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Coffee consumption
Coffee is the most commonly consumed beverage in the world. Coffee consumption has been linked to a multitude of health benefits, including liver health. Coffee is a rich source of antioxidants and has been associated with a reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and Parkinson's disease.
Several studies have found that coffee consumption can help protect against chronic liver disease (CLD) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). A 2021 review found that regular coffee intake was associated with a lower risk of developing NAFLD and a decreased risk of liver fibrosis progression in those already diagnosed with NAFLD. Coffee consumption has also been linked to improved liver enzymes (ALT, AST, and GGTP), especially in individuals at risk for liver disease. Additionally, drinking more than two cups of coffee per day has been associated with a lower incidence of fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with pre-existing liver disease.
The protective effects of coffee on the liver are attributed to its ability to reduce insulin resistance, inflammation, and fibrosis. Coffee consumption upregulates adiponectin expression levels, which induce a hepatoprotective effect. Furthermore, animal studies have shown that coffee decreases the expression of certain growth factors, contributing to reduced fibrosis. Alternative active ingredients in coffee, such as chlorogenic acid, kahweol, and cafestol, may also play a role in protecting against liver fibrosis.
While coffee consumption has been linked to positive effects on liver health, it is important to note that overall diet and lifestyle changes are crucial for managing and preventing liver diseases. A healthy diet typically includes fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, complex carbohydrates, and lean proteins. Additionally, gradual weight loss, regular exercise, and reducing alcohol consumption are essential components of managing and preventing liver diseases.
In summary, coffee consumption has been associated with a reduced risk of chronic liver disease and improved liver health. However, it should be complemented with a well-rounded diet and healthy lifestyle choices to promote optimal liver function.
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Supplements
While lifestyle changes and dietary modifications are the most effective ways to reduce liver size, supplements can also support liver health.
Probiotics
Probiotics are supplements that contain healthy bacteria and fungi. They improve the health of the gut microbiome, which in turn can improve blood sugar, insulin levels, insulin sensitivity, cholesterol levels, liver stiffness, and body mass index in people with NAFLD. Probiotics can also reduce liver enzyme levels that are typically elevated in the liver function tests of people with NAFLD.
Milk thistle
Milk thistle, also known as silymarin, is a flavonoid with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. It is known for its liver-supportive properties. Studies have shown that silymarin may help support liver health and promote detoxification processes, potentially benefiting individuals with NAFLD.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E supplements can reduce liver enzymes, liver scarring, inflammation, fat deposits inside the liver, cholesterol, and fasting blood sugar in people with NAFLD. However, it is important to consult a doctor before taking high doses of vitamin E (above 66 mg/day) as it can increase the risk of hemorrhagic stroke. Vitamin E is found in many foods, including vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, spinach, and broccoli.
Curcumin
Curcumin is a polyphenol extracted from the spice turmeric. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can significantly reduce liver enzymes and improve metabolic health in NAFLD patients. In studies, participants benefited from taking 80–3,000 mg of curcumin for 8–12 weeks. It is recommended to consult a healthcare provider to determine the appropriate dosage for your individual needs.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish, fish oil, vegetable oils, nuts (especially walnuts), flaxseeds and flaxseed oil, and leafy vegetables. They can help the body use insulin better, thereby reducing the liver's need to store fat.
Multivitamins
For those on a liver-shrinking diet, a multivitamin can help prevent nutritional deficiencies caused by a restrictive diet.
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Reducing calories, carbs, and fats
The liver shrinking diet is a pre-operative diet for bariatric surgery patients to reduce the size of their enlarged livers. This diet is low-calorie, low-fat, and low-carb. Typically, patients are only on the diet for 7 to 14 days before surgery. The number of calories consumed per day depends on the person's nutritional needs, but it usually ranges from 800 to 1200 calories.
The liver shrinking diet is restrictive, and patients must limit their consumption of fruits and vegetables because they are high in carbohydrates. Instead, the diet consists of lean proteins like low-fat Greek yogurt or tuna and non-starchy carbs like broccoli, apples, or rolled oats. Alcohol, sugary drinks, and full-fat dairy are prohibited. Portion sizes are small, and meals must be varied and balanced. Typically, patients are allowed three servings of carbohydrates, two servings of fruit, two servings of protein and milk, and three to five servings of vegetables per day.
The liver shrinking diet can be challenging, and patients should consult a nutritionist or their bariatric surgeon for specific details about portion sizes and meal plans. To ensure patients meet their protein requirements, protein shakes are recommended. Additionally, multivitamins can supplement the diet to prevent nutritional deficiencies.
In general, a diet for fatty liver disease includes reducing calorie intake, exercising, and healthy eating. Specifically, it is important to reduce the consumption of foods and beverages high in added sugar, salt, refined carbohydrates, and saturated fat.
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Exercise
The best exercise mode for NAFLD patients is a combination of aerobic training and resistance training (AT + RT). However, it is a challenge to develop appropriate exercise prescriptions for NAFLD patients, and there is no consensus on which forms of exercise are best for reducing liver size. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has also been shown to be effective, and it is known that physical inactivity is related to the severity of fatty liver disease.
Weightlifting and other forms of intense muscular training can cause highly pathological liver function tests in healthy men, and it is important to impose training restrictions on weightlifting for at least one week before the start of clinical trials.
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Frequently asked questions
A liver-shrinking diet is a pre-operative diet that patients must follow before undergoing bariatric surgery. It is a low-calorie, low-carb, and low-fat diet that reduces glycogen, water, and fatty deposits in the liver to make it smaller.
A liver-shrinking diet primarily consists of lean proteins like low-fat Greek yogurt or tuna and non-starchy vegetables like broccoli. It is recommended to limit fruits due to their high carbohydrate content. Alcohol, sugary drinks, and full-fat dairy are prohibited.
The duration of a liver-shrinking diet depends on individual needs. Typically, patients follow this diet for 7 to 14 days before surgery, but some may start as early as 6 weeks or even 12 weeks in advance.
