Things To Know About Turmeric for Fatty Liver
Small studies show that high-dose turmeric pills could help some symptoms of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Turmeric, however, is not a substitute for traditional therapies or lifestyle changes.
People with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have disease and buildup of fat in their liver. Even though most persons with fatty liver may not have symptoms at first, this can have a long-term impact on liver function and health.
NAFLD occurs without heavy alcohol consumption. Certain conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, can raise the risk. Up to 75%
However, some persons develop the illness in the absence of any risk factors, and most estimates show that at least 20%
A balanced diet and lifestyle, as well as weight loss for overweight or obese people, may aid in the treatment of NAFLD.
Learn about turmeric VS curcuma, which one has more benefits?
Can Turmeric Reduce Fatty Liver Disease?
Several studies have suggested that turmeric, or the ingredient found in it known as curcumin, may help treat nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Turmeric may help reduce inflammation, which is a major sign of NAFLD.
In a 2021 trial, 64 patients with NAFLD received either 2 grams of turmeric or a control group daily for 8 weeks. Liver enzymes decreased significantly in the turmeric group. Liver enzyme levels are likely to rise in NAFLD.
The turmeric group also had lower serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels. The placebo group did not exhibit similar changes.
A 2019 systematic review evaluated five previous trials using turmeric for NAFLD. Each trial was low, and all had methodological flaws that lowered the quality of the evidence. However, the review suggested that turmeric might be beneficial. The results were as follows:
Three of four trials that compared turmeric or curcumin to baseline showed decreases in liver enzymes and NAFLD severity.
Two of four placebo-controlled studies found that turmeric or curcumin significantly reduced the liver enzymes ALT and AST compared to placebo.
Dosage
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not assess turmeric's efficiency or prescribe doses because it is a supplement rather than a prescription drug.
Instead, supplement makers offer a variety of dosages, often ranging from 500 to 2,000 milligrams (mg) per day. Most studies look at dosages within this range.
To test turmeric, start with a low dose of a few hundred milligrams and gradually increase the amount monthly as long as there are no side effects.
Other Treatments for Fatty Liver Disease
Several treatments may be successful in treating fatty liver disease. Lifestyle changes are typically the first line of treatment. They include:
Reaching a Moderate Body Weight.
Consuming a healthy, balanced diet.
Taking frequent exercise.
Evidence suggests that losing as little as 3-5% of one's body weight can improve liver fat, but losing up to 10% of one's body weight may be required to reduce liver inflammation.
Doctors may also prescribe medicine to help control and reverse symptoms, although the evidence for these treatments is limited. Some possible drugs include:
Orlistat can reduce lipase enzymes.
Fish Oil.
Vitamin E.
Metformin.
A person will also need to treat any deeper illnesses that enhance the risk of NAFLD, such as type 2 diabetes.
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Other Benefits of Turmeric
According to a 2019 study, curcumin in turmeric may help prevent or reverse inflammation, which is frequent in many disease processes. According to the same study, turmeric's anti-inflammatory effects could be useful in either the avoidance or management of a variety of inflammatory conditions, including:
Heart illness.
Dementia.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.
Obesity.
Atherosclerosis
Heart failure.
Myocarditis.
