Understanding Fatty Liver Disease with Dr. Sajjad: Causes, Treatments, and the Mind-Body Connection

Welcome to this in-depth exploration of fatty liver disease, an increasingly common health issue affecting people of all ages—from young children to older adults. In this post, we’ll delve into:

• What fatty liver disease is and why it’s on the rise

• The key root causes and early warning signs

• Treatment approaches—focusing on nutrition, sleep, and supplements

• The often-overlooked role of mental health and environmental toxins

Our guide for this topic is Dr. Sajjad, an alternative medicine practitioner who has treated a wide range of patients—pregnant women, people with diabetes, and those struggling with chronic conditions like fatty liver disease. Her perspective blends clinical knowledge with practical, everyday advice to help you take control of your liver health.

1. Understanding Fatty Liver Disease

Definition

Fatty liver disease occurs when excess fat accumulates in the liver. A healthy liver typically has little to no fat, so when fat builds up, problems can arise.

Types of Fatty Liver Disease

• Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): Frequently linked to diet and lifestyle; now more prevalent than the alcoholic form.

• Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Typically related to excessive alcohol intake.

Why It’s Becoming More Common

1. Dietary Changes: Modern diets high in refined carbohydrates (sugar, flour, rice) and ultra-processed foods strain the liver.

2. Sedentary Lifestyles: Rising obesity rates mean more fat accumulates around organs, including the liver.

3. Environmental Toxins: Pesticides, fertilizers, and chlorine in water add to the body’s toxic load, challenging liver function.

2. Root Causes and Contributing Factors

Dr. Sajjad identifies several interconnected factors that lead to fatty liver disease:

1. Insulin Resistance & Diabetes

   • Excess blood sugar is stored as fat in the liver once glycogen capacity is full.

   • High insulin levels promote fat storage throughout the body, including the liver.

2. Poor Diet & Processed Foods

   • Ultra-processed foods, sugary drinks, and high-fructose products stress the liver.

   • Fructose in juices and sweeteners must be metabolized by the liver, often turning into fat deposits.

3. Obesity

   • Carrying extra weight significantly increases fat buildup around organs, including the liver.

4. Toxins & Chemicals

   • Pesticides, plastics, and pollutants damage liver cells over time.

   • Everyday items like heavily chemical-laden detergents may also add to toxicity.

5. Medications

   • Certain drugs (e.g., Tylenol/acetaminophen, NSAIDs, tamoxifen, steroids, some chemotherapies) can stress the liver and contribute to fat accumulation.

3. Early Symptoms & Importance of Testing

Early Signs

Many people show no noticeable symptoms initially. As it progresses, they might experience:

• Fatigue and general malaise

• Mental fog or confusion

• Pain around the upper-right abdomen (liver area)

• Bloating or fluid retention

• Dark urine

• Easy bruising

Testing & Monitoring

• Blood Work: Checking liver enzymes (ALT, AST) regularly can reveal early issues.

• Imaging: Ultrasound, CT, or MRI can confirm fat deposits in the liver.

• Dr. Sajjad suggests annual or biannual checkups if you’re at higher risk, such as having diabetes or excess weight.

4. Treatment Approaches: Diet, Lifestyle, and Supplements

According to Dr. Sajjad, addressing fatty liver disease effectively requires a comprehensive strategy that also improves overall health.

4.1 Dietary Changes

1. Reduce Refined Carbs and Sugary Drinks

   • Avoid fruit juices, soda, white flour, and pastries.

   • Focus on whole fruits for fiber and balanced sugar intake.

2. Choose Healthy Fats

   • Use coconut oil, ghee, or butter—stable at high heat.

   • Avoid vegetable oils high in omega-6 (corn, canola, soybean) due to their inflammatory potential.

   • Olive oil is great for low-heat cooking or salads, but not ideal for high-heat frying.

3. Emphasize Whole, Nutrient-Dense Foods

   • Cruciferous Vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and kale aid liver detox and have anti-cancer benefits.

   • Organic Meats & Wild-Caught Fish (e.g., salmon, sardines, mackerel) deliver anti-inflammatory omega-3 fats.

   • Fermented Foods (kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir) boost gut health, supporting the liver indirectly.

   • Green Tea may help reduce liver fat.

4. Low-Carb or Ketogenic Diet (If Appropriate)

   • Can significantly reduce liver fat and inflammation.

   • Useful for those with insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and some mental health conditions (e.g., anxiety).

4.2 Lifestyle and Behavioral Factors

1. Sleep

   • Aim for 7-9 hours nightly.

   • Try sleeping around 10 PM to align with natural detox cycles.

   • Avoid heavy meals right before bed, allowing the gut to repair instead of digest.

2. Stress Management & Exercise

   • Chronic stress exacerbates insulin resistance and cravings for unhealthy foods.

   • Regular activity—walking, yoga, or weight training—helps maintain a healthy weight and metabolic balance.

3. Environmental Toxins

   • Opt for organic or chemical-free products (laundry detergents, cleaners) to reduce toxin exposure.

   • Limit plastic usage and watch out for microplastics in food and water.

4.3 Supplements for Liver Support

Dr. Sajjad often recommends:

• Milk Thistle (Silymarin)

• Artichoke Leaf Extract

• Dandelion Root

• Choline

• Ginger (anti-inflammatory)

• Vitamin E (as part of a balanced regimen)

Note: Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplements, especially if you have existing conditions or are on medications.

5. The Mind-Body Connection and Mental Health

Fatty liver disease shouldn’t be viewed in isolation. Dr. Sajjad emphasizes the interplay between mental and physical health:

1. Nutritional Deficiencies & Mental Health

   • Low levels of vitamin D, B12, and other nutrients can appear as depression, anxiety, or more severe psychiatric symptoms.

   • Many individuals receive psychiatric medications without any evaluation of labs or nutritional status.

2. Gut-Brain Axis

   • The gut and brain communicate directly. Poor gut health can spark inflammation that fuels mood disorders.

   • Processed foods and high sugar intake exacerbate both metabolic and mental health concerns.

3. Stress & Sleep

   • Chronic stress and disrupted sleep upset hormone balance, including cortisol and insulin, deepening issues like liver fat accumulation and mental distress.

   • Improving sleep quality and reducing stress can have a profound impact on both liver function and emotional well-being.

6. Common Myths & Misconceptions

1. “Low-Cholesterol Diet = Healthy Liver”

   • Over-focusing on lowering all cholesterol can obscure the role of triglycerides and refined carbs in fatty liver.

   • Cholesterol is essential for hormone production (estrogen, testosterone, vitamin D).

2. “Diet Sodas Are Better Than Regular Sodas”

   • Artificial sweeteners can worsen insulin resistance, fuel sugar cravings, and disrupt gut flora.

   • Although regular soda is also unhealthy, “diet” drinks often contain aspartame or other chemicals that may be even more harmful.

3. “Saturated Fats Are Always Bad”

   • Some saturated fats—like those in coconut oil or butter—are less inflammatory than seed oils.

   • Quality and balance matter; choosing organic sources can be beneficial.

7. Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways

• Fatty Liver Can Be Reversed

  
  

  Early intervention with diet, lifestyle, and supplements can show dramatic improvements.

• Prevention Is Better Than Cure

  
  

  Regular checkups (bloodwork, ultrasounds) can catch issues before they escalate.

• Look at the Whole Person

  
  

  True healing is comprehensive—addressing nutrient deficiencies, toxic exposures, stress, and sleep.

• Educate Yourself and Your Family

  
  

  Encourage healthy eating and habits from a young age to ward off chronic issues later.

• Healthy Living Is the Real Gift

  
  

  Rather than saying “I’d die for you,” consider living healthily for those you love. A vibrant, balanced life benefits everyone around you.

Fatty liver disease isn’t a life sentence. By making informed choices about your diet, exercise habits, sleep patterns, and toxin exposure—and by nurturing your mental and emotional health—you can support better liver function and overall well-being. Whether you’re at risk, newly diagnosed, or simply proactive about your health, these principles can make a meaningful difference.

For more insights on health and well-being, including practical tips and conversations with experts like Dr. Sajjad, stay tuned to our blog and podcast. Remember, even small lifestyle tweaks can yield big rewards in the long run. Here’s to a healthier future for you and your loved ones!