Addressing Fatty Liver and Metabolic Health Issues

Dominic D’Agostino is a University of South Florida professor who does research in areas such as ketone ester and supplementation technologies and muscle development. One topic featured on Dominic D’Agostino’s site, KetoNutrition.org, centers on fatty liver and metabolic health.

A vital metabolic organ, the liver is tasked with receiving and processing blood as it exits the stomach and intestines. This enables drugs and alcohol to be broken down into easily used forms. The liver also removes excess glucose from the circulatory system, storing it as glycogen, which is an energy storage unit. Additionally, the liver ensures that the blood has proper levels of amino acids and removes unwanted toxins, excreting bile.

Fatty liver occurs when excess fat builds up within the liver, which impairs the organ’s function. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) can involve inflammation that results in fibrosis, or scarring, and makes it more likely to develop liver cancer. Impacting a third of adults across the United States, NAFLD often occurs after the liver develops selective insulin resistance, with glucose lingering in the blood stream rather than being processed and triggering the liver to produce fat.

Reducing the buildup of fat in the liver is possible through a combination of exercise and a high-protein, low-carb diet. A low-carb, ketogenic diet has been shown to be effective in shifting liver fat metabolism in a positive manner, as well as improving gut microbiota and boosting levels of circulating folate, the latter of which powers beneficial forms of metabolism and gene expression within the liver.

In addition, a reduction of triglycerides and cholesterol intake can have a beneficial effect on one’s health. For those with elevated liver enzymes (revealed in blood tests), alcohol and fructose intake should be moderated. In addition, exogenous ketone supplements should be considered. Because there are no FDA-approved therapies for NAFLD, these steps are vital in addressing the serious issue of fatty liver, which can result in both cardiovascular and liver failure.

For more information, please visit KetoNutrition.org