- A Japanese diet can help slow the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, according to a new study.
- The study found that soy foods, seafood, and seaweed were most strongly associated with slowing the progression of liver fibrosis.
- The Japanese diet promotes intake of high-quality foods and reduces intake of sugar, saturated fat, and sodium.
A new study found that following a Japanese diet can slow the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The authors of this study followed the diet and disease progression of 136 of her NAFLD patients being treated at Osaka Metropolitan University Hospital in Japan.
Researchers scored each individual’s diet according to their adherence to the 12-component Japanese Diet Index (mJDI12). A high mJDI12 score was associated with delayed progression of NAFLD-associated liver fibrosis.
The Japanese diet consists of 12 foods and food groups.
- rice
- miso soup
- Pickles
- soy products
- green and yellow vegetables
- fruit
- seafood
- mushroom
- seaweed
- Green Tea
- coffee
- beef and pork
Among the Japanese diets, those with higher intakes of soybeans, seafood, and seaweed had the most significant inhibition of the progression of liver fibrosis.
The researchers also tracked the effects of diet on muscle mass and found that those who ate more soy products built more mass, along with a lower rate of developing fibrosis. bottom.
This research MDPI.
NAFLD is a mostly asymptomatic condition that causes fat accumulation in the liver and can affect organ function, although it does not directly damage the liver.
In NAFLD, people
Dr. Muhammad Nadeem Aslam, an assistant research scientist in the Michigan Department of Medical Pathology at the University of Michigan, explained he was not involved in the study. medical news today Mechanisms of how the disease develops:
“Using excess fat, especially saturated fat, along with processed carbohydrates (fructose, glucose, sucrose), and too many calories can lead to an imbalance between fat storage and liver breakdown, resulting in fat in the liver. accumulate.”
Michelle Routhenstein, heart health nutritionist at EntirelyNourished.com, who was also not involved in the study, said:
“Foods rich in refined sugars, saturated fats, salt, or trans fats can all promote fatty liver disease by increasing inflammation and insulin resistance and adding oxidative stress to the body.
“Although fat infiltration is generally well tolerated, excessive accumulation of lipids such as triglycerides, free fatty acids and cholesterol in the liver can lead to cellular stress with the generation of reactive oxygen species,” Aslam said. The doctor explained in detail.
Examples of foods that promote NAFLD include hydrogenated oils, fried foods, juices, sodas, and processed foods.
The three most influential foods cited in this study have unique benefits and share at least one attribute. they are low fat.
“Soybeans, for example, are rich in plant fiber protein that is low in saturated fat,” Dr. Aslam said.
Routhenstein added that soy is “associated with higher muscle mass given that it is a complete protein containing all the essential amino acids that support muscle protein production.”
“Seafood (mainly fish) is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins such as D and B2 (riboflavin). Fish is also rich in calcium and phosphorus, and contains iron, zinc, iodine, magnesium, It’s an excellent source of minerals such as potassium,” said Dr. Aslam.
Routhenstein cited the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of seafood that may inhibit the progression of fibrosis.
“Japanese seaweed is rich in polyphenols, vitamins and minerals. Most edible algae contain their own set of nutrients and vitamins.
Another diet known to benefit NAFLD patients is the Mediterranean diet. It emphasizes plant-based elements, fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, whole grains and lean meats.
Routhenstein cites one food in the mJDI12 index, green tea, as particularly helpful for NAFLD because of its antioxidant content.
“One cup contains approximately 200 to 300 mg of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which has been shown to prevent fatty liver disease,” says Routhenstein.
Dr. Aslam said antioxidant-rich coffee beans are also associated with a lower overall risk of NAFLD.
“Raspberries are rich in insoluble fiber, which helps produce a short-chain fatty acid called butyric acid in the gut, which research has shown can help reverse and prevent fatty liver disease,” Routhenstein added. .
“This study highlights the opportunity to be proactive about your health by adding therapeutic foods to help prevent the progression of fatty liver disease,” Routhenstein said.
Dr. Aslam expressed concern that so many Americans’ diets “fall well short of dietary guidelines recommendations for healthy eating patterns.”
“A lack of these nutritious foods in the daily diet can lead to diet-related chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity and fatty liver disease,” Dr. Aslam said. Told.
Dr. Aslam praised a nutrient-rich diet that doesn’t get in the way of sugar, saturated fat, and sodium.
“Vegetables, fruits, whole grains, seafood, eggs, beans, peas, lentils, unsalted nuts and seeds, fat-free and low-fat dairy products, red meat and poultry – no or no sugar When cooked with very little added saturated fat and sodium – it’s a nutrient-dense food,” Dr. Aslam said.