Did you know that the liver is one of the most important organs in your body, handling hundreds of functions? The largest internal organ is located in the right side of your body, within the ribcage. Its roles include metabolizing drugs, detoxifying and filtering blood, making blood clotting proteins, and regulating body temperature. The liver usually contains about 5% fat; higher levels lead to fatty liver disease (hepatic steatosis). The good news is that hepatic steatosis can be reversed naturally by using some fatty liver home remedies.

Home Remedies for Fatty Liver

1.         Turmeric

Turmeric is not only a favorite spice in dishes, it is also well known for its amazing health benefits. Recent research indicates that turmeric is an effective fatty liver home remedy that not only prevents fatty liver disease, but also stimulates the body to digest fats, so that minimal amounts are deposited in the liver. For effective treatment of hepatic steatosis, the following is recommended:

• Mix half a teaspoon of turmeric with a glass of hot water. Allow it to cool and take it three times a day.
• If you prefer, you can mix half a teaspoon of turmeric in a glass of warm milk and enjoy the benefit.
• You can also take turmeric supplements.

2.         Lemons

Lemons are a class of citrus fruits that contain vitamin C. Vitamin C is a natural antioxidant that helps the liver in producing glutathione which plays a part in neutralizing toxins. Recent studies have also found that lemons contain a compound called naringenin which reduces liver inflammation related to fatty liver.

• Drink the juice from a freshly squeezed lemon mixed with water, and repeat two or three times a day for a month.
• You can also chop slices of lemons, drop them in a bottle of water and drink through the day. Alternatively, make this interesting by adding slices of cucumber to the mix.

3.         Apple Cider Vinegar   

Apple cider vinegar is one of the best fatty liver home remedies. It also promotes weight loss and reduces the fat deposits that have accumulated within the liver. Apple cider vinegar also prevents inflammation of the liver. For best results, use raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar.

• Mix a tablespoon of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar, a teaspoon of honey and a glass of warm milk. Drink this mixture before meals.
• Do this for several months consistently.

4.         Green Tea

Green tea is popular with health-conscious people for good reason. It is packed with antioxidants and nutrients that are vital to the body. Regular consumption of green tea aids in brain function, lowers the risk of cancer, kills bacteria and burns fat among a myriad of other health benefits. Green tea is one of the most recommended fatty liver home remedies, especially for people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

• Make a habit of drinking green tea regularly and make it a lifestyle of yours.
• Supplements of green tea are also available but make sure to take them after consulting your doctor.

5.         Dandelion

Dandelion is used to treat fatty liver disease because it metabolizes the fat deposits around the liver. It is a powerful liver tonic that promotes proper functioning of the liver and helps treat non-alcoholic fatty liver disease that is related to obesity.

• You can opt to have fresh dandelion leaves incorporated in your salad.
• Mix a teaspoon of dandelion powder and hot water. Leave it for a few minutes, then strain it and drink. You can add a little honey to improve the taste. Take one glass two to three times a day for several weeks.

This herb should not be used by people living with diabetes or other preexisting conditions that could result in adverse reactions.

6.         Papaya

Papaya fruit and its seeds have amazing benefits in the healing of liver cirrhosis. Papaya seeds help in burning liver fats and are, therefore, great fatty liver home remedies.

• Make a deliberate habit of eating ripe papayas every day.
• Develop a taste for the papaya seeds. Scrape them from the fruit, grind, mix with lemon or orange juice and enjoy. You may also eat them on their own.

7.         More Remedies

• Chard tea helps prevent inflammation caused by fatty liver. Enjoy chard tea every morning for a healthier you.
• Licorice is used to manage non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Licorice can be taken as a supplement, or mixed with warm water.
• Grapefruit juice is packed with powerful antioxidants that promote proper functioning of the liver.

Lifestyle Changes for Fatty Liver

1.         Check Weight

Monitoring your weight gain is essential in controlling hepatic steatosis. This helps regulate the amount of fat deposited in your liver. Take steps to lose weight if you are obese or overweight. Managing your weight goes hand in hand with using fatty liver home remedies.

2.         Change Your Diet or Eating Habits

What you put in your stomach plays a significant role in determining your health. That is why it is imperative that you eat a healthy plant-based diet with fruits, whole grains, vegetables and oils that support proper functioning of the liver instead of overworking it:

• Eat whole grains and seeds such as oats and bran.
• Eat fruits rich in fiber such as apples and blueberries.
• Eat vegetables such as spinach, kale, cabbage, broccoli and Brussels sprouts. These plants help to detoxify the liver.
• Avoid junk and fatty foods.
• Eat a diet that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish, walnuts, and flaxseed.

3.         Exercise Regularly

Exercise daily for about 30 minutes. If you are new to physical exercise, start slowly with light exercise. Exercising helps increase your metabolism and burns fats. Regular exercise helps you to lose weight and keep your weight in check. As you get used to it, you can then incorporate high-impact activities.

4.         Control Your Cholesterol Levels

The first step is to measure your cholesterol levels. From there, depending on the results, begin to work on reducing, maintaining or increasing the level to a normal standard to lower health risks.