The condition “fatty liver” is exactly as it sounds – an excess of fat in the liver cells. Among its many other duties, the liver is responsible for cleaning and filtering the blood to increase circulation, and this buildup of fat impedes its ability to do so. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (also referred to as NAFLD) has become the most common liver ailment in the United States.

Fatty liver is caused by a number of factors, including obesity and high blood sugar, and can cause more serious conditions such as diabetes and cirrhosis. Those who are obese and maintain a sedentary lifestyle are often at a higher risk for both NAFLD and diabetes. While there currently aren’t medical treatments available, you can take steps to protect yourself from this condition by adding a few valuable supplements to your daily nutritional regimen.

Omega-3 fatty acids can provide much-needed health benefits, such as reducing pain and inflammation, and even lowering a person’s risk for developing cardiovascular disease, something that’s important to everyone, but even more so to someone with fatty liver disease. Southern Ginseng is another supplement that can offer support for NAFLD, as it has been shown in studies to reduce liver enzyme levels.

Quite possibly the most important nutritional supplement for supporting and protecting the liver is milk thistle (silymarin). Clinical studies have demonstrated milk thistle’s ability to protect liver cells by acting as a detoxifier and blocking the entrance of harmful substances, as well as reducing enzyme levels. Silymarin has even been known to slow the progression of liver disease. Silymarin has recently been gaining recognition for it’s cholesterol-lowering properties, reducing the risk of heart disease and helping to increase blood circulation.

For anyone with fatty liver disease, supporting your liver with nutritional supplementation will assist in increasing liver function. In addition to incorporating these supplements into your diet, you may wish to consider a gradual weight loss program to minimize the extra stress to your liver. Learn more about Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and what you can do to protect yourself.