A doctor who specialises in diseases and diet has urged people with a fatty liver to incorporate five drinks into the their daily routine. By doing so, he says they will help remove fat from the liver to reduce your risk of cirrhosis and speed up fat loss.
Taking to his YouTube channel, scientist and medical director Dr William Li said there are five special kinds of drinks that he recommends to people with fatty liver disease. Dr Li is a world-renowned physician, best known for leading the Angiogenesis Foundation.
Dr Li’s groundbreaking work has impacted more than 70 diseases, including cancer, diabetes, blindness, heart disease, and obesity. Explaining why keeping your liver free from fat is important, he said: “Your liver plays a key role in fat metabolism and overall health.
“When excess fat accumulates in the liver, it can lead to fatty liver disease and disrupt normal function. In this video, I’ll share 5 powerful drinks that help reduce liver fat, support liver function, and accelerate fat loss.”
He added: “Incorporating these drinks into your daily routine can enhance liver health, support fat burning, and improve your metabolism. Whether you’re looking to reduce fat in your liver or boost fat loss, these drinks can be a powerful tool.”
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) refers to a variety of conditions that arise from an accumulation of fat in the liver, as stated by the NHS. You’re at an increased risk of NAFLD if you:
- are obese or overweight – particularly if you have a lot of fat around your waist (an “apple-like” body shape)
- have type 2 diabetes
- have a condition that affects how your body uses insulin
- are insulin resistance, such as polycystic ovary syndrome
- have an underactive thyroid
- have high blood pressure
- have high cholesterol
- have metabolic syndrome (a combination of diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity)
- are over the age of 50
- smoke
High fat levels in the liver can increase the risk of serious health problems, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and kidney disease. Additionally, for individuals who already have diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) can heighten the chances of developing heart-related issues.
There are four main stages of NAFLD, which are:
- simple fatty liver (steatosis) – a largely harmless build-up of fat in the liver cells that may only be diagnosed during tests carried out for another reason.
- non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) – a more serious form of NAFLD, where the liver has become inflamed.
- fibrosis – where persistent inflammation causes scar tissue around the liver and nearby blood vessels, but the liver is still able to function normally.
- cirrhosis – the most severe stage, occurring after years of inflammation, where the liver shrinks and becomes scarred and lumpy; this damage is permanent and can lead to liver failure (where your liver stops working properly) and liver cancer.
In the initial phases, NAFLD usually doesn’t present any obvious symptoms. You may not even realise you have it unless it’s identified during tests for another health concern. However, individuals with NASH or fibrosis, which are more advanced forms of NAFLD, might notice the following symptoms:
- a dull or aching pain in the top right of the tummy (over the lower right side of the ribs)
- extreme tiredness
- unexplained weight loss
- weakness
If cirrhosis, which is the most advanced form of liver disease, develops, you might notice more severe symptoms such as a yellow tint to your skin and eyes (referred to as jaundice), itchy skin, and swelling in areas like the legs, ankles, feet, or abdomen (known as oedema). If non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is detected and addressed early on, it can be stopped from worsening, leading to a reduction in fat buildup in the liver.
Dr Li also says water is ‘powerful’ for boosting metabolism and supporting liver function. Drinking water helps thin the blood, which allows the liver to filter more efficiently.
It also aids in flushing out waste from the body, lightening the load on both the kidneys and liver. A recent study involving a large population discovered that increased consumption of plain water was associated with a reduced risk of being newly diagnosed with NAFLD. The five drinks the doctor recommends include the following.
1. Green tea
Dr Li says green tea “boosts fat burning and supports liver health with Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG).” EGCG is a powerful compound that helps reduce inflammation, aids weight loss, and prevents certain chronic diseases.
Green tea may help with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) because it contains polyphenols that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties – this can help with oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis.
The tea may also help with weight loss, which can reduce the amount of fat in the liver. Green tea with high-density catechins may improve liver function and fat infiltration in NAFLD patients. Green tea is rich in the following compounds:
- Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) : The most abundant polyphenol in green tea, EGCG may help with anti-obesity, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic effects.
- Gallocatechin : May contribute to the decrease of hepatic weight.
- Epicatechin : May reduce oxidative stress.
2. Oolong tea
Dr Li describes oolong tea as a “unique drink that helps with fat metabolism and liver function.” How oolong tea may help:
- Caffeine in oolong tea may increase lipolysis in adipose tissue.
- Other substances in oolong tea may inhibit pancreatic lipase activity.
- Oolong tea contains antioxidants that may help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation.
- Oolong tea may help modulate gut microbiota.
The majority of studies on oolong tea and fatty liver involve mice. In one trial, where mice were fed a high-fat diet, oolong tea helped with obesity and fatty liver. In another, where mice were exposed to chronic alcohol, oolong tea was able to help prevent liver steatosis.
The safe amount of tea one can drink differs from individual to individual. Additionally, factors like existing health conditions and lifestyle choices significantly influence weight loss.
3. Tomato juice
The health expert says: “Tomato juice is a lycopene-rich drink that helps reduce visceral fat and supports liver function.” Tomato juice and fresh tomatoes might be beneficial for those dealing with fatty liver disease, thanks to their lycopene content.
This antioxidant has the potential to lower inflammatory markers associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome. Additionally, tomato juice can enhance the body’s antioxidant defenses, decrease oxidative stress in obese children suffering from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and help reduce liver damage in these young patients.
Other benefits of tomatoes:
- Tomatoes are also rich in vitamin E, vitamin C, folate, minerals, phenolic compounds, and dietary fibers.
- Tomato powder may prevent the over-growth of some bacteria related to inflammation.
4. Watermelon juice
“A refreshing drink that promotes fat metabolism and liver health,” Dr Li said. Watermelon juice may help with liver health because it contains lycopene, an antioxidant that may protect the liver from oxidative damage – lycopene is a carotenoid pigment that helps remove free radicals.
Watermelon also helps the liver process ammonia and excess fluids, as well. The juice may also help the liver process ammonia, which reduces strain on the kidneys. Watermelon is rich in potassium, a natural electrolyte, and can regulate nerves and muscles.
5. Coffee
Dr Li explained that the surprising drink “activates brown fat for improved fat burning.” In this case, the best coffee to have is black, with no added sugar or milk.
Although studies have shown coffee consumption may reduce the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and slow the progression of liver disease, more research is needed. The evidence so far shows:
- Coffee consumption is associated with a reduced risk of liver fibrosis in people with NAFLD.
- Coffee consumption is associated with a reduced risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in people with chronic liver disease.
- Coffee consumption may reduce the severity of NAFLD.
- Coffee consumption may reduce inflammation of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.
If you have a liver issue, drinking coffee is generally considered safe. However, it’s important to consult your doctor if you’ve been told to limit your coffee or caffeine intake due to another health concern.
Other ways to improve liver health
- Drink coffee
- Eat a Mediterranean diet
- Eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- Avoid foods and drinks with high amounts of sugar
- Avoid heavy alcohol use
- Quit smoking
Other foods and drinks that may improve liver health:
- Beetroot juice
- Blueberries and cranberries
- Artichokes
- Nuts and seeds
- Grapefruit
- Brussels sprouts and broccoli sprouts
It’s important to consult with a doctor or a qualified health professional if you have any questions about a medical issue, and to determine if you’re a good candidate for any dietary changes.