Anti-Inflammatory Dietary Approach to Prevent the Development and Progression of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Diseases

Abstract

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an increasing health problem worldwide and is associated with insulin resistance, increased visceral fat mass, and cardiovascular problems. Lifestyle factors such as sedentary lifestyle, chronic stress, obesogenic environment as well as a Western pattern diet are main contributors to the development and progression of this disease. In particular, the diet plays a pivotal role. An unhealthy diet including high consumption of red and processed meats, refined carbohydrates, simple sugars, highly processed foods with food additives and conservatives are lighting the fire for a low-grade inflammation. If other risk factors come into play, metabolic and hormonal derangement may occur, leading to the increase in visceral fat, gut dysbiosis and leaky gut, which stoke the inflammatory fire. Thus, lifestyle interventions are the most effective approach to quell the inflammatory processes. An anti-inflammatory and low-glycemic diet named the GLykLich diet, which includes whole and unprocessed foods, may reduce the risk of increased morbidity and mortality. The GLykLich diet suggests a meal consisting of complex carbohydrates (fiber), good quality of protein and healthy fats (DHA/EPA), and is rich in secondary plant products. There is no single nutrient to prevent the progression of NAFLD, rather, it is the complexity of substances in whole unprocessed foods that reduce the inflammatory process, improve metabolic state, and thus reverse NAFLD.