DASH Diet Helps Prevent and Reverse Fatty Liver Problems in Type 2 Diabetics
Source: Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism (April 2024)
Lifestyle Medicine Update (August 12, 2024)
Fatty liver problems not caused by alcohol consumption is a leading cause of liver disease world-wide, with an estimated 32% of adults afflicted with this condition. If left untreated, fatty liver problems can progress to liver fibrosis and life-threatening cirrhosis of liver cancer, all of which are on the increase.
Type 2 diabetics are particularly prone to non-alcohol-induced fatty liver problems. As stated in the journal Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism in April 2024, “the majority of individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes are overweight or obese and approximately 60% have metabolic dysfunction-associated steatolic liver disease (MASLD).” (which means fatty liver disease) It is well documented that patients with higher levels of fat in their liver and around their internal organs (visceral fat) have in increased risk for cardiovascular, kidney and liver diseases.
In their study involving 335 diabetic patients the researchers collected dietary information from the participants and compared it to their levels of liver fat, visceral fat (fat around the abdominal organs), and subcutaneous fat (fat under the skin). The study showed that after 5-years of follow up the diabetic patients who most closely followed the DASH diet style of eating had significantly lower amounts of liver fat and visceral fat and tended to also have a lower body mass index and smaller waist circumference. The DASH Diet emphasizes fruit, vegetables, nuts and legumes, low-fat dairy products and whole grains, as well as low intake of sodium, sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB’s), red meat and processed meat. The diet allows lean protein foods such as poultry, fish, egg whites and soy products. And it allows some healthy fat from olive oil and avocado oil, as an example. The diet was originally designed to help patients reduce high blood pressure, where it has shown impressive outcomes. But the DASH Diet also provides an excellent guideline for overweight, obese patients and type 2 diabetic patients, and especially for patients showing signs of fatty liver problems. As the researchers indicated, this is not the first study to show that adherence to the DASH Diet can help reverse the amount of liver fat and visceral fat in various patient groups.
I provided a link below that explains the details of the DASH Diet in case you are not familiar with it. It is a very healthy approach to eating in general, in my view. Link to the DASH Diet details: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000784.htm#:~:text=The%20DASH%20diet%20is%20low,help%20lower%20high%20blood%20pressure.
I also provided a link to the research paper I cited today from the journal Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism (April 2024).
References:
Schaefer E. et al. Adherence to the Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet is associated with lower visceral and hepatic lipid content in recent-onset type 1diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Diabetes, Obestity and Metabolism. 2024;1-12 https://dom-pubs.pericles-prod.literatumonline.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/dom.15772
Bhattcharya S. Can DASH Diet Reduce Liver Fat in Type 2 Diabetics? Medscape. August 12, 2024.
https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/can-dash-diet-reduce-liver-fat-type-2-diabetes-2024a1000drp?ecd=wnl_tp10_daily_240728_MSCPEDIT_etid6699820&uac=342474MN&impID=6699820
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Dr. James Meschino
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. James Meschino, DC, MS, ROHP, is an educator, author, and researcher having lectured to thousands of healthcare professionals across North America. He holds a Master’s Degree in Science with specialties in human nutrition and biology and is recognized as an expert in the field of nutrition, anti-aging, fitness, and wellness as well as the author of numerous books.