Connect
The second most common reason for liver transplant is a condition called nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, also known as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). NASH takes place when fat accumulates in the liver of people who drink little or no alcohol. At its most severe, NASH can progress to cirrhosis and liver failure.
If you have NASH, losing weight and becoming more active are currently the primary treatments for a fatty liver. If your condition has progressed to liver failure and you need a transplant, your physician may recommend weight loss prior to receiving a transplant so you’re healthy enough for surgery.
What you can do
With weight loss, making healthy, long-term changes is key to success. We recommend a modified Mediterranean diet because studies have shown it can help reduce the amount of fat stored in the liver for people with NASH. Even modest reductions in weight (5-10% of total body weight) can help decrease the amount of fat deposited in the liver. Set reasonable goals for yourself as you begin your weight loss journey; a weight loss of 1-2 pounds per week is ideal.
The Mediterranean diet focuses on delicious fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and heart-healthy protein each day. Set yourself up for success by adding these foods to your diet each day:
- Vegetables: Eat at least three servings of vegetables daily. Try eating vegetables that are in season for extra flavor and nourishment. Sneak vegetables into foods you love, like with this recipe for garlic cauliflower potato mash.
- Fruit: Eat at least two servings of fruit each day. Serve it on a skewer with a low fat yogurt-based dip for a delicious snack.
- Protein: Choose a good source of protein, like fish, shellfish, legumes or beans, white meat, lean red meat or eggs, with every meal. Try this almond crusted chicken for a filling and flavorful entrée.
- Grains: Choose whole grains such as 100% whole-grain or whole wheat bread, 100% whole grain cereals, brown or wild rice. Experiment with grains such as quinoa, barley, bulgar, farro and whole-grain pastas. Give these protein-packed quinoa cakes as an appetizer or side dish.
- Dairy and Dairy Alternatives: Choose up to 3 servings of dairy or dairy alternatives daily. Choose low fat or fat free milk, yogurt and cheese. Pass on sugar-sweetened dairy products such as yogurt or flavored milks or sweetened milk alternatives. This strawberry banana milkshake uses soy milk and fresh fruit to satisfy your sweet tooth.
- Healthy fats: Eat healthy fats daily, like walnuts, hazelnuts and almonds. Be sure to count your calories for added fats and nuts into your daily allotment. Use “extra-virgin” or virgin olive oil in place of other fats such as vegetable oil or butter in low temperature cooking. Here’s a savory and superfood-packed recipe using walnuts to add healthy fat and a tasty crunch.
If you have NASH, how have you changed your diet? What are your go-to healthy recipes?
HELPFUL LINKS
- Learn about liver transplant at Mayo Clinic.
- Explore Mayo’s Transplant Center.
- Request an appointment.
Like
Helpful
Hug
Connect
My 14yr old son was just diagnosed with fld in October...we did an ultrasound and on the report under indications it says NASH. I am very concerned and have changed his diet drastically! Liver disease runs in my family. My cousin received a liver via living donor last year...however her hemphatic artery was too damaged and she was told she would have to have another transplant...she had another opportunity for another liver but when they got it it was too damaged...finally as her days were numbered and they were calling the family in a young man had an accident and passed and my cousin was given another chance at life! She was 13 when diagnosed with elevated liver enzymes...my son was 14. I am hoping for the best outcome but extremely scared!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@gsgirl72007, Welcome to Mayo Connect. I understand your concern and I feel your fear. I am a liver and kidney transplant recipient, so my own experience is all that I have to share. However, I want to be able to support you and to locate some useful information for you.
I looked up some information on the National Institute of Health (NIH) and I learned that Pediatric non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) represents the most common cause of chronic liver disease in childhood. I also read that obesity and features of the metabolic syndrome have been closely linked to NAFLD development.
Since you mentioned that liver disease runs in the family, have the doctors said anything about why this is occurring to other members? Is there a possible connection? Has it ever been discussed?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsAt this point they know it runs in my family but not much of a discussion about it. They asked if they were obese. Which one is and the other not. My son is overweight but not drastically. We currently have him on a low carb diet but have not seen a lot of weight loss. Of course we cut out all sugary drinks.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions@gsgirl72007, Good Morning. I have been thinking about you and your son.
You are already doing the best thing by considering a healthier diet. At the age of 14, I imagine that he has lots of access to junk foods with his peers. How is he reacting to this?
Are you and the family following the same dietary plan? If not, then I might suggest that it might be encouraging to him if you are all doing the same thing. As a transplant recipient, I really try to maintain a heart healthy diet, however, it is hard for me when everyone else seems to be eating anything and everything.
I have read that regular exercise is important. What can you do to encorage him? What can you do as a family so that all of you get exercise? Walking is good. (I know that at 14 that might be a challenge!)
Education is power, when living with a health condition. I want to share this with you - Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease & NASH in Children. I like it because it is specific for children. You can read about each of the following topics: Defifntions & Facts, Symptoms & Causes, Diagnosis, Eating, Diet & Nutrition, Clinical Trials.
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/liver-disease/nafld-nash-children/symptoms-causes
@gsgirl72007, What do you think about sharing this information with your son? Or read it together?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionYes ma'am! We all are doing this together(except older brother sneaks a hotdog or two in lol)! My 14yr old(Larry) has been a trooper in all this! He has only been negative about it one time...and that was after being in the store for an hour and a half trying to figure out what he can and can't have. We are learning as we go with help from my cousin. We have started walking a mile a day or more(except the last two days as he is sick). I will gladly share this information with him and know he will be grateful for any added information!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions@gsgirl72007 I am joining this late, but I just wanted to comment. I have restrictions, I had a liver transplant due to NASH which progressed to cirrhosis. Even as an adult it can be difficult to sit by while others have various foods and beverages that we cannot have. I sympathize with your son, I am sure it is even more difficult when you are young. It sounds as if you are doing all of the right things. The more he knows about the risks the more he will realize that he does have to abide by the restrictions, even when he is out with friends.
That's really great too that you are getting exercise together. It is so much easier for a person, particularly a young person, when they don't feel alone in these things.
JK
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsDo you get overwhelmed by reading labels cause I’ve reading how much sodium and sugar is in almost everything you buy at the market it’s so confusing I feel like I’m starving I just wanna eat I’ve been leaning more towards vegetarian/vegan but feel like I don’t know what I’m doing any advice
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionHi @frog and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Reading labels can be very overwhelming - not to mention the darn small print and I never seem to remember to bring my reading glasses with me to the grocery store! I find that I'm using prepared sauces, dressings, condiments less and less all the time. With COVID keeping me at home, I have more time to make stuff myself and I'm hoping to stay in the habit now that I've found it not to be so hard.
You might be interested in this related blog post:
- Key Points when Reading Nutrition Labels https://connect.mayoclinic.org/page/weight-management-1/newsfeed-post/key-points-when-reading-nutrition-labels/
@frog do you have NASH?
Diagnosed last Fall with Nash after too long of a period of time of caregivers monitoring blood tests, but didn't mention anything about consequences of bad test levels, just said they were monitoring me. I assume then, that I was in NAFLD state prior to NASH, but nothing mentioned until NASH was diagnosed....that's how it works right, first comes Fatty Liver Disease, and if not corrected, turns into NASH? .....not too happy about it all, especially if that's the case. Seems some things online about diet are contradicting. Is there a place I can find correct information of things I can no longer eat? ....can't seem to find a definitive answer about meat...is pork allowed.... chicken, but only white.... I know there are a lot of reputable sites, but looking for ones that might be more helpful overall. .....and yes, I have looked at the Mayo Clinic site info....any other places?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@lrr, Welcome to Mayo Connect.
I was not diagnosed with NASH, but I also went thru a long period of tests, monitoring, and observation until my liver disease was diagnosed.
Here is some information that I have located.
From the NIH National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney --Diseases: Definition & Facts:
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a condition in which fat builds up in your liver. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a type of NAFLD. If you have NASH, you have inflammation and liver cell damage, along with fat in your liver.
-Eating, Diet & Nutrition
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/liver-disease/nafld-nash/eating-diet-nutrition
From Fatty Liver Foundation
Diet - https://www.fattyliverfoundation.org/diet_nash
Here are a couple of discussions that I recommend. As Mayo Connect Member, you can post a question and participate with a question or comment anywhere, anytime.
-Liver transplant support group
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/liver-support-group/
I'd like to direct you to this discussion with other members talking specifically about cirrhosis of the liver:
– NASH and cirrhosis of the liver https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/nash-and-cirrhosis-of-the-liver/
@irr - Have you been making any dietary changes that seem to work for you? What is your doctor telling you about when/if you will see positive results?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction