Is it possible to treat fatty liver with omega 3?

Suffering from fatty liver disease can provide the basis for the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases and endanger the health of the human body. Unfortunately, due to the high consumption of fast foods and the lack of attention to healthy eating, the number of patients with fatty liver is increasing day by day. We even see a lot that young people are also affected by fatty liver and bear the complications caused by it. In order to improve the fatty liver, it is necessary to correct the person’s diet and possibly use fatty liver medicine. In recent years, a topic that has been studied is the treatment of fatty liver with omega-3. We also address this issue in this article.

What is fatty liver and how many types are there?

Fatty liver disease is a common disease caused by excessive accumulation of fat in the liver. The presence of a small amount of fat in the liver is completely normal, but when the amount of fat exceeds the normal limit, it means that a person has fatty liver. Fat in the liver becomes problematic when it makes up 5 to 10 percent of the liver’s weight. There are two types of fatty liver:

• Alcoholic fatty liver: Drinking too much alcohol is the cause of this disease.
• Non-alcoholic fatty liver: obesity and diabetes can increase the risk of this type of fatty liver. This disease is not related to alcohol consumption and unhealthy diet can be very effective in its occurrence.

• Did you know that about 43% of Iranians have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease?

Now the question is, is it possible to treat fatty liver with omega 3? Let us first give you some information about Omega 3.

What is Omega 3?

Before we explain to you about the treatment of fatty liver with omega 3, it is better to learn more about omega 3. Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats that perform important functions in the human body. The human body cannot provide the amount of omega-3 needed to survive. Therefore, omega-3 fatty acids are considered essential nutrients that must be supplied to the body through food consumption. There are three main types of omega-3 fatty acids:

These acids help all cells in the human body to function properly. In fact, omega-3 fatty acids are part of the cell membrane and support interactions between cells. More than any other part of the body, eye and brain cells need high levels of omega-3. In addition, Omega 3 provides energy to the body and protects the cardiovascular system. But is it possible to treat fatty liver with omega 3?

Investigating the treatment of fatty liver with omega 3

A 2016 meta-analysis that published the results of 10 studies found that omega-3s helped improve fatty liver and also improved levels of gamma-glutamyltransferase, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein (cholesterol). Based on this, the researchers concluded that appropriate doses of fish oil may be able to treat fatty liver.

Another valid study in 2019 also confirmed the treatment of fatty liver with omega-3 in children and adults. In this study, it was explained that although saturated and monounsaturated fats are high in alcoholic and non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases, the level of omega-3 fatty acids is low. Omega-3 deficiency in the body can be associated with inflammation, oxidative stress and fibrosis in the liver. Therefore, if we increase the level of omega-3 by buying omega-3 tablets or consuming sources containing this nutrient in the body, we may be able to take an effective step in improving fatty liver.

How much omega-3 should we eat to treat fatty liver?

Did you know that fatty liver treatment with omega-3 has been confirmed in several different studies? Now the question that arises is how much omega-3 should we eat? The factor that makes it difficult to determine the exact amount is that only ALA amounts do we know exactly the recommended amount.

Men should consume 1.6 grams of ALA daily, and women should consume 1.1 grams.

In the meta-analysis of 10 studies conducted in 2016, different amounts of EPA and DHA were recommended in each study. For example, in one study, a dose of 4 grams of omega-3 per day was prescribed with a distribution of 46% EPA and 38% DHA, and in another study, a daily dose of 830 mg of omega-3 was prescribed with a distribution of 56.6% EPA and 28.9% DHA. Therefore, the exact recommended amount for EPA and DHA is still not precisely known.

Based on the results of 7 studies, the average recommended dose for omega-3 fatty acids was 2.7 grams per day. Note that the average treatment period was considered to be about 6 months.

How to increase the level of omega 3 in our body?

Now that the treatment of fatty liver with omega 3 seems reasonable and logical, it is better to learn more about the sources of this nutritious compound and include the consumption of foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids in your diet. These foods include:

• Cold water fatty fish such as salmon, tuna and herring.
• nuts
• Seeds like chia
• Vegetable oils such as linseed and soybean
• and other foods enriched with omega-3

Other ways to treat fatty liver

Is there any other way to treat fatty liver with omega 3? The truth is that there is no drug specifically to treat fatty liver. Even on the treatment of fatty liver with omega-3, more research is needed. But doctors can help you manage this disease and reduce the influencing factors of this disease. To treat fatty liver disease, you must make changes in your lifestyle:

• Strictly avoid drinking alcohol.
• If you are overweight, reduce your weight and maintain it in an ideal amount.
• To control diabetes, cholesterol and triglyceride If the doctor gives you medicine, take it.
• Include sources of vitamin E in your diet.

If you have fatty liver disease, consider a slow and steady weight loss program. It is better that your diet is rich in fruits, vegetables and healthy fats.

Do you know the most effective pill for fatty liver? Some herbal medicines can have a significant effect in getting rid of your fatty liver problem. You can easily get these medicines from pharmacies.

last word

At first glance, the treatment of fatty liver with omega 3 may seem strange to you. But as we explained in this article, this issue has been confirmed in several different studies. With the occurrence of fatty liver disease, although the level of harmful fats in the body increases, the level of omega-3, which is considered one of the good fats, is still low. In order to increase the levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the body, you should use sources such as fatty fish. You can also take omega 3 pills to get the desired result sooner. Do you think you have enough omega-3 in your diet?